Coming Full Circle

First of all - a quick note of thanks to everyone who has been praying for the Clays and the the artisans at ApParent Project.  As you know, Tropical Storm Isaac blew over Haiti this past weekend.  Many people are still displaced from the earthquake and living in tents.  Tents and high winds/rain just don't mix.  All are safe and they are continuing to work to get them out of tents and into safer housing.  Here is the email I received from Shelley late last night:

"We're doing fine! We are going to use the "land" money to get people into rentals... Even though it is not permanent it will be better than going through this over and over! Should be able to help at least 30 families.

No deaths or injuries at all!! Amazing!

We still have no city power or Internet (only my phone is working for email)... But that's not unusual on normal weeks :) ha!

It's been pleasantly cool and life goes on.....

Tell everyone the prayers went up and Haiti was pretty much spared!!"

Xx

Shelley Clay

If you would like to donate directly to them to help get the artisans into rentals, you can do that here. Just click on the Donate to AP tab.  

Now - on a similar note - I have to share another great "Aha" moment that I had this week.  Bare with me as we go back in time almost two years.

Well, first off, let's go back a little further.  I have to say that if God had not put us at Ocean Park for the three years we were there - Haiti may never have been on my radar.  The people at Ocean Park were alredy involved with the orphange that was begun by the JBA (Jacksonville Baptist Association).  A handful of them were taking trips down and were very involved.

So, in October 2010, Russ went with a group from the church.  You can read all about that here:

Russell's Trip to Haiti

As you can see, a little guy named Kervens became attached to him and Russ came home prayerfully trying to decide what to do.  This was when we learned that the majority of orphans in Haiti have parents.  Kervens was not to be a part of our family but would be used to lead us down a much different path.  One of orphan prevention.

After much struggle over Christmas that year - How is it that we in America spend so much money on "Stuff" when people around the world are starving? Are uneducated? Are homeless?  Need clean water?  Need jobs?  You get the point. 

Though There's Pain in the Offering

All of this struggling led me to Apparent Project.

Here's where I had my major Aha moment.  Wow!  I read this now and see all that God has done and I am amazed!

I Get it!!!!!

The rest, as they say, is history.  Here I sit almost two years later, looking back on all the places God has taken me with this - including Haiti itself - and I am humbled and amazed.

In the last few weeks, I have discovered that this thing has come full circle.

Check out the AP necklace on the baby!  LOVE!!!

Now here's where it gets fun. (As if it's not already!)

So - in October of 2010 Russ went to Cabaret Children's Home in Haiti and became friends with David Garrett (JBA's Haiti Champion)

By December of 2010, I am selling Apparent Project Jewelry and collecting/shipping cereal boxes to Haiti.

After many months of collecting, selling, talking my head off about AP, the Lord opens the door for me to go down there and stay for a week.  I go in February of 2012 and by this time I have sold about $10,000 in jewelry for AP.

I come home KNOWING that God was going to do something BIG - but not quite sure what or how.

We are called to Hickory Grove and the people embrace it like you wouldn't believe.  The word is spreading and I am going all over Clay County and Jacksonville talking about it, selling it, collecting boxes, etc.

In the meantime, David Garrett resigns from the JBA position to take a new position at a church.

First Baptist Orange Park is getting ready to take a group of people to the Cabaret Children's Home and Russ sees a post on Facebook about them raising money for the trip.  He calls the pastor and tells him about me and about AP's new Fundraiser Bracelet program.

I go to FBCOP and speak to them about the bracelets and tell them all about Apparent Project.  I also meet Ryan and Stacie Rouse.  They are ALL over Apparent Project and excited!!!!

Shortly after this, Ryan announces that he has been offered David's position at JBA and that he and his family will be moving to Haiti some time next year.  So now he will be in charge of organizing all the churches taking trips to the orphanage as well as funds for the orphanage, etc.

Ryan takes his team to Haiti and comes home with a TON of AP Fundraiser Bracelets!

Whoo Hoo!!!!

At least 10 Different churches in the JBA are now selling the bracelets.  Half the money goes back to Apparent Project and the other half goes to Cabaret Children's Home - where this whole thing started!

100% goes back to Haiti!  How awesome is that!?  It's helping an existing orphanage as well as helping to prevent more orphans.

I sit here dumbfounded.  I KNEW this was going to take off - but I also didn't see the how/when/ where.  I also knew that I couldn't do it all - it had to involve more people.  

As I continue to sell and talk and collect boxes, the word has gotten out.  I've done another $12,000 in jewelry sales just since February which makes $22,000 in total sales.  That figure blows my mind!  And Christmas is coming!  I cannot wait to see what God is going to do this fall!

