Talking About Paper Beads Under the Paper Sheets

On most days, the back of my van looks like this -

Full of ApParent Project Jewelry.

Also on most days, when I am out and about, I am wearing the jewelry.  It makes for easy advertising.  Plus I love it!

Let me just say that I am NOT a sales person.  Only in the past few years, while working at the Bridal Shows, have I felt confident in selling my Calligraphy business.  But when I get to talking about ApParent Project, it just flows right out of me!  I could talk to you all day!

This stuff sells itself.  As soon as you show it to people and then tell them it's made from recycled cereal boxes, their jaws drop and the conversation takes off!  Today was one of those days.  I couldn't help but laugh about today's adventures so I had to share.

I apologize now to all of my gentleman readers out there.  This may get a little personal.

I had my annual GYN appointment today.  I know.  I know.  Happy - Happy - Joy - Joy.  
That wonderful appointment each year where it is required for you to be completely vulnerable in front of your Dr. and his nurse.  Ugh!

I got dressed this morning and put on my AP jewelry.  Necklace, matching bracelet and earrings.  I thought in the back of my mind that it probably wouldn't matter today because it would all wind up in a pile, in the corner behind the curtain.  Ahem....

Anyway - Once there, I began filling out all of the necessary paperwork.  Changes in the past year, new allergies, medications, etc.  I let them know that I was currently taking the Malaria meds.  The lady at the front desk asked why, of course,  and I told her that I had just returned from a trip to Haiti.  She asked the popular question, "Did you go with a group?"  I smiled to myself and said, "No, I went alone." 

Enter the shock, gasps and amazement by all the ladies sitting behind the counter.

Hysterical.

Anyway - to help keep them from wondering, I proceeding to show them my necklace and explain to them about the jewelry and all that Shelley and AP are doing in Haiti. 

Before I knew it, both my bracelet and necklace are off and being carried all around the office.  Women are bringing other staff members to the front desk to have me tell the story again and show off the jewelry.  The office was a buzz.

Finally, I turned around to go sit down and another lady in the waiting room asks me about the jewelry because she had overheard us talking.  I stand there talking to her until I am called back.  I quickly finish my sentence and am whisked back to get on the scale.  Joy!  The highs and lows of this day are exhausting!

After that pleasant experience, she sits me down next to the computer to ask all the usual questions and says, "You're the one with the cool jewelry from Haiti!"  I hand her my bracelet and begin talking about it again - to her and two other nurses in the room.  All of this in between her taking my blood pressure, asking personal questions and even my peeing in a cup!

So, finally I am taken into my exam room. I pile my clothes into the corner chair behind the curtain and wait on the table wrapped in my paper blankets.  The Dr. enters, says hello and asks to see my jewelry.  Seriously?

Fortunately I still have the bracelet and earrings on.  Before I know it, I am laying on the table, covered only by thin sheets of paper, talking about my Haiti trip and ApParent Project during my GYN exam. 

Now, if this isn't commitment to a cause, I don't know what is!  LOL!

Exam finally over, I return to the front desk to check out and the ladies ask if I can come back during their lunch hour to look at my jewelry.  I'm seriously not going to refuse.  I go out to the parking lot and sit in my car for 30 minutes.  Soon one of them comes out and is purchasing jewelry out of the back of my van.  Then more of them come out and we decide to take it inside to the break room.  Within the hour, I sold around $200 worth of stuff! 

I must have repeated myself a bazillion times. The oooohs and ahhhs were so fun.  I think each lady came by the tables and spotted something new after they had already purchased and came back with more money.

I made several new contacts today, spread the word about AP and got a check up all at the same time!  Who says you can't have fun during your GYN apt?

Seriously ladies - if you haven't seen this stuff yet - the photos don't do it justice!  You are missing out!  The new date for my Open House will be announced soon - make plans to attend!  You won't be sorry!!!!

Zander and Jarod

The boys did pretty well last night.  I know they talked - but they were quiet about it.  I think Jarod said they saw 2 on the clock this morning.  But everyone got up and ready for church okay.  Poor Zander - I didn't tell him about my blog post last night so when many people at church came and shook his hand and already knew he was from New Hampshire AND that he had been on an airplane by himself, he was a bit baffled!  I just chuckled and explained why everyone knew so much about him.

After church, we went to lunch at TiJuana Flats.

