New York, New York!!!!

I am constantly amazed at the places that God allows me to go because of Apparent Project.

Shelley contacted me in July and asked me to join her in New York this month to help represent Papillon Enterprise (the business/retail side of Apparent Project) at the New York Now Trade Show.  I was thrilled and jumped at the opportunity.

Marilyn (Shelley's mom) and I arranged our flights so we could travel to NY together.  We arrived, grabbed a taxi, and headed to our hotel in Manhattan.  Having never been outside of a NY airport, this entire trip was a huge thrill for me.

As we traveled into the city, I marveled at the size of the buildings, the mass amounts of people all living, working, eating and playing in such a concentrated area.  I tried to fathom all the sounds, smells and traffic as our taxi driver weaved in and out of craziness.  Talk about a totally different culture!

I spent the entire week with thoughts and visions from "Law and Order" as well as "You've Got Mail" running through my head.  Talk about extremes.

It was quite fun to finally experience everything that I have seen and heard on TV/Movies all these years.  Not too much was different.  We even had someone come in behind us and steal a taxi that we had hailed. We were no longer in the south - that's for sure!!!

Marilyn and I arrived at the hotel and got settled in for the night.  The next day, we took a taxi to Pier 94 to get checked in and begin set up.

Our booth - before.....

Coming along

Papillon Enterprise

"As we began to grow and hire more people, in order to follow Haitian laws, we formalized into a Haitian company known as Papillon Enterprise. Papillon means butterfly. We are growing as a Haitian company and will be showing at the New York Gift Show and privately at a trunk show hosted by Donna Karan Aug. 16 - 20.  If you see Papillon Enterprise- don't be confused! Same people, same vision, same heart to keep families in Haiti healthy and in tact! Please like our page and share about our retail products!"  

 ~ Shelley Clay

All Finished!

We spent two days preparing and setting up.  The trade show started at 10 am on Sunday morning but because our shipment got caught in customs, we didn't have jewelry to add to our booth until 7 am that morning!  Talk about some crazy, last minute stuff!  But, we pulled it all together and were very happy with the way it all turned out.

We spent the next 3 days talking to buyers from all over the country. 

 Papillon is attempting to break into retail in order to continue to create more jobs.  We were/are looking for retailers willing to not just sell the jewelry but to tell the story behind it all.  If you or someone you know owns a shop and would like to begin carrying these wonderful, Haitian made products, contact me.  I would be more than happy to send you a catalog and an order form.  There is a great selection of jewelry, ceramics, journals and Christmas ornaments - just in time for the holidays.  I can tell you that these items sell - especially when people know the story behind them and how they are changing lives in Haiti.  Not to mention, they are just downright beautiful!!!

You know, God is good.  I have always wanted to go to New York.  I love how he fulfills my dream while allowing me to be a part of something eternal at the same time.  I cannot think of a better way to spend my first time in Manhattan than representing the amazing Haitian artisans that are working so hard to change their lives - and the lives of their children.  It was truly an honor.

Until next time.... Stay tuned for my "tourist" pics of the city and Ground Zero......

New Fundraiser Ornaments From Apparent Project

Hey Everyone! 

The New Fundraiser Ornaments have been revealed! Made from the Oil Drums with the cereal box beads!!!!! :-) 

These are available for a limited time.

 Need to raise funds for an adoption, a mission trip, sport team, school? 

 Selling for $10 each - you keep $5, Apparent Project gets $5! 

AWESOME!!!!!

 From Apparent Project's Facebook Page - 

 Coming September 15 for a limited time only! 

 In addition to our regular fundraiser bracelets - we will also have a holiday ornament fundraiser available this year.

Fundraise for your adoption, missions trip, school, or sports team while helping Haitians with much needed jobs! 

Contact apparentpartysales@gmail.com if you would like to participate in this NO RISK fundraiser! 50% of the sales go to benefit your cause!

________________________________________________________________________________

Excited to see what else is being created by these amazingly gifted artisans!!!

Until Next time.......

The End of Summer

The kids return to school this Tuesday and I sit here wondering what happened to all the time I thought I had!  Where did it go? 

Jarod actually worked a lot this summer!  We are so proud of him.  In between Scout Camp, Youth Camp and other summer activities, he did not want to just sit.  So he asked me to put the word out that he would do yard work.  He has stayed incredibly busy weeding, mowing, and cleaning up yards.  Doing just about anything that is needed.  He's really done a great job and we have enjoyed watching him take on the responsibility. 

He's had a lot of changes this summer.  He cut all his hair off and got rid of the glasses.  He's grown a few more inches and is voice is squeaky.  It was fun to watch his friends do a double take at his orientation the other night - no one recognized him.  He's becoming so grown up. ***Sniff - sniff***

In the last week, I've often found myself staring at him, wondering when this young man came to live at my house.  The years are winding down and we won't have him under our roof much longer.  Then he opens his mouth, picks on his sister or does some other crazy 13 year old thing and I roll my eyes, shake my head and think - "Oh!  We have so far to go!!!"

He's starting 8th grade this week.  I don't think I will have all the ugly crying like last year - he's pretty settled and doing well in Jr. High.  I'll save that for this time next year when he enters High School!!!

Anne is entering 3rd grade and I believe she is excited to return to school.  She's had Dance Camp, VBS, sleep overs and other fun things to keep her busy but she has also had a lot of down time.  She thoroughly enjoyed our vacation this past week.

We decided to take off for a few days before school started.  Russell found a place in Central Florida that offers Free Pastor's Retreats.  We were thrilled to get away and play as a family.  We have found that we do best in ministry if we can physically get out of town for a few days at least twice a year.  Russ doesn't shut down like he needs to if he stays in town.  So we try to make this happen as often as our schedule will allow.  That is not always budget friendly so this place was perfect!!!!

Camp Gilead was awesome.  We had our own, newly renovated, apartment and because there were no camps going on while we were there - the kids had free reign! 

I think this is my favorite shot from the week!

The lake was the best!  Not to mention we had it all to ourselves - how fun is that?

 Anne LOVED the trampoline!

 Jarod taught us how to play Carpet Ball.  He taught me well - I kept beating him!  :-)

Anne was the champion at Connect Four!

And these were the best!!!!

We spent one day at Bok Tower Gardens.  I do not know how I have lived in Florida most of my life and never heard of this place!  It was so much fun!

How beautiful! 

 Although I have to admit that I felt a little "Lord of the Rings" like while driving up to this tower! 

 Way cool!

The 205 ft tower contains 60 bells that chime every hour.  Anne is standing inside what would be the largest bell in the tower.

The tower is surrounded by 50 acres of gardens and a 12,900 square foot house known as Pinewood Estates.  

  We went for a tour......

 Loved this door - reminded me of "The Secret Garden"

We paused for a run through the mist 

LOVE this!

Looking at the tower

As you can see, it was a great time!  We are gearing up now for school as we head into Fall. 

I leave on Thursday for New York City!  I'm so excited!  Shelley asked me to come and help her with a Trade Show in Manhattan.  Marilyn (Shelley's mom) will join me on Wednesday evening and we fly to NY on Thursday.  We will spend the weekend setting up and the Trade show is Sunday through Tuesday!  I'm so thankful for the opportunities God continues to give me through Apparent Project.  Each one leads/prepares me for the next.  This is going to be awesome!

Can't wait to share with you!

Until next time.....