I've been able to spread the word about the fundraiser bracelets and they are being sold all over Jacksonville now (as well as other cities thanks to my blog and Facebook) - and helping many good causes, as well as the artisans in Haiti.

Shelley has had to hire more people to keep up with the demand and our church is sending ridiculous amounts of cereal boxes down there to help her keep up.

Please know that I sit here writing all of this very cautiously.  I know that I am one person among so many that are doing things like this for AP all over our country and Canada.  I do not take any of this lightly and I am in no way, shape or form trying to "toot my own horn".

When I put this all together in my mind last week, I didn't know whether to jump up and down or just sit and weep.  Actually, over a period of time, I've done both.  This thing just keeps getting bigger and bigger.  Only God knew where this would go two years ago when I was struggling with something as simple as Christmas gifts.  How many times do I struggle with things, get an idea in my head or wrestle with a new concept and just pass it off as being stupid or exhaustion or even easier - hormones?  It's too "difficult" to face - so we just ignore it.  The idea of where it could lead, the changes it could create or what the solution could be is too hard so we pass it off and make excuses.  If we are not willing to be teachable - how much do we miss out on????? 

Once again God has proven himself faithful.  I am so thankful that I fought through the struggle.  That I was willing to be teachable.  In my own mind, it's like I look around at all that has transpired and God whispers "well done."  We don't always get to see the results of our obedience - and I'm sure there is sooooo much more that I do not know about.  But I am thankful for the little glimpses He gives me.  It inspires me to keep going - knowing that I am doing exactly what I was called to do.  Apparent Project is my heart and my passion.  God has put that in me and He is doing amazing things with it.  He has used it to change my life.  To educate me - to give me a heart for the poor - to give me a platform to help - to give me an even greater purpose.  ALL that has transpired is because of Him - and I get to be a part of it.

Being obedient to God's calling on our lives is the absolute BEST place to be.  EVER.   It's not always easy and often requires new forms of faith.  But when we follow His plan for our lives, we have a sense of purpose and passion.  We are who He made us to be.  There is such freedom and joy in that - no matter what comes our way.  And that becomes contagious!!!! And when He give us glimpses of all that He is up to, we are humbled and amazed that he chose us to be a part.  Goodness knows, He doesn't NEED us - but He loves us and desires to use us - to teach us - to teach others and to bring insurmountable joy to our lives.  What an awesome Father we have.

Christmas is coming - I have a TON of jewelry.  I will be receiving Christmas ornaments and things soon.  Make your Christmas gifts count this year as you support the artisans in Haiti and make your friends and family aware of the need.  It's a win win situation!  I am already booking parties, etc.  Let me know if you would like to host one.

Until next time - I'll just keep singing this:

The sun comes up, it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass, and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

You're rich in love, and You're slow to anger
Your name is great, and Your heart is kind
For all Your goodness I will keep on singing
Ten thousand reasons for my heart to find

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name

Bless the Lord, O my soul
O my soul
Worship His holy name
Sing like never before
O my soul
I'll worship Your holy name


10,000 Reasons by Matt Redmond

Cats and Facebook - They Go Together, Right???

Those of you who have followed my blog for any length of time, know about Meggie, our cat.

The Lord brought her into my life to teach me some things and also because she needed a home.

If you are familiar with the story, you are still laughing and rolling your eyes in disbelief that I have allowed a furry, four legged ANYTHING into my home permanently.  For those of you who need to catch up a bit - you can read these and it will help:

School, Chloe and Cats

Excerpt from another blog post -

"On a lighter note - a cat update.  Meggie has officially become part of the Franklin family.  Although I can hardly believe I am typing this!  Ha!  The children, of course, are thrilled and Jarod has taken the job of feeding her on himself - without prodding!  (Wonder how long that will last...)  Anyway - she goes to the vet tomorrow to get checked out and to be, ahem, fixed.  As much as she is growing on us - we do not want kittens to worry about.

She is a sweet little thing and I do believe that God is using her in my life to soften me up a little.  Time will tell."

 
This one is the kicker:

Confessions of a Closet Cat Lover

There are several others under this link if you are interested.  All document how this little girl has won my heart by being so adorably cute, and causing me complete "mother panic" one night when she got sick.  God knew that she would have to be a very special cat to be able to stay here and I don't think there is a better one out there.  Let's face it, picking out a cat can be like playing Russian Roulette - you just don't know what kind of personality you are going to get.  She is absolutely perfect for our family and we are thankful.  

This week has been two years since we allowed her inside.  Wow!  That's crazy!

To celebrate this occasion, we purchased a new scratching post for her.  She LOVES her post - and not my furniture - so this needs rewarded, of course!  Hers was wearing out, so Russ got on line and ordered her a fancy new one.

