The Highs and Lows of ApParent Project

Today was a perfect example of the highs and lows of ApParent Project.  When I checked my Facebook account this morning, I was so excited to see this photo

The Oprah Winfrey Network is airing a 2 part special on Haiti this week.  This is a photo of her interviewing Donna Karan (DKNY) and if you notice, Oprah is wearing AP jewelry on her wrist and there are necklaces hanging in the background.  To see this interview, click here.  Whereas AP is not directly mentioned, just the fact that Oprah has it on and has been made aware of it - is HUGE!!!  Who else can spread the word so widely?

That was the exciting news from this morning.

Just now, Shelley posted this on Facebook:

  

"So sick of being followed, threatened, and terrorized. Been to the Haitian police, Haitian detectives, US Embassy and I am so so tired of three months of death threats."

Such opposite extremes today.

Shelley deals with a lot of jealousy from Haitians in the area.  Obviously, what she is doing is working.  It's changing lives and the other locals in the community want a part of it.  She can't employ all of them at once - this process takes time.  Right now this is one individual causing all this trouble and does not reflect Haiti as a whole.  But poverty, desperation, and just plain sin can cause such chaos.

I know I don't have all the details - one of the reasons I am going down there next week.   

Doing what is right ALWAYS brings opposition.  Please pray for protection, wisdom, stamina and for insight into this situation.  Pray that Shelley and her family will have the strength to continue through this persecution. Pray that the Lord will continue to grow their faith as they do what is right. They are changing ways and saving lives.

Continue to pray for my own spiritual preparations for this trip.  I've known this was an issue, but hadn't let myself think about it much. Thanks!

Until next time......

 

Divine Appointments

I'm home today with Jarod.  Seems he caught Russell's cold and now my throat and nose are beginning to feel a little funny.  I spent time yesterday beginning to pack for my trip.  I leave a week from tomorrow.  I have four Calligraphy orders to complete along with all the other preparations for Haiti, plus my normal weekly stuff to do.  I CANNOT afford to get sick this week.  PLEASE pray for me.

On another note - I have enjoyed the down time today.  It seems one on one, uninterrupted time always leads to great conversations with Jarod.  When it's just he and I - he opens up.  I love these times because I find out more details about what's going on with him.

It's hard to know your children are going through difficulty.  Growing up and being exposed to the world and it's ways.  But I am thankful that he shares with me so we know how to guide and direct him.  And especially how to pray for him. He is handling his situation well, but definitely needed support and encouragement.  I may not have been able to go to church today, but God had other plans for Jarod and me.  I love how He is in control of each situation.  God just chuckles at OUR plans and guides us in the direction that He needs us to be.  I'm so thankful.

I'm getting more and more excited about my trip.  I started packing yesterday and everything became even more of a reality.  I was able to call and speak to Shelley's mom a bit and get a little more info about the facilities so I would know better how to pack.  She was very helpful.

I am already praying about how this trip is going to change my life and how I'm going to process everything once I return home.  He is already beginning to answer these prayers a bit.

A few months ago, I committed to attend a ladies retreat in March.  I received my confirmation letter in the mail earlier this week and discovered that the title of the weekend is, "Be still and know that I am God." based on Psalm 46:10.  I immediately knew that this weekend and my trip to Haiti are going to connect somehow.

While reading Heather's blog this week, she mentioned this book:

"Can we embrace the truths of Christ if we do not embrace His posture?  His hands were exposed to disease and leprosy as He touched the sick.  His knee bent to the ground to wash the sullied feet of His friends.  His eyes lifted in prayer to the Father.  His body bowed and was broken to death.  As we learn to march in step with our Savior, we find that our swagger gives way to a lowly and humble way of walking." -- Chris Seay

Which came along with this video:


A Place at the Table - Promo from Chris Seay on Vimeo.

Heather went on to write:

"It is with eager anticipation that we look forward to the season of lent, and specifically how this 40 days of focusing on poverty related issues will inspire change.  It's sobering to realize the plight of the poor and the condition of our souls are not two separate issues.  They are linked and deeply interwoven.  The fact that stifling poverty exists for so many around the world says a great deal about my own poverty.  We walk into this season of lent asking God to lead, comfort, satisfy, and heal the poor knowing we fall into that category.

