First of all, we did raise $5000 for Apparent Project. That's always great, but especially in the spring as sales slow down some. Secondly, we talked to a TON of people! So many more learned about Apparent Project and left our table wanting to order their own Fundraiser Bracelets or jewelry party boxes. But just as important, I spent lots of time with the volunteers from my church getting to know them better - and allowing them to know me. We had a fun time. Relationships in any ministry are always priority.
Weeks have passed and many people have asked if I will do it again next year. I've been weighing the positives and negatives. Thinking about what - if anything - I would do differently for next year. And then I received this email.
It was written to Shelley and she had replied and copied me in it.
My name is Cynthia
I used to be an artist & I taught art thru an after
school art program for children. In my free time I did everything: drawing,
painting, clay and I just learned to do fused glass and ceramics, enameled
jeweleries etc when I suffered an injury which left me without the use of my
dominant arm through a disease called CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome).
Everyday is a struggle for me; so much pain and I felt sorry for myself. UNTIL.... I went to the Clay County Fair in
Florida. There I saw some amazing and beautiful jewelery....and I bought some
because it took my breath away-- it was so beautiful!!! Then I heard the
stories...I read the stories and i knew I might be able to help. My 13yo
daughter who suffers from depression gave me the suggestion that I donate my
kilns.
She knew I was bitter & angry and my kilns just sat
around gathering dust...and we saw a post on FB asking for art ideas...I think
these two kilns could help your artisans. The fused glass kiln would be a great
way to use recycled broken glass they collect....it would make lovely
jewelery, sun catchers etc.
The ceramic kiln is in perfect working condition and could
hold a fair amount of beads and would dry them in no time flat.
We are in Orange Park, Florida and they are yours for the
taking. I, obviously, have no use for them any longer but we know they will be
used to create and open a door of opportunity for your artisans.
My husband was in Haiti after the earthquake. He was a first
responder with the USN--part of a helicopter search and rescue squadron. He
spoke of what a beautiful country it was and how the people could find beauty
in anything. How kids would use an empty milk jug as a soccer ball and never
once complained! It made my family realize just how much we do have and what we
take for granted.
Please contact me and let's get the ball rolling on those
kilns.....I've grieved enough, and its time that they are put to good use
again. We want to help!!!
Cyndi
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Thank you soo sooo much!!
If you are in Florida, I have a friend named Cami Franklin (copied in) who
ships to us regularly and would perhaps be able to help us with logistics. She
is in Jacksonville.
Again.. thank you so much. I grieve your pain and only hope that we can
make you proud.
Will wait to hear back from Cami- or perhaps you two could be in contact
too to figure this out.
Thanks Cami- hope it's not an imposition!
Shelley
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Wow! I sat at my computer and wept! I called Cyndi right away and chatted with her. Such a sweet lady. We worked out arrangements for me to come and pick up the kilns. Come to find out, she only lives about 3 miles from me. I went by this past Tuesday and loaded them into my van.
I wasn't sure how in the world I was going to get them to Shelley. Cereal boxes are one thing, but $1200 in ceramic kilns that need special packaging was beyond me. I contacted Shelley and let her know that I had them. Come to find out, she was working on a shipment to come out of the U.S. this week. We wondered if we could put them all together. She had 4 pallets of supplies going out of Orlando.
The kids and I hopped in the van early Thursday morning and drove the kilns down to Orlando to meet up with that shipment.
Unloading my van
Loving the Forklift!
By the time I filled out the paper work, it was all shrink wrapped and ready to go!
How exciting is this? I KNEW there was a reason I was to have a booth at the Clay County Fair. God continually proves over and over that He is using Apparent Project for so much more than just the artisans in Haiti. So much more than job creation? Education? Housing? Orphan prevention? That's HUGE!!! Leave it to God to go even bigger and broader!
It is changing lives here in the United States as well.
- It is providing jobs for Americans (AP Stateside).
- It is causing people to think beyond themselves and to understand how blessed they are.
- It's giving people platforms to help and really make a difference.
- It is changing thoughts about charity vs. job creation.
- It is creating awareness about orphan prevention.
- In the case of Cyndi - it is creating healing and closure.
The longer I am involved, the deeper this all gets. God is busy. He is building his Kingdom and it is so much bigger than me. Once again I am humbled, overwhelmed and truly thankful to be a part of this awesome thing.
I still don't have the answer to whether or not we will do the Fair again next year, but I'm continuing to pray about it and am willing to do whatever. I'm excited to see what lies ahead. It just keeps getting better and better!
Until next time.....