Yummmmm!

And this is what happens when you stay up too late talking, you have a full stomach and a long ride home from church:

How cute is that?  (He's not going to be happy with me!)

Little sisters are obviously annoying!  But only to big brothers!

Zander's Nana will come and get him in a few hours and Jarod will be sad.  Not sure when they will be able to get together again but we sure have been thankful for this time.  God is good.

Finally, I had to add this photo of the two of them from 2007!  Oh how they have grown!

 

When Friends Come to Visit

Today is a very special day for Jarod

Zander is in town for a visit.  

Remember my trip to New Hampshire last fall?  I went to visit Emily and her family.  Emily joined her husband and son, Zander with their three youngest boys last July.  For more on that story, click here.

Anyway, Zander is on his Winter Break from school so he came down to visit his Grandparents.  In the process - we stole him for the weekend.  The house has been a buzz with 12 year old boy activity today.  Which has included lots of laughter behind Jarod's bedroom door.  It's so fun to see them reunited.  They have been best friends since they were 6 and Zander's move has been an adjustment for both of them.  

Russ took them to the movies today to see Journey 2 in 3D and they have spent time playing on the Wii, along with talking a lot in Jarod's room.  After dinner tonight, we played a game of Left Center Right and now they have settled in to watch Captain America.  I'm sure they will stay up late talking  tonight and I will have sleepy boys in church tomorrow, but that's how you roll when you only get to see your best friend every once in a while.

I sure wish Emily would have stowed away in his suitcase, but hopefully she and I will be able to get together again soon.  So very thankful for special friends that God puts into our lives.  It's always fun to just be able to pick up where you left off - no matter how old you are!

New Every Morning

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

                       Lamentations 3:22-23




I am certainly thankful for God's great love and compassion for us, aren't you?  They are new every morning.  His grace sustains us another day. 

It's amazing what a day will do.  Yesterday I was down, lonely, almost depressed like.  Today, after spending time with the Lord, I feel refreshed and new.  I feel hopeful and excited for what lies ahead.  This life is such a roller coaster of circumstances and emotions.  Separating the two is never easy.  But I have found when my emotions are out of whack - I go back to what I KNOW is true and focus on that.  Then my emotions usually fall in line where they need to be.

I have a lot going on in my heart and mind right now.  Many things to pray about and trust God with.  It can easily become overwhelming - especially if answers are not coming as quickly as I think they should.  I am so impatient.

But God already knows this about me.  He loves me anyway and He is patient with me as I go through my "humanness."  I am so thankful for that.  He is faithful.  He began a work in me over 30 years ago.  He is continuing that work and will carry it on to completion. (Phil 1:6)

I'm still here - He still has GREAT purpose for me.  I am truly humbled, amazed and honored to be chosen for the task.  May He find me willing and obedient in all things so that I might one day hear him say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

It's very easy to walk away from a trip like mine and question your purpose.  To become discontent with your life.  Especially here in America where everything comes so much easier for us.  Shelley mentioned while I was in Haiti that she probably wouldn't come back to the U.S. - what would she do here?  She has such purpose everyday in Haiti.  She is doing important things EVERY day.  Although she has days that are monotonous and difficult, times where she questions why she is doing what she is doing - as an outsider looking in - I can see how far she has come and what a difference she is making.  It's truly a God thing!

And then I come back to my simple life in America - to my husband - my children - my calligraphy business and wonder if I have purpose.  Oh!  How Satan loves to get in our heads and cause doubt!

I love my life.  I have always known that I was called to be a wife and a mom.  God provided my business so I could stay at home and focus on that ministry.  Being a pastor's wife means that I am a support to my husband.  That I keep things orderly and on schedule here at home so he has a place to come to and "turn off" his brain.  A sweet friend reminded me yesterday that my husband and my children are priority and that I am coming into the busiest time of my life over the next 10 years...so I need to pray that the Lord shows me how to love and support my husband and prepare my children for leaving the nest...

Wow - she is so right.  My kids are at a pretty easy stage right now.  But Jarod enters Jr. High in the fall and I think time on my knees is going to greatly increase.  Anne has her own pressures just because she is a girl and is affected so easily by things around her.  Russell needs me focused so that I can be a support and encouragement to him.