Lent begins on Wednesday, February 22.

We'll share more excerpts from Seay's book between now and then in case you may want to purchase it.  The book is broken into 40 short readings to be used every day during Lent.  Each day's reading also contains a small section focusing on a country and person who needs prayer.  In addition, you can find a daily video that corresponds with each reading.

To buy the book:  A Place at the Table:  40 days of Solidarity with the Poor

To view the daily videos:  here's the link.

Growing up, I thought Lent was something reserved for my Catholic friends.  In my religious superiority, I never stopped to find out what my Catholic friends were actually celebrating.  When God graciously opened my mind a tiny bit, and I started asking questions instead of judging, I found that Lent is a time of preparation leading up to Easter.  It's a beautiful, focused season when believers can savor the story of the gospel, the meaning of the cross, and the hope of the resurrection. What a perfect time to ask God how these truths can bring about actual, tangible change in our lives and ultimately in this world." 

I can't really explain all of this except to say that by the time I was done reading over this, I was teary eyed.  This entry had stirred something deep within me and I've walked with the Lord long enough to know not to ignore it.  Funny how it begins on February 22, don't you think?  I return on February 13 and I have a feeling that this is going to be part of the "processing" I do when I return.
  
I've never observed Lent before - but I LOVED her last paragraph.  It convicted and confirmed things at the same time. 


Anyway - I know God is working and I am so excited to be a part.  Change is a process and all of this began over a year ago for me.  God knows me  - and He KNOWS that it takes me a while.  I am giddy and nervous all at the same time because I feel like I'm sitting on the edge of something really exciting and really BIG and it is going to change EVERYTHING.  I will never be the same.


I am thankful for that - for the moment!  I may need to be reminded about it later - but I am confident that it will ALL be worth it!

How You Can Help

I leave for Haiti in about 10 days - incredible!  Many of you have asked me how you can help with my trip.  Well - I have an answer for that today. (Besides continued prayer, of course!)

I've been emailing with Shelley at ApParent Project as I will be taking a second suitcase with items that I can leave with her therefore giving me room to bring back jewelry.

I asked her about some things that they needed for their family as well as the Artisan House and this morning she sent me a list.  I thought I would spread the word and if you would like to help as well - you could.
 

"We would love....

Multivitamins for kids and adults, 

snacks like fruit snacks, crackers, granola bars etc....

Any movies (DVDs) would be greatly appreciated!!! (they posted on FB a few weeks ago that their movie collection was getting tiresome. Both children and adult movies - Shelley and Corrigan have 4 children, ages 3 - 8)

Do also bring bug repellant!"

 

This list is specific as she added this as well:

"Don't bring stuff to handout. It takes us forever to recover from groups who do that. If people want to help you by giving you stuff to bring down, just ask them to help by selling jewelry when you get back."

So if you are interested in helping with some of these things - please let me know as soon as possible. I would like to have everything together so I can pack it by next Saturday (Feb. 4).  If you are not in the Jacksonville area and would like to contribute - you can send me a check and I will purchase what is needed. 

These are simple things they need to help the Artisan House and Shelley's family.  Remember ApParent Project is all about making the artisans self sufficient.  Training them to work and take care for themselves and their families with dignity and respect - without handouts from others.

On a different - yet sort of similar note.....

I shipped my leftover AP jewelry back to the warehouse in WA state earlier this week.  It included pieces that I had had for a while and leftover garland from Christmas.  I was cleaning out my supply so I can bring back all the newer items from Haiti. 

Yesterday I was given a full box of jewelry.  Someone here in Jax had ordered it for a party - and it fell through.  Due to crazy circumstances - they are not able to follow through and sell the jewelry right now.  I don't want to have to ship all these pieces back if we can sell them. 

Is there someone here in the Jax area who is willing to take the box to their church or work and sell it?  I know MANY of you have expressed interest from others in your circle of friends who have seen you wearing it. 

