Redemption

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


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

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

Chavanne, Marilyn and I outside the prison this morning.

Chavanne with one of the bead rollers.

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

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






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

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

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

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

This is another young man serving a life sentence.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"And God is Able....."

"And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, 

so that in every way, always having everything you need, 

you may excel in every good work."    

2 Corinthians 9:8

I LOVE this verse. This was part of Russell's sermon yesterday.  I love how God's word comes alive.  You can read a verse for years and then one day it strikes you deep.  Differently than all the other times before.  It parallels so nicely with  Ephesians 3:20, our life verse.  I'm kind of amazed that  it's never caught my attention so deeply before.

For a few weeks, I have been feeling like I am on the verge of something.  God has obviously been working but I couldn't put my finger on anything specific. 

I have been praying about returning to Haiti.  Discussions were floating about a Board Meeting at the Apparent Project House.  When Shelley and I were in New York, we discussed bringing a team back, but the dates we were looking at were already taken.  Nothing else was really working.  I've always had clear direction when it has come to this and it just wasn't clear yet.  I felt like I was continually trying to put a square peg in a round hole.  My mom used to always say - "When in doubt, don't."  So, I waited.

Some very exciting changes are happening with Apparent Project right now - but I'm not at liberty to share all of that just yet.  But these changes have made it clear as to why my taking a team wasn't really feasible right now.  The Board Meeting didn't fruition either but I still knew that I was supposed to go again.  I feel that I represent Apparent Project best when I visit.  Things are growing and changing quickly there. Visiting makes it so I can better answer questions and explain things when speaking to churches and groups. 

I spoke with Shelley about some dates and began looking at flights.  It still had not become clear to me as to how I was going to fund the trip.  Last year, all three of us (Jarod, Russ and I) went with the team so raising support was needed.  Our savings account has been depleted this year because of car repairs.  I was willing to do whatever (letters, using AP's Fund Raising Bracelets and Christmas Ornamants, etc) but wasn't sure yet.  I had not even really mentioned the trip to anyone.  I just continued to pray about it and wait.

A few weeks ago, we had a "Family Gathering" at church.  (Basically a quarterly business meeting) and I got up and gave an update on Apparent Project and all that was happening with our cereal box shipments, the bridge we were collecting for, etc.  I had to break the news that we were not taking a team in the Spring - but would look at it again in 2015.  I BRIEFLY mentioned that I would be going in February and that I would give more details about it at a later date.  (I really did not have anything narrowed down.)

It was never really discussed again.  I continued to pray about it and stayed busy with my Open House preparations this past week.  Last night, completely out of the blue,  we were told that my entire trip would be covered by a family in the church!  Needless to say, all I could do was cry!  Completely and totally overwhelmed by God's grace and provision.  Amazing how I didn't even have time yet to "worry" about all the financial details!  He just took care of it.  The verse above immediately came back to mind.  He has poured his grace out to me, providing all that I need to continue in his work.  And for now, that's my next trip to Haiti. 

One thing that I have learned over and over in the last three years is that everything I do with Apparent Project is the building blocks for the next thing.  Always growing, learning, stretching my faith, moving forward.  I am continually overwhelmed that God has chosen me to be a part of all that he is doing in and through AP - both in Haiti and here in the states.  It is humbling and amazing at the same time.

This really has been a wonderful week!!!  Friday and Saturday was my 3rd Annual Apparent Project Open House.  People came from all over Jacksonville and my house was a buzz!  I moved furniture and completely morphed my house into an Apparent Project store and in two days time, raised just over $4000!  What a huge blessing!!!

Many of the "shoppers" brought cereal boxes that they had been collecting and on Sunday afternoon, several volunteers at church came and help me pack another 29 boxes to ship to Haiti!  All of that in about an hour and 15 minutes!  What a great team!  They are becoming pros!!!!  Putting the new boxes with ones that were previously packed - we have another 43 boxes to ship.