Did I mention that I love my life?  I do.  I know that I have purpose here.  I know that God has a plan for me - for my family.  I have a job to do that is important to His kingdom.  And in the middle of all of this, I get to work with ApParent Project too!  I had the wonderful privilege of going there and meeting everyone.  Now I come home and continue to incorporate that into my purpose. Only now with a greater understanding of all that goes into that.   With the confirmation from the Lord that I am doing the right thing.  That is important to me.

So as I begin my day today, I am thankful for God's grace, for His love, for His direction in my life.  I am thankful that I have a job to do and I pray that I do it well.  I am thankful that He finds me worthy of adding ApParent Project to my calling and I am thankful that I have kingdom work to do.

If we are doing exactly what God has called us to do - we have no right to say how big or small the work is.  It's His work - that's all that matters.  We stand before Him one day - no one else.  He sees the whole picture, we don't.  We are only called to be obedient.  May He find me so.

Until next time......

ApParent Project Open House - Canceled

Just wanted to let everyone know that due to a scheduling conflict - I have had to postpone my ApParent Project Open House. 

When I reschedule it - I will let you know.  Sorry for the inconvenience. 

Keep checking back for details.

Growing Pains

I seem to be on a down swing to my trip.  The last few days I have just wanted to isolate myself.  I've stayed in bed, avoided really talking to anyone and have enjoyed just being at home.  I can't exactly explain it, other than I think all the processing and re-entering into the U.S. has finally caught up with me.  Last week, I was still excited and on a "high".  This week, I just want to be left alone.

You plan a trip like mine for months.  Anticipating, packing, thinking, dreaming, etc.  Then it finally arrives and it's over before you know it.  Then you come back knowing that your life, your views, your convictions about things have changed drastically (or in my case, been confirmed) and you feel like you are the only one on the planet who feels this way.  I KNOW this is not true, but it is a very real feeling.

I feel kind of stuck in a way.  I know what God has shown me but I'm not quite sure what to do with all of it yet.  Now I just wait.  I hate waiting.

This opportunity has affected my thinking so deeply that I know it will have it's fingerprints on my entire future. I know that God is going to use this whole experience in my life and in the lives of others.  He doesn't waste anything.  This entire thing has it's purpose.  Maybe it won't come about for a while, maybe He will use it tomorrow.  What I do know is, I have to be willing.  I have to be ready.  I have to be aware.  I have to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit working in my heart. 

Right now I am praying for discernment and wisdom.  I'm praying that God will continue to reveal His purpose in my life.  That I will be real and transparent to others.  That I will take what I have learned and find the way to best apply it to my life - my family.  That I will focus on here and now when my mind so obviously keeps wanting to be there.

Won't you pray with me?

"You're the one who came ALONE!"

"You're going alone? - Not with a team?"
"Aren't you scared?"
"Be careful!"
"Isn't it dangerous?"

"You came all by yourself?"
"You were alone in the airport?"
"Weren't you nervous?"
"I can't believe you came alone!"
"This is Cami, she's from Florida and she traveled here all by herself!"
"You're the one I heard about who came alone."

If I have heard one of these statements once, I heard them all several times. 

Back in October, when I decided to make my trip to Haiti, I knew I was supposed to go alone.  Russell, having been, knew what to expect.  Knowing that Shelley would meet me at the airport and I would be with her family after that, he said I would be fine.  I trust my husband.  He knows what I am capable of.

Shelley asked me during the initial planning stages if I was going to come alone or with a team.  I told her alone and asked if she thought I was crazy.  She wrote back, "Absolutely not." 

I had read a blog from Heartline Ministries in Haiti several months before and part of it had just stuck in my head.

"Often, I will hear from someone or from a group who say that they would like to come and then they ask if it is safe.  I confess that I get rather irritated when I hear that question. I usually reply back cordially and ask if God has called them to come to Haiti.  And if the answer is yes, then I tell them it is safe."

With, this quote in my mind - I plunged ahead.  I KNEW I was supposed to go.  I KNEW God had a purpose and a plan.  I cannot explain it any other way.

Maybe the fact that once I was at the ApParent Project, I was surrounded by a 2 story concrete wall with barbed wire around the top and men who worked security at the main gate, had something to do with it.