Maybe you would like to host your own party? They are so fun to host - especially because you know that 100% of the money is going directly back to Haiti. 

It is sooooo easy!  Everything is marked with the prices and the artisan.  All you do is keep a list of what is sold and how much.  When you are finished you can bring everything back to me and I will even take care of sending in the money!

I hate to see all these wonderful pieces go back to the warehouse - and I don't want them to just sit here.  They need to be sold so these artisans can get paid.

Please contact me if you are interested.  I guess even if you are out of town - I can ship the box to you!  Just a thought. 

I am planning my own Open House in the Spring with the new pieces I will bring back - but each of you have a different circle of friends who wouldn't come to mine - but would love to buy it from you.  Think about it - let me know!!!!

Looking forward to hearing form you!  Until next time......

More Info on Serlo

A brief update on Serlo:

"Makensia said yesterday that Serlo is starting to feel a little better. They are waiting for some more recovery before he makes the trip home".

Thank you all for your continued prayers.   God is so good. 

I am finally finished with my jewelry sales (for the holidays).  Even though Christmas has been over for a month - I have still been receiving regular reguests to purchase jewelry.  Amazing!  I have put everything together and am finally putting it the mail today. Almost $4000!  So exciting!  Thank you all who bought jewelry and spread the word about it.  I am excited to come home with new designs in a few weeks.  The artisans have been very busy and Shelley is constantly posting pics of new stuff.  I am taking an extra suitcase so I can bring some back!

I am continuing to make preparations for my trip.  I took the first dose of my Malaria meds last night and within an hour it felt like someone had filled my body with led.  I fell asleep on the couch for about 30 minutes but then everything calmed down and I have been fine.  Praying that will be the only side effects from it.   

I am also working on shipping more cereal boxes this week as well.  I have about 5 or 6 boxes of boxes to put in the mail.  I wish I could take them with me directly - but that's just not feasible.  

Two weeks from today I will be on my way.  Thanks for your continued prayers.  It's going to be amazing!

Well - I'm off for today. Lot's to do.  Until next time.....

 

Equiping Me With Everything Good

"May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."   

Hebrews 13:20-21

As my trip to Haiti approaches, I find myself claiming this verse - praying this verse - over and over.  

"Equip you with everything good for doing His will." 

Everything.

Good.

Have I mentioned that I have NEVER been out of the country before?  Well - I don't feel like Canada and the Bahama's (on a cruise ship) count.  I didn't need a passport for either and I was with Russell.

Did I mention that I am going alone?  No group - just me. 

I am actually okay with that.  Oddly enough.  Not exactly sure why - but I am.

As the trip gets closer, I think about things like the language difference.  The cultural differences.  I think about Shelley and her family and my wanting to be a help and not a hindrance to them.  I think about all that I will see, smell, hear.  How will I react?

Will I wind up in a fetal position in the corner somewhere sobbing my eyes out?  I am a big crier you know.  I'm sure that at some point - or maybe even several times - this will happen.

Will I be angry at the poverty and the injustice?  Most likely.  

I am already excited about meeting everyone and learning more about the details of The ApParent Project and how it all works.

Goodness - I'm an emotional roller coaster and I haven't even left yet.

I know that all of these things will be a factor - but in it all - through it all - I do want to see, experience, learn ALL that God has for me.

This is HIS trip.  He has brought me to this point.  He has flung the doors wide open for me to go.  I am only stepping through those doors in obedience.  With that brings fear, apprehension, and excitement all in one.  I know, that I know, that I know, that this is my next step.  I also know, that I know, that I know, that this is His plan and He has EVERYTHING under control. 

Faith is walking into the unknown and knowing it's okay. 

Russell pointed out to me that most people walk into a trip like this with absolutely no connections with anyone.  They are going to a strange place and have no one.  I may not be going with Russ or a group of anyone I know - but I have a connection there in Shelley and her family.  I'm just walking into unknown experiences.  God is good.  Maybe that's why I am okay with going alone.  I won't really be once I am there.