And to top everything off - I received a call this morning that we collected the remaining balance of the bridge yesterday!!!  For details on that - click here!  Goodness!  God is so good!  He truly is "able to make every grace overflow to us, so that in every way, we will have everything we need to excel in His work."  He has proven that over and over this weekend! 

All I can do is weep.  I am overwhelmed again and again by His great love and care for ALL of us.


To Him alone be the glory!!!!!!

So - exciting stuff is happening!  I look forward to filling you in on all that lies ahead.  I KNOW it is going to be good because God is ALL OVER IT!!!!!


Until next time......

Apparent Project Open House

This weekend is the BIG event!!!!  2 days of shopping fun!

Due to my schedule this year, I have narrowed down my Apparent Project events.  This one has been being plugged for the past 2 months.  Flyers have been passed out all over Orange Park and Green Cove.  People are carpooling from all over Jacksonville.

You've seen the Fundraiser bracelets - but have you seen the rest of the beautiful things Apparent Project has to offer?

100% of your purchase goes directly back to the artisans!  What a wonderful way to help someone in Haiti and give a beautiful, unique gift at the same time.

Come on out - bring your friends!  Spread the word.  You do NOT want to miss this!!!!

Tons of NEW Christmas items!
Dresses
Purses
Jewelry - NEW DESIGNS!!!!

It's going to be awesome!!!!!

Support the Artisans this Christmas!

I have cut my Apparent Project sales down to a few large events instead of SEVERAL small ones this year.  So - if you are interested in shopping - here is where I will be!!!!

 

SHARE! SHARE! SHARE!!!!!!

 

The Open House will be the biggest - with the most inventory available.

 

 

You Make Beautiful Things

Want to see more of Apparent Project?  Here's the latest video produced by Corrigan.  I cannot wait to add this to my presentations.  It captures the story perfectly.

Be sure and watch to the end - the artisans each had things they wanted to tell us!  (Warning: You may need tissues - I did)




Share! Share! Share!!!!

Apparent Project - God is Still Busy!

Back in April, about 40 volunteers from Hickory Grove and I spent ten days manning an Apparent Project booth at our County Fair.  It was a lot of work and we did about $5000 in sales for the artisans.

It was one of those things for me where I knew that I was supposed to be there that week.  I have tried to get a booth at many different events around Jacksonville but the Lord always closed the door.  With the Fair - he blew the doors wide open.  It was overwhelming in that normally about 100,000 people come through the fair.  By the end of the week, I was exhausted and wondered if the entire thing was worth my time.  Of course, you always think about things like that when you are tired.  But after a time of rest and several days to contemplate the time spent, I realized that we were supposed to be there for many reasons.

First of all, we did raise $5000 for Apparent Project.  That's always great, but especially in the spring as sales slow down some.  Secondly, we talked to a TON of people!  So many more learned about Apparent Project and left our table wanting to order their own Fundraiser Bracelets or jewelry party boxes. But just as important,  I spent lots of time with the volunteers from my church getting to know them better - and allowing them to know me.  We had a fun time.  Relationships in any ministry are always priority.

Weeks have passed and many people have asked if I will do it again next year.  I've been weighing the positives and negatives.  Thinking about what - if anything - I would do differently for next year.  And then I received this email.

It was written to Shelley and she had replied and copied me in it.

My name is Cynthia 

I used to be an artist & I taught art thru an after school art program for children. In my free time I did everything: drawing, painting, clay and I just learned to do fused glass and ceramics, enameled jeweleries etc when I suffered an injury which left me without the use of my dominant arm through a disease called CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome). Everyday is a struggle for me; so much pain and I felt sorry for myself.  UNTIL.... I went to the Clay County Fair in Florida. There I saw some amazing and beautiful jewelery....and I bought some because it took my breath away-- it was so beautiful!!! Then I heard the stories...I read the stories and i knew I might be able to help. My 13yo daughter who suffers from depression gave me the suggestion that I donate my kilns.

