Redemption

Haitian prisons are not like what we are familiar with in the U.S.  Often there are dozens of men crammed into a tiny cell with no where to sit or even lie down.  They do not receive food or other basic essentials unless someone in their family brings it to them.  Because so many are poor, it is too much of a burden for their families and they are abandoned, leaving them with no hope.  Many die before ever receiving a trial.


Over a year ago Shelley was approached by a UN officer who was working in one of the newer prisons and asked her to help improve the lives of prisoners in Haiti.  He wanted them to do some job skills development with a handful of prisoners to give them a little money, some hope, and some dignity.

She gained permission to go in with a few of her employees and train them in rolling the cereal box beads.  Chavanne Timil, (in yellow) is the manager of the Prison Program for Shelley.  He is in and out of the prison several days a week.  He brings them the already cut cereal box strips, the sticks to roll them on and the glue.  He makes sure that everything is being made to AP standards and when they have finished their work, he brings back the rolled beads so they can be varnished at AP.

Chavanne, Marilyn and I outside the prison this morning.

Chavanne with one of the bead rollers.

After a year and a half, they have 70 prisoners in the program and we were able to pay them a visit today.  This was an extra special treat because it takes a lot of coordination and effort to be able to go in.  Especially since Shelley was bringing two extra people.  I will have to say that I was both nervous and excited as I did not know what to expect today.

After walking through several check points and down quite a few hallways, we climbed a set of stairs to a large room where the men were already working away.  They spend 23 hours a day in their cells and can roll beads there but they are allowed an hour to come and work together in this room.






These particular men were chosen to be in the program because most all have life sentences.  And all of them have been abandoned by their families.

This means no one is helping them.  They have no one bringing them the things they need and no money to buy them.  The bead program allows them to earn money and they are so very grateful for the work!

It was so fun walking around and seeing the awesome job they do on the beads.  They were just beautiful.  I learned today that a large percentage of these beads are used for our fundraiser bracelets!

I fought back the tears today as this man stood before Shelley and thanked her over and over again for the opportunity to work.  He spoke English and was speaking for all of the prisoners when he said, "Thank you so much for this work!  You don't know what this means to all of us.  It allows us to buy toothpaste, soap, food and other necessary items.  We are just so thankful and we do not want it to end."  Shelley let him know that the only way that she would stop the program was if the government made her stop.

This is another young man serving a life sentence.

Marilyn made her way around the room to personally thank each of the men for their work.

I've known all week that I would be visiting here today.  I was so worried that I would be overwhelmed by the circumstances of these men.  Worried that I would become one big emotional puddle.  

I worried about that the very first time I visited Haiti - 3 years ago.  I remember walking through Clarvil for the first time and being pleasantly surprised by the hope and the dignity I saw there.  They had jobs - they were proud that they could provide for themselves.

I saw that same hope today.  I wasn't fearful or overwhelmed with sadness.  I was overwhelmed by the dignity.  The hope.  The gratefulness that was in that room.

Shelley got their attention and publicly thanked them for all of their hard work and let them know that they were doing a great job.  As she turned to leave, the men stood up and were clapping for her.  

It is an overwhelmingly joyful thing to be a part of this redemption.  God is truly at work in this place.  Lives are changing!

He's Not Finished

Our amazing view tonight!  We were able to take some time away from the city and enjoy one of Haiti's beautiful beaches for the weekend.  Such a great place to unwind, chat, and do some brainstorming.

It seems I have become rather reflective this trip.  I have often found myself pondering the last 4 years.  It's a bit overwhelming.......

So.....

Apparent Project began in the fall of 2009 with 4 women.  Now there are over 300 artisans who have steady employment.  Shelley has a goal to one day employ 1000 people.  I honestly believe that can happen.  Actually - I believe she will go beyond that.

But how?  How do you keep growing?  Keep providing jobs?  Keep the products new and marketable?  Shelley spends a lot of time figuring all of that out.  Trial and error - hit and miss.  Navigating in and around a completely different culture.  Dealing with things that we cannot even begin to imagine.