But, not one time, during my planning or my actual trip, did I ever feel unsafe.  Not one time did I feel as though I was in danger.  Maybe I'm incredibly naive - or maybe it was the fact that God was with me the entire way.  Right by my side.  I have never sensed His presence and purpose so strongly in my life.  It was more like this incredible peace that goes beyond understanding.  For that entire week, I was on a divine appointment with God and NOTHING was going to happen to me that God wasn't going to allow.  Why worry over it?  He was in control.  

I have been thinking about this a lot this week and when I decided to blog about it, I decided to go looking for the original blog post from Heartline.  I didn't realize I would have to go so far back.  It was posted on February 16, 2011.  I didn't start planning my trip until October.  God was working and preparing my heart 7 months before I even knew I was going anywhere.

But what struck me was the rest of the post.  The part that I quoted above was all that I really remembered.  The rest of it means so much more now that I have gone there myself.

  

HAITI CAN BE A DANGEROUS PLACE

Posted: February 16, 2011

I often receive e-mails from some that would like to come to Heartline to visit and help out.  We appreciate those that come with a purpose, they certainly make a difference.  Often, I will hear from someone or from a group who say that they would like to come and then they ask if it is safe.  I confess that I get rather irritated when I hear that question.

I usually reply back cordially and ask if God has called them to come to Haiti.  And if the answer is yes, then I tell them it is safe.  As safe as it was for Daniel in the lion’s den and for the three Hebrew men in the fiery furnace and even as safe as it was for Stephen when he was stoned and ultimately as safe as it was for Christ when He died on the cross.

I strongly believe that “safe” is overrated if it means will I be safe physically.  The better question is, “Is it God’s will for me to go?”  If the answer is, “Yes” then how much more safer can you be than in God’s will.  This may not mean that harm will not come your way but what is that compared to being in God’s will.  Was Jesus safe?

BUT I HAVE recently been spending some time thinking about Haiti and have finally concluded after 21 years of living here, that it can be a very dangerous place.  Some may be saying, “Ah it’s about time John got his head out of the sand and admitted that Haiti can be a dangerous place.”

Yes, those of us who live here can be in great, grave danger. We can be in danger of:

• Becoming numb to the cries of the poor.
• Not being moved to anger and compassion at the conditions in which many people live.
• Looking but not seeing.
• Hearing but not listening.
• Seeing what is but not what can be.
• Thinking that we need to change the Haitian culture to look like our culture and that the people aren’t doing it right because they don’t do it like we do.
• Thinking that living here is a sprint, when in reality, it’s a marathon.
• Being so practical about what we need to live that we limit God in what we do.
• Not totally depending on God for God’s work.
• Thinking that doing is more important than being.

Yes, it is true Haiti can be a dangerous place, perhaps as dangerous as where you live.

John McHoul

At this point - all I can say is "Wow!"  - We are all in danger - no matter where we are.

Let's Shop and Support Haiti!

This is CANCELLED until further notice
 
Join me for an ApParent Project Open House

 

Saturday, March 3, 2012

11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Drop in anytime to shop!

3036 Twin Oak Drive South

                                                                 Middleburg, FL  32068

                 (904) 703-1608

Feel free to invite your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, etc. Spread the word!!!

Call me with any questions......

See you there!

If you are out of town and would like to have your own party - click the link below for more info

Want to Help?

or

Shop online at:  MarketHaiti.com

Processing......

This morning when I got up and checked my email, I had received a note from Shelley, asking me how I was doing with my processing and if I was experiencing "culture shock" coming back into the U. S.  I wrote her back and said no - I was fine.  But as my day has continued, I've pondered that question a lot more.  Maybe I answered her prematurely.

I don't know that I have been experiencing culture shock so much but I am still doing a lot of processing as I come back and return to my very American routine.  Haiti is a very laid back culture.  I had a lot of down time in the mornings and at night, to think, to write.  Everything here in the U.S. happens quickly.  Of course, I did not have the responsibilities of my children while in Haiti.  Those noisy little creatures that interrupt your thought process.  LOL!  I did not have meals to cook, dishes and laundry to do.  I didn't have to play Taxi Mom every day.  I just got to sit back and observe the world around me and soak it all in.

Russell worked on the service for Sunday morning today and informed me that I have 5 minutes to share.  I laughed at him!  5 minutes.  How do you put your entire week into 5 minutes?  I will give him credit in that he knows that really means 10.   But, seriously - how do I try and narrow everything down?

The things that I learned this week are seriously the final puzzle pieces to what God has been working on in my heart and life for the last year and a half.  I always feel like there must be background info to be fully understood.  I'm detailed like that. 