It arrived today.  As soon as I brought the box in the house, she went over and sat by it and stared at me.  She knew it was hers.  I opened it and she fell instantly in love.......

 It wasn't even together yet and she was purring and rubbing all over it.  Anne took this photo while I was still unpacking the post part.

It didn't take but a few seconds and she knew exactly what to do.  She's been sharpening those claws all day.

This entire thing got me to thinking.

Meg is so much a part of our family and if you spend a lot of time around us, you will find that she has Russell's her own voice.  She has her own opinions about things and Russ she isn't afraid to make them known verbally.  See - I told you she was a "special" cat.

So, in honor of her 3rd Birthday and the 2nd Anniversary of being a Franklin, I have graciously given her her very own Facebook Fan Page.

Now she has her own platform where she can be heard by all - at least those of you who choose to follow her.

How fun is that, right?  

Well - it is for us. We sit and giggle ridiculously at each post from our talking cat.  

Okay, maybe I have officially gone over to the "Crazy Cat Lady" side, but you do have to give me some credit - there is only one!  

***Shhhhhhh*****   We won't talk about the 4 out back that we are feeding right now.

So, ahem - ya - anyway......

If you would like to follow Meg on her personal Facebook page, just click here and give her a "Like".  Make sure you mark her so she shows up in your newsfeed.  Feel free to chat with her, ask her questions, share her with friends or just be a FB stalker.  It will be fun - I promise!!!! 


Until next time......... 

Bring on the Fall!!!!!

Thank you all for your prayers and notes of support yesterday.  Both Jarod and Anne did wonderfully on their first day back to school.   And I survived as well!

So I spent an entire blog on Jarod yesterday and all the worries of him entering 7th grade (more on that in a minute) and I didn't even mention our Anne Girl.

That's because she's got this whole thing down!  I was concerned that she might be upset because she is now the only one in our family at OPE.  But, nope.  She's good.

She said, "Mom, I really never saw Jarod anyway."

No problem there.  She has been my little miss confident since she was born.  So thankful for that.  Praying God continues to mold and shape her confidence.  I love that spunk about her - as long as it's channeled in the right direction.  She can definitely hold her own.

Russ said when he dropped her off at school yesterday, she was immediately searching faces in the crowd and waving to everyone.  Miss Social Bug.  She rarely meets a stranger.

She is in 2nd grade this year and has a wonderful teacher, Mrs. Allen.  She is so excited about school and I think she is really excited about the 2 hours that she has alone with me in the afternoon before Jarod returns home.

Jarod did great yesterday!  By the time 4:00 rolled around, I had hot cookies baking in the oven and I couldn't stay away from the window!  I kept watching for him to come up the street.

He came in just a talking!  And eating the cookies.  I don't think he stopped talking until his head hit the pillow last night and fortunately he slept ALL night this time.  The jitters were over.

Jr. High has already been a big eye opener for him but he is adjusting and is proving to be so grown up. I am excited to hear him be so open and honest about his feelings about everything and I do look forward to watching what God is going to do in his life this year.  I'm very proud.

Last year, Jarod was on the News Media Team at OPE.  We took him early each morning and they did a live newscast with all the morning announcements and such via the TV system in the school.  He LOVED this!

The Jr. High also has a Broadcast Media class.  It's a year long elective and it's very difficult to get in to.  Only 11 students from the entire school are chosen and only a few of them are the new 7th graders.  Jarod received a wonderful recommendation from Mrs. Callahan at OPE and he was selected at Lake Asbury.  He is thrilled!   He is proving to be great in front of and behind the camera.

I just love the confidence that my kids have in themselves.  I don't know where it came from except the Lord.  Russ was shy growing up and me, well - I would have rather dug a hole and buried myself FOREVER than have to speak in public.  I was in my 20's before the Lord began breaking me of my fear.  It just seems to come natural to them.  So thankful.

Well, school is back in full swing.

Russ and I have our Friday Date Days back (he's off on Fridays - kids in school - YAY!!!!)

I have two dates in the next two weeks where I'm selling Apparent Project.  Working on a few more!  Call me if you are interested!

I'm going with Jarod's youth group to Rock the Universe at Universal Studios in Orlando over Jarod's Birthday weekend!  How fun is that?

Sasha is supposed  to come visit for a few days.  YAY!!!!!


We have our 15th Anniversary trip scheduled for next month - whoo hoo!!!! (Jekyll Island, GA - that's where Russ proposed!)

I'm going to the Women of Faith Conference in Orlando with the Women's Ministry at our church in October.

AND........

I just booked my flight for my annual fall trip to New Hampshire to see Emily!  Eeeeeeeeeeek!