So how can Apparent Project come along side Shelley and help?  How can we promote the artisans?  How can we help her help them?  We already have the party boxes.  And the fundraisers.

Last year we began the Daycare Center.  Providing a safe place for the most at risk moms to put their children.  We are watching the babies grow and flourish!

We also began API (Apparent Project Institute).  Giving the managers an opportunity to learn English, grammar, typing and other basic computer skills.  Both of these help the artisans to not only grow personally - but strengthen their marketability and make them even better employees.

So - what's next?

What does 2015 look like?

That's one of the reasons that Marilyn and I are here this week.  To see how things are going, how they can be tweaked and what we can do next.  Lots of prayer and conversations happening.  Lot's of "what ifs" and "how abouts...."  Lots of listening to Shelley's heart.  Seeing where she is taking Papillon Enterprises and how we can help her get there.

Such exciting stuff in the works.  It amazes me that each year just gets better and better.  Yes - there are difficulties but growth never happens without pain.  4 employees to 300 doesn't just happen.  It's a God thing.

I am so thankful that I was chosen to be a part of it all.  When I look at the big picture - it's nothing short of mind blowing.  God is a big God and He loves details.  Apparent Project was birthed from God's heart  -  it's His baby.  We are just the vessels He uses to care for it and help it grow.

Four years ago - I was just poking around on the internet wanting my Christmas money to count.  Looking for ways to make a difference with my purchases.  I "stumbled" upon Apparent Project.  I ordered a party box.

My life changed forever.

I am overwhelmed to tears tonight as to where this has brought me.  The places I've been to speak.  The amount of jewelry I have helped sell.  The deep, life long friendships that are being cultivated.   But most of all - the way God has used it to grow my faith and change my perspective on so many things.

I am a different person because of it all.

God had a plan.  I followed.  It's been amazing.

He's not finished.  With me or with AP.


We are seeking His face this week as we move forward.  Won't you pray for us?

I know that whatever it is - it's going to be awesome!


Related Posts:

Day 1:  Sweet Return

Big Lessons in Little Air Conditioners

It's been an interesting few days.  Russ and Jarod are out of town on a Youth Retreat and they took my van.  I've been driving around town in his car and of course, the day before he left, his A/C went out.  I mean out.  Nothing but HOT air!

I had to run errands yesterday and found myself with a short fuse and a grumpy attitude.  I was angry because I had to drive around town with no air conditioning in my car - in July!

Really?

God quickly reminded me of my friends in Haiti.  A/C is a complete luxury - even for the wealthier living there.  Electricity is so expensive and they are lucky if it even comes on part of the day.  The rest of the time, everything is run on batteries and an A/C pulls too much energy for that.  When the batteries die, you go to generator power and diesel is high priced as well.  Of course, the Haitians living in the villages, don't have electricity at all.

When I am in Haiti - the heat doesn't bother me so much.  I will say that I haven't been there during their hottest months but, yes - it's hot.  It's like July/August in Florida all year 'round.  This last time, I purposely wore long sleeved shirts and long pants the entire time, trying to protect myself from mosquitoes and the ChikV.  If the city power comes on at night, I do have A/C in my bedroom at the Guesthouse.  But the rest of the time, I just sweat glisten.

I spent an hour and a half sitting in this traffic in Haiti.  With no A/C - and I didn't get upset.  Because this kind of stuff is considered normal there.  If this happened here - I would have been on my phone - complaining to my closest friends about this nastiness!

So I had to ask myself - why can I spend a whole week without the luxury of A/C in Haiti and have a perfectly fine attitude about it but here in the U.S., I get angry because I have to drive around in a hot car?  We don't even have the dirt and dust here to contend with when the windows are rolled down.  Ok - so I did get behind a livestock truck on the interstate yesterday.  Being on the backside of several cows going down the highway at 65 is not pleasant.  But still - only temporary.  I was coming home to a completely cool and comfortable house.

