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

"Getting Paid Not Aid" - World Magazine

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am about this!  WORLD Magazine did a three page story on Apparent Project/Papillon Enterprise for their February 22 issue.  Russell receives this magazine and I can't wait to get my hands on the hard copy.

It's a wonderful 3 page article highlighting some of the issues in Haiti with a wonderful write up about Shelley and Papillon Enterprise/Apparent Project and the difference they are making.  Please take a moment and read the whole thing.  You will be blessed!  So proud of Shelley!!

Exciting stuff is happening and I am humbled and proud to be a part of it!  Thanks to all who have purchased jewelry, collected cereal boxes and supported this organization in some way!  You have been a part of making a difference in this part of Haiti!

WORLD Magazine is HUGE!!!!  I can't wait to see what God is going to do with this!

Click here for the entire article.

On a similar note - I leave in 10 days for Haiti.  I'm spending 7 days at Apparent Project to see all the changes that have taken place in the last year.  I also get to see the new bridge that our church has sponsored.  The majority of the Apparent Project Board will be there for a Board Meeting/Vision Casting Session.  Cannot wait to see all that God is going to do.  Please pray for us as we seek God's direction for the next year.

I'll be gone Feb. 17 - 24.  Pray for Russ and the kids as I am away.  I will be blogging as usual so keep checking back!

Until next time......

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......