I have been receiving many emails, messages, phone calls - people wanted to chat, ask questions, go to lunch.  They want to know more about my trip - about ApParent Project - about what God is doing.  I'm excited to meet with everyone and I want to talk about it.  But I am finding that it needs to be done face to face or in a phone conversation.  I can't just explain things via email or even in this blog without being misunderstood or things being lost in translation. 

I do know that I have come back even more determined to support the Clays and ApParent Project.  Every expectation of them and what they are doing in Haiti was met and then exceeded.  Don't get me wrong - I know they are human - they have been very open about what they have learned.  What works, what doesn't work.  They are continually tweaking things.  But they are real.  They live their life open in front of others.  They love God and they love the Haitian people.  They are a wonderful examples of what self sacrifice for others looks like. 

I have made new friends and continue to build relationships.  One of the artisans (Peterson) has been messaging me on FB quite frequently and I am getting to know him better.  I met 8 wonderful women from Washington that I wouldn't have met otherwise.  So many things have been opened up just because of this one trip to Haiti.  God is a God of details.  Everything has a purpose.  Peterson asked me the other day what  my biggest dream in life was.  I told him that my biggest desire is to love and obey God with all of my heart.  I believe that everything comes into our lives for a purpose and I cannot ignore this trip to Haiti and what God wants to do with it in my life.  It's a life changing, stepping stone to the next thing He has for me and I am continually seeking His face on how to apply all of it.

Many friends have jokingly asked me when I am moving to Haiti.  I can tell you that at this time,  God is not calling me to Haiti permanently, although I would love to return to visit.  But, ApParent Project needs people here in the U.S. advocating for them and for the Haitians in order for it to continue to be successful.  I know that I have been called to be one of those people.  I know that I have and can continue to learn so much from the Clays. What I am processing now is how I can take their example of love and self sacrifice and apply it to our personal ministry and how else I can support and spread the word about AP here.  I'm sure you will be hearing more about all of this as God continues to reveal Himself and His plan.

Until next time......

Want to Help?

Since I came home on Monday night, I have had several inquiries about "Jewelry Parties".  I thought I would take a few minutes and explain exactly how easy it is to have one.

Just to clarify, ApParent Project is a 501 (c) 3 Non Profit empowering the poor in Haiti.  Their money is earned from people like us hosting jewelry parties here in the U.S. - Although it is beginning to spread around the world.  How cool is that?

I came home with a huge suitcase full of jewelry and I plan on having an Open House very soon for all my friends here in Jacksonville.  But, you may have your own circle of friends or church who would LOVE to see all of these beautiful things up close.  They may not come to my house - but they certainly would come to yours!  And I know I have people all over the U.S. reading my blog - you can have a party of your own!  It's so easy!!!!!

Here's the info directly from the ApParent Project website:

How to host a Jewelry Party

Hosting a party is one of the most hands-on ways that you can immediately help an impoverished family provide for their basic needs while maintaining their dignity in the process. Empowering a person to work is the kind of gift that lasts far beyond a hand-out.

Hosting is really quite simple. Jewelry parties can be held in your home, school, workplace, or at special events such as concerts, conferences, or church gatherings. Here are the steps to hosting a fabulous jewelry party:


1. First contact us.
You can call us or email us at apparentproject@gmail.com to let us know that you want to host a jewelry party. Let us know the details of what kind of event you are planning so that we can send you the right styles and quantities of jewelry.

Tell us:

How many people do you anticipate coming to your party?
How much do you plan to sell?

What is the age range and social context of your party?

We have jewelry that is tailored for college students, jewelry that suits a more sophisticated clientelle, and all kinds of custom made pieces, so let us know what you are looking for.



Don't forget to send us your address!!


2. Next, set a date, send out invitations, and advertise.

Give us at least four weeks to get the jewelry to you, or wait until you have received the jewelry and then set the date of the party. If you need logos, poster templates, or other aids for marketing you can find them on our "publicity" page.

Many people choose not to have a formal party.. no problem. You know your own personality best. Some people sell informally to friends, family, at their work and do really well! 

 3. At the party:

When you receive the jewelry, you will also receive a short DVD that you can use at the party to show what the Apparent Project is doing to help keep families together. If for some reason you can't get the DVD to work, you can play the video from the internet here. The video should be played towards the beginning of the party in order to show how impactful each purchase can be for the Haitian families involved.