I have to tell you - I did not like my answer.  What a dose of perspective.

There is something about going to Haiti.  You know it's going to be hard.  It's going to be hot.  That's just the way that it is and there is nothing you can do to change it.  And when you look around at the artisans and their homes.  How little they have and yet how content they are to simply have a sturdy shelter and food.  Being hot is the least of my concerns.  It's hard to be grumpy when people around you are in much worse conditions.


What it really boils down to is choice.  I choose not to complain or be angry.  I choose to accept it for what it is.  That choice is made before I even step foot off the plane and I don't really think about it again.  I go there knowing I will be "sacrificing" for the week and I just deal. 

I guess I can say the same thing about why I get angry here.

It's a choice.


I hate what that means. 

I hate what that looks like.

A mirror is held up and I have this ugly attitude of entitlement staring back at me.  I am inconvenienced.  I have to be hot.  I have to roll the windows down.  I NEVER roll the windows down.  I don't like the noise of other cars. I don't like how loud everything is.  I can't hear the radio.   I have to call the mechanic and take the car in.  I have so many other things to do with my time AND my money!  Who knows how much this will cost!  A/C repairs are NOT what I want to spend my money on.  Did I mention that I am hot?  I am sweaty.  I will not smell very nice when I arrive at my destination.

What a big, entitled, selfish, brat.

Now I am heart broken.

I've always been thankful that I live in America.  But sometimes, I wonder if it is a bigger curse than it is a blessing.  Many no longer understand what it is like to sacrifice - nor or we willing to learn. Everything is right at our fingertips.  We really do have more money than we know what to do with - or at least more "things."  What most people don't realize is that America really is the minority when it comes to the rest of the world and their living conditions.  Living in our culture only makes us crave more and more and more.  We are never content.  Always wanting the next thing.  And we want it NOW.  And when things don't go exactly as we think they should, and we are  inconvenienced - we throw temper tantrums.

What it boils down to is choice.  We can choose to make the most of the situation God has given us - no matter what happens.  Knowing that everything that comes our way passes through His hands first and has a purpose.   If we truly believe that then aren't our complaints really directed at Him?  How sinful and presumptuous is that? 

He sent me to Haiti.  Four times.  Without A/C.  I chose to deal.  I chose to ignore my lack of "comfort" and focus on those around me.

He sent me down Blanding Blvd yesterday.  Without A/C.  I chose to only see me.  I chose to focus on my comfort and ignore everything else around me.

I pray that He will continue to break my heart.  That He will empty it of "me" so that He can shine through more and more. That I will really see others around me everywhere I go - not just in Haiti.  That He will always increase and I decrease.  I pray that I will always be teachable.  Willing to look in the mirror and see the ugly thoughts, opinions and attitudes that need broken down and built back up by Him.

I am so thankful for big lessons in little air conditioners.  And for His constant grace and mercy on my life when I fail.

Until next time........

Day 6 - Overwhelmed

I'm going to be honest and upfront and just tell you that today was an overwhelming day for me.  Nothing particularly abnormal (for Haiti) happened today.  I ran a few errands with Marilyn and Z this morning, walked through the artisan house as usual and spent an hour or so with these little people:

Kervens, Wasaida and Sarah

Sarah is in the center - still interviewing moms so haven't learned the others names yet.

How can you not fall in love with these beautiful faces!?!  The thing is - I've been a part of Apparent Project for 3 1/2 years now.  Three and a half years of selling jewelry, telling the story and traveling here to see the artisans at work.  All the while, knowing that I was fighting not only for the artisans - but for these little people.  

Occasionally - I would see a few babies here and there at the artisan house - but somehow, this week, it has struck me deeper than before.  Why?  Because I see these faces.  I mean really SEE them. 