Bring on the Fall!  It's going to be AWESOME!!!!!!!

Until next time.....

Letting Go.....

Today is the first day of school.  It seems like yesterday that school was ending.  We were sitting in Jarod's promotion ceremony as he was finishing his elementary career.  We were excited to enter summer - a full 10 week break from the routine. 

Today is the first day of school.  I thought we had more time. 

I thought I could adjust to the changes coming in those 10 weeks.  I thought 10 weeks would be enough time to wrap my mind around all that was going to happen.

I was wrong.

I was so wrong.

Oh - I've hidden it well.  Even to myself.  I have done all the back to school shopping, bought all the school supplies, gone to the orientations, met the teachers.  In the last few days, I have even been secretly excited for the kids to go back to school and get into a routine.

Then, last night, reality hit. 

It wasn't pretty.

If you ask my husband, he would say it was predictable.  I blame him.  We crawled into bed last night and I was fine.  I was tired.  I was ready to go to sleep. 

Then Russ asked the ridiculous question.

"So, are you going to sleep okay tonight or is this going to be a cry fest?"

Seriously?  I'm tired.  I'm fine.  I'm going to sleep.

And then my brain went here -

And here -

And many other places.  My mind started playing images over and over in my head like an old family video. You know, the kind they play on TV and movies that is set to music and plays all the wonderful memories of your life. Ya - I'm sappy like that.

I pictured his first day of Pre-K, his first day of Kindergarten.  And so many other memories between then and now.

Then I thought about how God had shown us so clearly to put him in Orange Park Elementary.  For the last 7 years, he's been in a small school, with the same group of kids, with a group a teachers and administration who all knew who he was.  

Then I completely lost it.

Today, he starts 7th grade at Lake Asbury Jr. High.  1200+ teenagers.  Because we live kind of far out from OPE, maybe only 5 other students will go with him.  He. Knows. No One.  We might as well of moved to a new city.  He will be alone.


More ugly crying.

Really - it wasn't pretty.

And it did NOT help that Russ said things to me like:

"You know he's not really alone, God is with him."

"He'll be okay."

"You know the real issue is not whether or not Jarod can handle this - it's about you trusting.  Trusting God, trusting Jarod, trusting the teachers."

Ouch.

Even more ugly crying.

See - I told you it was his fault.  I was perfectly happy to just go to bed and go to sleep.  Now I'm drowning in snot, I can't breathe and my mind is racing.

Okay Buddy, if I snore tonight - just remember that you caused the cry fest.

Don't you hate it when they are right?  Russ knows me so well.  I'm so thankful he loves me anyway.

Jarod got up about this time.  He was having a hard time sleeping as well. I went into his room and chatted for a few minutes.  He was worried about his teachers and making new friends. I fought back the tears.

I really wanted to just crawl in his bed and hold him and sob.  Instead I told him how awesome his day was going to be and how good he is at making friends and that he shouldn't have a problem in that area.  I told him that he would be great and that I trusted him with his choices.  He knows the difference between right and wrong and he can handle it.  And I assured him that we were always here to help, encourage and cheer him on.  It was a great moment.

I came back to bed and fought the urge to get up and blog.  By this time it was 1:30 and I was already puffy eyed.  We had to get up at 6:30 with Anne and I needed some sleep.  So, I decided to pray instead.  Always a good idea.

In that time, God gave me a peace about today.  He reminded me of how He spoke clearly to my heart all those years ago when Jarod was going into Pre-K and I had this same melt down. (I have issues) He said, "Cami, trust Me with him.  The things that happen to him - good or bad - are things I need to happen in order to make him the man I need him to be later." 

Oh what comfort this brings me.  Yes, Jarod has been given to us to love, protect, nurture.  But we fall short so very often.  When I think of how much I love him - how huge my responsibility is - it's overwhelming.  But then I remember that God loves Him infinitely more.  That just blows my mind. He has created Jarod for a purpose.  He has a plan.  He knows what it is going to take to get him to that place where he can be used in a mighty way.

I want to stick him in a closet until he's 35.  Of course, in my mind, he'll come out as a wonderful human being completely mature and ready to fulfill his purpose.  But, that is not how it works.  He is fulfilling his purpose even now.  God is working in his life - even in the tough days of Jr. High.

He woke up this morning early and was so ready to go.  He asked to ride the bus on the first day.  Seriously?  We have driven him to school everyday his entire life.

Ugh.

Russ and I prayed with him this morning and he walked out the front door and into the new chapter of growth and maturity.  He texted me when he got off the bus at school and turned off his phone.


I am good.  I have a peace.  I will enjoy my day while I anxiously await his arrival around 4ish. 

I think cookies will be in the plan this afternoon.....