Still - the unknown experiences are proving to make me a bit nervous.  I don't want to miss anything God has for me.  I don't want to make any crazy mistakes or come home wishing I would have done things differently.  I want to be able to walk in each moment, filled with the Holy Spirit, and be and do exactly what I'm supposed to.  This is my sole purpose - my sole job for Feb. 6 - 13, 2012 and I want to get it right. So I continue to trust that God is going to "equip me with everything good for doing his will" while I am there.

Won't you pray for me - with me - concerning this?

Thank you for your prayers you have prayed for me already.  I know that this trip wouldn't be possible without all of you.  I am excited in that Russ and I purchased a laptop (for many reasons other than my trip) but I will take it with me and am hoping to blog while I am there.  So you will be able to keep up with me and know how to pray all week.

 God is good.

Until next time....

Serlo Update

New information was posted about Serlo yesterday:

"Saw Makensia today. She says Serlo is doubling up and vomiting blood. Doctor says he has Typhoid and Malaria at the same time. She returned to him with their jewelry earnings today so that they can pay medical bills and get back to Port Au Prince. Once here we will help them with their medical bills. If you'd like to chip in, you can do so by sponsoring ANY artisan (it goes into a general medical relief/emergency fund) at http://www.apparentproject.org/sponsorartisan.html But right now pray that he gets back here to a better hospital as quickly and safely as possible."

 

The Apparent Project - Sponsor an Artisan

www.apparentproject.org

The Apparent Project is a faith-based 501c3 Nonprofit organization responding to the orphan crisis in Haiti through job creation, education, family support, medical care, social development, and housing the homeless.

 

 

Please continue to pray for him.  It's humbling to me as I just had my immunization for Typhoid and will pick up my Malaria meds tomorrow.  Something so simple....... 

Urgent Call to Pray.....

In December of 2009, when I received my first box of ApParent Project jewelry - this was one of the many tags that I photographed to share with you.

 This past October, I shared with you that "their second child" turned out to be twins and one of them (Lilliane) died suddenly from to what they think was a respiratory problem (possibly Asma) due to their living conditions.  Something so simple. 

Shelley quickly raised enough money ($1000) to get them out of their tent and into an apartment for a year.

Today, she posted this on Facebook:

 "For those of you who know Serlo, (one of our artisans and the father of the twin that just died .), he is seriously ill and am praying he survives. Please pray with me"

That is all the information I have for now. Won't you please pray with me for this family?  


As I prepare for my trip (in less than 3 weeks), I am overwhelmed by the knowledge that things change so quickly in Haiti.  Things that are simple to us - are 100 times more complicated and life threatening.  Things we take for granted.  The hardships this family have endured are unimaginable and they are just trying to survive.  They are working hard to make a change and yet continue to be faced with death.  

Please, please pray for Serlo, Makensia and their surviving children.  Along with Shelley and her family as they minister to them during this time.  I will post updates as I learn more.

Anne's 7th Birthday

Where has time gone? 


So when did this:








Turn into this?




Tell me please - so I can make it stop!  I can't believe she's 7.  Wasn't it just yesterday that she was born?

People warn you.  They tell you that it goes by fast.  But when they are first born and crying and keeping you up at night and you feel like you won't sleep longer than 2 hours at a time for the rest. of. your. life. - you don't believe them.

Then one day, you do fall asleep and before you know it they are big.  I know I still have a long way to go.  Many of you are reading this and you are already grandparents and you also wonder where the years went. They just fly by - one after the other - and before you know it - your oldest is eye to eye with you.  It's quite crazy.

So, Anne turned seven on Wednesday.  Here's how we celebrated this week......

First of all, Anne requested cupcakes for her class at school.  She designed them.  Strawberry/Vanilla swirl with pink icing and gray sprinkles with a cherry on top. I obliged.

Then on Friday, we had the family over for dinner and a party.  She requested a Repunzel cake this year as "Tangled" is one of her favorite movies right now.  Mine too, actually!  LOVE it!

Not too bad, I guess.  The kids always challenge me.  But Anne liked it so that is all that matters.