I've been interviewing parents for the Apparent Project Blog and I have watched the moms and dads come in and sit down with their children.  The kids are so happy to see them - so attached to them - and then I finish the interview, take a few family photos and the parents go back to work.  And the babies cry.  You know why????  Because they have a healthy attachment to their PARENTS!!!!

The children in the AP Daycare Center really only represent about 3% of the artisans.  Each one having a different circumstance - these children were most at risk.  They were showing signs of malnutrition and were in trouble.  One mother of twins, now enrolled, had come to Shelley asking her permission to put them in an orphanage because production at AP had been cut back (sales slow way down in the Spring) and her hours had been cut.  She wasn't making enough to support all 4 children and the 13 mo twins were suffering.  

Obviously, Shelley bumped up her work schedule and began the process of starting the Daycare.  An idea that has been floating around for quite a while.  Everything happened very quickly, and a month later, I'm here with Joyce and Erin trying to tweak things and help them run as smoothly as possible.  In a third world country.  Where they don't always trust the white people.  With cultures and customs that we have no clue about.  

What works in America - will not work here.  We have to constantly evaluate every change or "improvement" we are suggesting.  Weigh it against the cultural norm.  We want to improve their lives by giving them basics - food, shelter, clothing, a safe place to be while their parents work.  We don't need to make them into little "Americans."  

So how do you best do that?  How do you decide what is best when you don't live here and you don't completely understand the cultural dynamic?  

Well - first you have a meltdown in your room.  You chat with your hubby via Facebook Messenger and you cry because you feel overwhelmed and completely inadequate.  You wonder why you are here and you desire to just run away and not deal with any of it because it's way to hard.  Then you ask a few close friends to pray for you.  Then you pray for yourself.  Then you sit down and have a conversation with Shelley - who has great knowledge and insight because she lives here day in and day out and has gone through all of this same stuff with her own trial and error.  

Then you don't feel quite so crazy.  You realize that God has placed you here - he's given you the ability to bring in talented people like Erin and Joyce - who are not only willing to teach - but willing to learn.  That is so key!  We cannot just come into Haiti with our ideas and expect them to work.  We have to learn - we have to be educated in the ways - in the culture.  When we understand that better - we will better be able to help.

Joyce and Erin spent the entire day today just playing with the kids - observing schedules, routines, interacting with the nannies and the children.

Funny how bubbles and toys are understood in any language!

Dashka has not spoken to anyone since she started coming to the Daycare a month ago when it opened.  Very shy - she warmed up and played ball with Erin today.  

The ladies just watched, came up with ideas and then sat down and ran things past Shelley tonight.  Trying to figure out what would work - what wouldn't and the best way to implement the things that would.  So proud of these ladies.  They are hanging in there and doing great.   Couldn't say the same for myself today.  Ha!  This is their first time in a third world country and there is so much to process!

All I know is this - these babies are attached to their mommas.  Their mommas need a little extra help.  Apparent Project works hard to keep these families together - so these mommas don't have to make the hard decision of giving up their babies to an orphanage because they are starving.  I have had names and faces of artisans for 3 1/2 years.  Now I have names and faces of these beautiful babies and it just makes me want to fight all the harder to figure our how best to help them without making things worse in the process.  That's a hard line to walk on sometimes.  I must continue to learn - and remember that with this knowledge comes great responsibility. 

Lord - give us your heart.  Give us your wisdom.  Your courage.  Your strength.

How can you help?

Host a jewelry party

Have a fundraiser 

Don't need to raise funds for anything?  Raise funds for the AP Daycare!

Support AP on a monthly basis

AP needs $2400 a month to keep this program going.  Any amount each month will help!

Pray - 

pray for the AP Board, for the Nannies, for the children, for Shelley, for Marilyn, for the artisans - for Haiti.

Until tomorrow.........

Day 5 - Natural Springs and Oil Drums

Day 4 - Change is Happening.  In all of us.