When it comes to creating party atmosphere, you can be as creative as you want to be. Some have found great success in throwing a thematic party, others have found that simple and casual can be just as fun. The key is to know your audience and to present/display the jewelry according to their taste. Make sure to have a mirror and enough space for the jewelry to be accessible to everybody who might want to look.

4. Payment:
You do not need to pay in advance for the jewelry unless you are a retail outlet that will be carrying Apparent jewelry on an ongoing basis. Each piece of jewelry will be individually labeled with the artisans name who made it. It is very important to account for how much each artisan made during your party. Make sure before you start your party that you have printed out our jewelry inventory spreadsheet from the "publicity" page on this website, or have some other way to track sales. When you are done with the party, you will email the apparent project the total amount made, as well as a list of the individual earnings of each artisan.

People can pay by check made out to "the Apparent Project" or by credit card through pay pal if you have internet on site at your party. Just click on the "Pay Here for party sales" button here (or the "Pay artisans" button at the top of each page on this site) for each purchase and follow the on-screen instructions for each payment.

Note: Cash can only be collected if you are willing to consolidate it with one large check at the end.
(I take all my cash payments to the bank and have a Cashier's Check made out to ApParent Project)

Checks can be mailed to:

The Apparent Project
4623 Denton Ln SE
Lacey WA, 98503

5. Left-overs:
If you have left-over jewelry, simply send it to the above address as well. You can then let us know what your shipping costs are and we will reimburse you.

If any of this sounds intimidating or confusing, just know that we are here and ready to answer any questions you have. You really can't go wrong! Sound fun?

Please know that your decision to host a party has a far reaching impact on the quality of life that our Haitian friends and their families can experience. Our respect and honor go to these families who have endured so much more than we can imagine. Our prayer is that they would be blessed in abundance by your act of kindness in hosting a party in their honor!

Frequently asked questions:


How much does the Jewelry cost?

Bracelets $5-$8
Earrings $5-$8
Keychains $7
Necklaces $12-$24


Do I have to pay anything upfront?

No.. there is no payment upfront unless you are a retail store and there is no obligation to sell everything.


What if I don't sell it all?

No problem.. just send it on to our headquarters in Washington.


Can a friend of mine sell for me?

As long as you take ultimate responsibility for the jewelry and especially on writing down which artisan sold what, you can sell it by any means you like.


Can I hold on to it for future sales?

Please do not hold on to the jewelry for more than a month. It holds up potential sales of the jewelry that could put food on the table for our artisans. It really does matter if the jewelry sells. There is a direct impact. Just send it on to our headquarters if you are done selling, or don't have time to continue.


Can I request a certain style?

Yes, we sell various styles, such as lanyards, small bracelets, anklets etc.. that are not normally included in a box unless requested. Also if you know your friends would like more neutrals, colorful, or a certain style, please let us know.

Exciting New Fundraising Option:
Does your church, school, youth group, workplace need to raise funds to support a program, an upcoming event, or a short term mission? Tired of selling chocolate bars or Tupperware? Help Haitians AND help your cause by hosting an Apparent Project Bracelet fundraiser. It works like this: We mail you between 100-500 bracelets at $4 each (payment not required until after all sales are final- any unsold merchandise can be returned). You mark up the cost of the bracelets to between $5-$8 each. If you sell a bracelet for $8, that means that AP artisans get $4 towards feeding their families for the week and your group gets $4 towards your fundraising goals. If you sell a 100 bracelets, that's $400 towards your fundraising goals. We find that of all of our products, bracelets sell like hotcakes, especially with the individual stories of the artisan on the tag. Please contact us if this option sounds like something you would like to try!

See?  How easy is that?  


Another HUGE way that you can help is by collecting and shipping cereal boxes to them.  As the demand increases, so does their need for cereal boxes.  Collecting is easy - but you must follow through and SHIP them.  Having all those boxes sitting in a room or garage somewhere doesn't help the artisans make jewelry and feed their families.