Chloe helping!  How cute is she?

Opening her present from Nana and Papa

Helen and Anne share January birthdays and their birthstone is Garnet.  Carl had given Helen a garnet necklace years ago and they passed it down to Anne for her birthday this year.  Needless to say, I cried.  Such a sweet moment.

Afterwards, Anne opened a ballerina jewelry holder from Sasha!  How perfect is that?  A special place to put her special necklace!

You can see the necklace hanging on the ballerina and Nana's sweet note to Anne.

Anne and Nana (along with her new Zhu Zhu pet from Uncle Ray)  Love the headband Nana!!!

Time for cake!

Chloe making funny faces to help everyone smile!  She's such a nut!!!!

Big brother!

 Helping light the candles

 "Happy Birthday to You!  Happy Birthday to You! Happy Birthday dear Anne Girl! 

Happy Birthday to You!"

I guess it was yummy!  It's all gone!

Anne and Papa!

Uncle Ray

 Uncle Marc and Aunt Sam

(This pic is actually from Christmas - not sure how I missed them on Friday but I did. - oops!)

So the party on Friday was fun and we continued celebrating on Saturday.  We gave Anne a gift card to Build a Bear workshop.

Meet Izzy - the Koala Bear.  How cute is that?

We also went to lunch at Red Elephant and to see Beauty and the Beast in 3-D.  Fun stuff!  At dinner, Anne said, "After this, we are going to go play Putt-Putt" and Russ replied, "No - after dinner, your birthday is officially OVER."  

Until next year......

Our Family Getaway

This year we decided to scale back on the "stuff" and spend our money on quality time with the family.  The beginning of December we researched a few places and chose to go back to Ridgecrest in between Christmas and New Years.  The kids were out of school for almost 3 weeks and we had no other plans. 

Ridgecrest Conference Center has a great getaway for Pastors and their families.  As long as they are available and they are not filled up by a conference, pastors can come and stay on their property to relax and get away.  We called and made reservations the beginning of December.  Russ couldn't wait!  He absolutely LOVES the mountains and he was ready for a change of pace.

So Christmas came and went and we got up early Monday morning and took off for North Carolina with absolutely no agenda except family time.

We arrived about 4:30 or so and the place was empty!

 Inside Ridgecrest Conference Center Lobby.  How Pretty!

We unloaded all of our things and took off to Black Mountain for dinner and My Father's Pizza.  

Yummmmm......

 On Tuesday, we went back in to Black Mountain to do some shopping in all the fun local stores.  Russ found a great Cafe for us to have soup for lunch.  I can't even tell you how cold we were!  LOL!

Love this picture of Anne.  The server offered her a Tea Set to have her 7-Up in.  She thought she was big stuff!

Tuesday night we actually had snow flurries - and about an inch of snow stuck around until around 9:00 am.  Jarod said that he saw it when he woke up but the rest of us were all sleepy heads and slept in.  It was all gone when we woke up.  We had been up late playing games.

 We discovered that "Sorry" is one of our new favorites!  It gets kind of vicious in the Franklin Family.  Well - that or some of us get a little looney!  I won't mention who does what.  Also - notice the missing tooth!  That came out on Tuesday as well!  It was an eventful day!  She is such a nut!

By Wednesday, things were still a little too cold to be hiking so we took off to the NC Nature Center close by.  I thought Russ was crazy to suggest it as it didn't get out of the 30's that day and I couldn't understand what animal would be out and about in that kind of weather. But!  I was wrong!  Other than the bears - who are hibernating (of course!) - the animals were very active.  Our favorites were the otters.

Love Jarod's hair in this picture!

I took several pictures - but since I had to narrow it down for my blog post, I opted NOT to put photos of animals behind chain link fences on here so I can save room for the waterfalls.  You can thank me later.  Just know that the animals were amazing - otters, wolves, foxes, deer, etc. Everything native to North Carolina.  I really enjoyed the cougars - but I am becoming more and more partial to cats.  Uhem..... Anyway - on with the blog.  To see ALL of our photos - they are in an album on Facebook.