Day 3 - Daycare Training

Day 2 - Joyce and Erin Arrive

Day 1 - THIS is Why We Do All That We Do

Chikungunya and Faith 

Day 5 - Natural Springs and Oil Drums

Sunday - typically the best day to travel in Haiti and get there in a normal amount of time.  Most other days you can get caught in traffic and it take you hours to get somewhere that should only take 20 minutes.  It is getting better in some ways though - I cannot believe the progress of all the paved roads.

Well, we ventured out somewhere new for me today.  So fun!

About an hour east, almost to the Dominican Republic boarder is a group of natural springs.  It's called Sous Zabet.  So lovely!  It's Haiti's version of a National Park.  

The drive took us out into the countryside.  It was so neat to see how the houses change from concrete structures and tents to mud houses with thatch roofs.  Mostly farming communities out in the Province, it really was nice to see everything spread out and more natural.

Once arriving at the springs, just a small hike through the woods - with a cute little self appointed "tour guide"  

Led us to this:

They have worked really hard to build up around it and create a swimming area.  The locals get in for free and can get water and bathe.  

So beautiful - and refreshingly COLD!

Love the little lady in the Santa Hat getting water!  She walked off with a big bucket of water on her head so I guess the Santa Hat helps.  

This little guy was also getting water today

We drew a crowd of onlookers.  Marilyn has a way with the kids and her camera.  They were all striking a pose after a while!

On the way home, we stopped at the Metal Art Market in Croix des Bouquet.  My favorite, next to Apparent Project.  So many unique things all made from 55 gallon oil drums

Erin and Joyce getting the full experience!

There were not a whole lot of artisans hammering today but we did see several tracing their templates on to the flattened oil drum

Or painting their work - beautiful!!!

 And I just had to get this photo of Marilyn negotiating!  She looks angry in the pic - but she really wasn't. Just timing on my part.

Tomorrow it's back to work!  Joyce and Erin will spend the next 2 days in the Daycare.  They will be evaluating both the nannies and the babies and seeing how or if they need to tweak anything to make it better.   Please pray for them as they walk through the next few days.  I know God hand chose them to be here as they are both so good at what they do.  I'm excited to see what lies ahead.

Until tomorrow.........

Day 4 - Change is Happening.  In all of us.

Day 3 - Daycare Training

Day 2 - Joyce and Erin Arrive

Day 1 - THIS is Why We Do All That We Do

Chikungunya and Faith 

Day 4 - Change IS Happening. In All of Us.

Today was a slower day.  The artisan house is closed so we got to relax a bit.  We took our time this morning and then went over to see the potters.  Shelley is hosting different classes throughout the summer months for the local missionaries and expats.  They offer bead rolling classes, sewing classes, etc.   Last week they did a bead rolling class for kids.  Today was an adult pottery class!  How fun is that?

When I was here in February, the master potters were here teaching them.  Now, just a few months later - they are teaching others!  They have been making pottery for about 2 1/2 years now and really only have about 6 weeks of training.  They are amazing!!!

Stephanie makes the whole thing look so easy!!!!

Marilyn arrived this morning and we rode with her and Z into town.  Erin and Joyce got a taste of Haiti traffic as well as an Office Store and the Caribbean Market. (Grocery store - very similar to any nice American store except for the armed guards out front)

We also stopped at the Fruit Market.  Z shops here for the fruit for the smoothie bar at the Clay Cafe!

I am always amazed at what the ladies carry around on their heads.

We rested this afternoon and let Marilyn get settled in then we went to "The View" for dinner.  This was a new restaurant for me.  So very nice - and it does have a great view of all of the houses they are painting on the side of the mountain!  

Isn't that so cool?

You can tell that they still have soooo many to do!

Joyce and Erin are doing so great!  Such troopers! 

I'm excited that they get to see so many different sides of Haiti. Such a beautiful country with such hope and promise.  God is doing amazing things here.  Everything is growing and changing.  Each time I come, something is different.  But most importantly, the people are different.  Or at least a lot of them that work for Shelley.  She is making such a difference!  And once that clicks with the people she works with - I honestly believe it will turn this country upside down.  