We collect cereal boxes regularly at our church.  People save them at home and then on the first Sunday of each month, we have a collection day.  Everyone brings their flattened boxes in and I package them up to ship.  We take a special collection for "Haiti shipping" to help offset the cost.  And then I follow the instructions here:

 ApParent Project Shipping Details
 

















If you have been following my blog for the last week, you know that this is a wonderful way to help the Haitian people.  This organization is amazing!  They are not just giving hand outs to the Haitians - they are giving them a Hand Up - bringing dignity into their lives by providing jobs so that they can support their families and put their children in school.  It's breaking the cycle of poverty in Haiti - the right way.


Won't you help?


Feel free to contact me with any questions!

 artisans need to eat! Please respectfully send it

Day 8 - Saying Goodbye

Monday in Haiti was bitter sweet.  I woke up to another beautiful day and by 8 am the artisans were back in the house busily sewing and making jewelry.

I finished packing and spent my morning filling my suitcases with jewelry to bring home to sell.  That was quite fun!  I was leaving at 11 and my morning went by very quickly.  Too quickly.

Marc Oril (one of my Calligraphy students) was out running an errand for Shelley - but I did manage a photo with Peterson.

He and I have become Facebook friends and have already been chatting back and forth today.  He is a very nice young man.  So thankful to have met him - along with the others.

He makes the Signature Series Necklaces.

This photo was a must.  My new, sweet friends, Shelley and Corrigan.  So thankful for them.  For their allowing me into their lives for the week and now I know they will be part of my life forever.  God has used them greatly in my life - to grow, change and confirm what He is doing in me.

Shelley is a remarkable woman and one that I am now proud to call friend.

My time in Haiti will always be remembered as one of God's stepping stones in my life.  Those pivotal times of growth and confirmation. Those times when you know that God is working and preparing you for something new and exciting.  I cannot wait to see what lies ahead.

With my bags packed, and tears in my eyes, I took these final photos as I walked out the front gate.

Entrance to the Boutique

The top level is where some of the artisans work around the picnic table on the patio.

Shelley drove me to the airport and again I fought back the tears.  I do feel as though I left part of me in Haiti.  I hope and pray to be able to return.

When I flew to Haiti last Monday, I viewed the sunrise out my airplane window.  As I flew home yesterday, I watched the sun set.  While sitting and contemplating my week, I realized how fitting it was to  fly into the sunrise as my adventure was beginning.  The week proved to only solidify and confirm all that God has already been doing in my life and heart for the last year and a half.  Flying home into the sunset was the perfect end to my trip.  Although my visit to Haiti has ended, my journey has not.  I am still processing, praying and seeking the Lord in how I am to apply my new experiences and knowledge to life here at home.  I will continue to blog as this process continues.

In the meantime, enjoy this wonderful moment of worship from the beautiful people of Haiti.

Day 7 - Croix de Boquet

What a glorious sunrise we had again this morning!

Sunday brought a day of rest here in Haiti - at least from making jewelry.  I got up this morning, spent some time with the Lord and prepared myself for our adventure to Croix de Boquet.  It's an artisan village about 12 miles from here where all of the metal workers live and sell their work.

 Loading up in Emanuel's TapTap

I loved this picture of Shelley

We had a bumpy, stop and go ride across town.  We traveled back down to and past the airport.  It's only 12 miles but it takes about 20 - 25 minutes.  On a weekday, it takes 2 hours because of traffic.

The way the TapTap is built - it's very difficult to see out of.  This is probably a good thing.  Doesn't give anyone a chance to be a back seat driver.  You have no idea where you are or what's coming at you.  Normally the fact of 10 or more people crammed into the back of a small pickup truck, with no seat belts, and only a small bar to hold on to while the driver starts and stops and honks and swerves around potholes, motorcycles and other vehicles - would make me nervous.  But not today, my friends!  Actually - it was kind of fun! Why I had complete trust in Emanuel I do not know - but I did and was able to relax and enjoy the adventure of it.

It was really eye opening to see more of Port au Prince today.  Because I couldn't see very well out of the TapTap and I needed to be discrete in my picture taking - I just pointed my camera randomly and took photos as we were driving.  I didn't know exactly what I was getting until I uploaded them to Facebook. 

 People find wherever they can to make their own little store

Another TapTap

We arrived in Croix de Boquet around noon and Shelley took us to one of the houses where she purchases many things for the ApParent Project and MarketHaiti.com.  It was so much fun - even before we completely arrived, you could begin to hear the tapping sounds of the men working.