We believe this is Mt. Mitchell.  Russ reminded us SEVERAL times on our trip that this is the highest mountain on the east coast.  We could see it snowing up there - but everything was closed to get to it.  Sure was pretty though.

We decided to stay close to "home" on Thursday.  Ridgecrest has a few trails on property.  One is called "Rattlesnake Trail".  We have hiked it before so we knew what to expect.  We have just never done it in winter.  The mountains have a different beauty to them when all the leaves are gone and everything is brown and quiet.

 The one thing we do know about this trail is that it's mostly "UP" the entire way.  Ugh!

 I would like to say that I stayed behind on purpose to get these really cool shots of my family ahead of me, but the truth is - I was huffing and puffing this trip!  Last time I hiked this trail - I was doing Zumba 2 or 3 days a week and working out regularly.  Ya - not so much lately!  But - I made it - and got great family shots in the process.  Taking the photos gave me an excuse to stop for a few seconds.  Okay - I just told on myself.  I get some credit for that, right?

Still - it was beautiful!

Ridgecrest from our hike.  It was a mile "UP" to the top.

 And there was some snow along the way.

It got more and more difficult at the top.

 But it WAS worth it!

The summit!

 Russell wasted no time settling in and finding a "recliner".  

He would have stayed there ALL day if he could.

What a cutie!

The kids explored and found lots of things to climb on.

We rested at the top for a while, had a snack, enjoyed the view and then headed back down.

These really are only a few of my favorites!  I took so many that day. It was hard to narrow them down.  It was such a beautiful hike.

While we were coming down the mountain, Russ and I stayed behind, watching the kids ahead and talked.  We decided that we wanted to go over to Brevard the next day to some of our favorite waterfalls.  We also decided that since he had someone covering for him on Sunday at church, there really was not a need to go home on Saturday.  When we got back down to the Conference Center, we asked if we could add an extra day to our trip.  The room was available and we were thrilled that we didn't have to go home quite yet!  God is soooo good!

So Friday - we took off in search of waterfalls!

We started at the top and worked our way down this time.  Love this covered bridge.

Yep - that's the same covered bridge. Cool, huh?

 These are taken at the bottom of the same falls.

Russ had a wonderful idea of having our lunch on this rock by the falls.

 Lunch time! How cool is that?

So tell me - when did my little boy grow up?

 More falls.....

We LOVE grossing the kids out!  LOL!!!

On to the next one.....

 Sometimes, these two scare me.

 Seriously - when did he grow up?  LOVE this pic!!!

Ending the waterfall pics with my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE!!!!!

LOVE THIS MAN!!!!!

We had a marvelous day chasing waterfalls, telling stories, talking, hiking and just being together.  So thankful for such an awesome day.  It was cold - but not too cold and the day was just perfect.

On Saturday we decided to spend the day in Downtown Ashville.  We visited all of the local craft shops and then headed over to the mall.  While we were there we discovered a man at a kiosk that was selling photos that made letters.  You could spell whatever you wanted!  Jarod - while looking at the photos, spotted the "O" - which happened to be a guitar.  And he says, "Aw Man!  I wish I had an O in my name!"  I just looked at him.  Really Jarod?  How long have you been spelling your name?  We all had a good laugh from that one and I think it will be a family joke for a while!  We did allow him to make his name - he was so excited!  We found out that the D is the staircase in the St. Augustine Lighthouse!  Cool, huh?

 Then there is my hubby!  I have seen these pictures pre-made before.  Saying "Faith" or "Love".  I've been keeping my eye out for one that said "Grace" but have not come across it.  He got so excited about it and had to make one for himself.  He wrote on Facebook:
"Found a guy in Ashville selling tons of letter photos you could create words with and frame. I chose the word grace because of the impact that small word has had on me. I am so thankful for God's saving grace through Jesus Christ."

It was the perfect ending to our trip!

Thanks for your patience - I hope you enjoyed all of the photos!  There are so many more really great ones on Facebook.  This starts an incredibly busy week of baking.  Our sweet Anne Girl turns 7 on Wednesday!

More to come.......