Pray for her.  What she does day in and day out is seriously hard.  It's exhausting.  Physically - Spiritually and Emotionally.  And often it's thankless.  You can't change a person's (let alone a community's) way of thinking overnight.  It takes time.  It takes lots of patience.  Lots of rejection.  Lots of hurt.  It takes lots of trial and error.  And then it takes even more time. 

For every success story - there are so many more frustrations.  Many times it's hard to remember the successes when you continue to be surrounded by such great need.  She gets knocked down - overwhelmed - done.  And somehow she gets up and keeps on going.  Knowing that the calling within her is greater than anything else.  Knowing that she will get knocked down again.  That it will never be easy.  She always finds that strength and passion to continue. And even though she can't always see it - she is gaining strength and healing and the people around her are slowly changing and growing.

And there is always a glimmer of hope and encouragement that comes at the right time.  That little something that reminds her that what she is doing IS making a difference in the life of one person.

"Today was another awakening moment for me. I am becoming more aware of who I am and my purpose here in Haiti and on Mother Earth..... I love my people and my country but they both need a mental and spiritual shaking in order to survive any longer. No amount of money can change Haiti or its people. We need a new way of thinking mentally and spiritually. A new way of application and problem solving...and its starts with each of us that knows better or a little more to reach out and help & inspire. Each one teach one!!!!! Especially the youths and those that want to find a better way. Yahweh is showing us here is the answer/way but we don't know the proper way to apply it.

I am proud and happy to be apart of a group of people that's all about helping the next man/woman improve themselves in all ways possible. A group of people that knows the importance of caring, educating and sharing God's love with all. That group of people are Apparent Project, Papillon Enterprise, and all those that contributes and supports what we do.

The Time Is Now!!!!

Blessings from a journeyman......"

This whole thing was birthed in God's heart.  He continues to grow it and bless it - and grow and change people in the process for the better.  Including Shelley.  Sometimes growth is hard.  It's painful.  But it's necessary for all of us.

As an outsider looking in and visiting every once in a while - it's a beautiful thing to behold.

Until tomorrow.......

 Day 3 - Daycare Training

Day 2 - Joyce and Erin Arrive

Day 1 - THIS is Why We Do All That We Do

Chikungunya and Faith 

Day 3 - Daycare Training

Today was a busy and exciting day!  Joyce and Erin spent the morning training the Daycare Nannies in Infant/Toddler CPR, First Aid and Heimlich.  They did such a great job!

The Nannies were so receptive and did such a great job.  Such simple education that can save lives.

Even our interpreter, Zidor ("Z") got in on it and added some dramatic flare!  He is a new Papa of a 3 1/2 month baby boy - so he appreciated the training too!  Z has been a GREAT help once again and so fun to be around.

After the lessons were over we let them ask questions and it led to some neat conversations.  The Nannies are so excited about the new Daycare program as they are already seeing a big improvement with the children.  

I asked them what their biggest difficulty had been so far and they said they really hadn't had any.  Except the babies crying in the beginning when they get dropped off.  And then yesterday - I interviewed all the parents, and took family pictures for the AP Blog. Then they went back to work.  So - I disrupted everything.  We were laughing about that but we talked about how that was so good!  They don't cry so much when they get dropped off anymore and they know the routine that when their moms come - they get to go home.  So it was normal for them to be confused by that yesterday.  Also - you see the attachment to the moms.  Such great stuff!

After lunch, we met up with Marc for a tour of the facilities.  

At the end - Joyce and Erin got to learn how to roll cereal box beads!

It's much harder than it looks!  They did great - but don't quit your Daycare jobs any time soon, guys!

Marilyn comes in tomorrow and more adventures continue.  Keziah, Shelley's daughter, is down with Chikungunya.  Please continue to pray - 

Until tomorrow.........

Day 2 - Joyce and Erin Arrive

Day 1 - THIS is Why We Do All That We Do

Chikungunya and Faith