55 gallon oil drums - flattened out and ready to be made into art

 If you look carefully at the large piece in the back - you can see the patterns drawn on the metal.  The top and bottom of the drum is used for the large round pieces.

 

Most of the pieces have templates - some we saw being drawn and designed free hand.

Hammering out the design

 Hammering out the fine details

Varnishing the finished product

 Some are painted

 These guys were great!  So very nice.  No one was pushy at all.  They were all eager for you to see their art.  This area that we went to is it's own village.  The road stretched on and on - we only entered about 12 different shops today and Shelley said we didn't even cover an eigth of what is there.  Most of them live in or behind their shop.

Each was unique - I can't even imagine how much these chairs weigh!  

 This man makes the "Hands Around Haiti" pieces - I sold a few of them at Christmas time

 

They were very kind and allowed us to take photos. Some knew a little English.  This is a major tourist area and recently Macy's has been buying from them.  Everyone was so nice.  One man said to me, "Come and see my work - today my home is your home."  His work was beautiful! The patience this takes - and the meticulous detail!

 Small Nativity scenes drying in the sun.  I sold some of these at Christmas as well.

 These were much larger.  Notice the Noah's Ark on the top - nativity in the center and then the bottom one is the birth, baptism and crucifixion. Very cool.

I liked this one a lot - it's 3-D!  But I don't think it would fit in my suitcase.

We were so thankful that Shelley brought us along on her shopping trip today.  It was exciting to see other Haitians working so hard at something so beautiful and knowing that, like the jewelry, it was helping them take care of their families.

 Public Market Place - shops line both sides of the street.  

  I love this Barber Shop.

The drive back home was just as much of an adventure.  Haiti is such a colorful place! There are MANY more photos on my Facebook page.  I couldn't put all of them on here so I just chose my favorites.  

On the way back, Rodney - one of the artisans - asked if we would like to see his home.  He lives in a Tent City just a few blocks from ApParent Project with his mother, brothers and sisters.  His mother, Rose, also works for AP.

 I snapped this photo before we got out of the TapTap - but didn't take any others.

Except for this one - it was taken with permission.  This is Rodney's family. He is on the right in the gray T-Shirt and his mother, Rose, is behind him.  These are his brothers and sisters.  Amazing how clean they are for living in a tent, huh?  Haitians are very clean people - in spite of their living situations. Rodney's family has been here now for 2 years - since the earthquake.  This particular Tent City is home to over 5000 people.  All of which had homes before the earthquake.

I have a lady at my church who continues to be drawn to Rodney's jewelry.  She discovered that each piece she was purchasing belonged to him.  So, now she deliberately looks for his tag.  I told him that today and his face just lit up - he was so excited!  This afternoon he stopped by the artisan house with a bag of jewelry for me to bring to sell for him.  I can't wait!

You know, I was thinking today as we were driving around and seeing all the tents and the broken buildings, how quickly and easily it could become so overwhelming. So heart breaking.  I was so worried that I was going to come here and wind up in a fetal position in a corner somewhere, bawling my eyes out and that Shelley and Corrigan were going to think I had lost it! (And I'm a natural crier - so that wasn't a crazy thought!)  But that has not been the case.  Yes - this place is a tragic reality, but I feel like the Lord had prepared me so thoroughly for this week.  I have followed Shelley and Corrigan's blog and Facebook pages, I've read other blogs from other full time missionaries here. They have all been honest and upfront with the harsh reality of Haiti.  So I came in expecting that.  Nothing really surprised me this week - except maybe my comfort level.  So opposite of what I expected from myself.  God is good.

I think it's one thing when you come to a country like this and you feel a sense of injustice and pity and you want to fix everything right now.  I think it's different when you come in knowing that you are already part of the solution.  You are already helping.  You don't have this panic of "What can I do to change this?" - You already KNOW that you are.  Change isn't going to happen overnight.  It takes lots of people like the Clays coming in and being willing to stay for the LONG term.  To build relationships, to learn the culture, to model true Christianity.  And it takes lots of people back home supporting them, loving them, praying for them.  It takes us taking the time out of our crazy schedules to have a jewelry party and spread the word. 

Coming here and experiencing everything first hand this week has only solidified the past year and a half that I have spent packing cereal boxes and selling jewelry.  It has confirmed that I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing with the exact group of people.  I think the major tears for me will be tomorrow when I have to leave this place and these wonderful people - and leave part of me behind.