She knew I was bitter & angry and my kilns just sat around gathering dust...and we saw a post on FB asking for art ideas...I think these two kilns could help your artisans. The fused glass kiln would be a great way to use recycled broken glass they collect....it would make lovely jewelery, sun catchers etc.

The ceramic kiln is in perfect working condition and could hold a fair amount of beads and would dry them in no time flat.

We are in Orange Park, Florida and they are yours for the taking. I, obviously, have no use for them any longer but we know they will be used to create and open a door of opportunity for your artisans.

My husband was in Haiti after the earthquake. He was a first responder with the USN--part of a helicopter search and rescue squadron. He spoke of what a beautiful country it was and how the people could find beauty in anything. How kids would use an empty milk jug as a soccer ball and never once complained! It made my family realize just how much we do have and what we take for granted.

Please contact me and let's get the ball rolling on those kilns.....I've grieved enough, and its time that they are put to good use again. We want to help!!!

Cyndi

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Thank you soo sooo much!!

If you are in Florida, I have a friend named Cami Franklin (copied in) who ships to us regularly and would perhaps be able to help us with logistics. She is in Jacksonville.

 

Again.. thank you so much. I grieve your pain and only hope that we can make you proud.

Will wait to hear back from Cami- or perhaps you two could be in contact too to figure this out.

Thanks Cami- hope it's not an imposition!

Shelley

 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Wow!  I sat at my computer and wept!  I called Cyndi right away and chatted with her.  Such a sweet lady.  We worked out arrangements for me to come and pick up the kilns.  Come to find out, she only lives about 3 miles from me.  I went by this past Tuesday and loaded them into my van.

I wasn't sure how in the world I was going to get them to Shelley.  Cereal boxes are one thing, but $1200 in ceramic kilns that need special packaging was beyond me.  I contacted Shelley and let her know that I had them.  Come to find out, she was working on a shipment to come out of the U.S. this week.  We wondered if we could put them all together.  She had 4 pallets of supplies going out of Orlando.  

The kids and I hopped in the van early Thursday morning and drove the kilns down to Orlando to meet up with that shipment.

 Unloading my van

 Loving the Forklift!

By the time I filled out the paper work, it was all shrink wrapped and ready to go!

How exciting is this?  I KNEW there was a reason I was to have a booth at the Clay County Fair.  God continually proves over and over that He is using Apparent Project for so much more than just the artisans in Haiti.  So much more than job creation?  Education?  Housing?  Orphan prevention?  That's HUGE!!!  Leave it to God to go even bigger and broader! 

It is changing lives here in the United States as well.

•  It is providing jobs for Americans (AP Stateside). 

•  It is causing people to think beyond themselves and to understand how blessed they are.            
• It's giving people platforms to help and really make a difference.
•  It is changing thoughts about charity vs. job creation.  

•  It is creating awareness about orphan prevention.                                                                         

•  In the case of Cyndi - it is creating healing and closure. 

The longer I am involved, the deeper this all gets.  God is busy.  He is building his Kingdom and it is so much bigger than me.  Once again I am humbled, overwhelmed and truly thankful to be a part of this awesome thing.  

I still don't have the answer to whether or not we will do the Fair again next year, but I'm continuing to pray about it and am willing to do whatever.  I'm excited to see what lies ahead.  It just keeps getting better and better! 

Until next time.....

 

Being Stretched - It's Always Worth It!

Yesterday was our quarterly Board Meeting for Apparent Project.  This time we were all over the country and Haiti so we met for an hour via conference call.

Being on the Board is still very overwhelming to me.  It brings up all my fears, and insecurities.   I worry that if and when I open my mouth, all of my lack of knowledge will be revealed.  I feel very small and unworthy but, I am still new and  still learning and I know that God has brought me to this place for a reason.  I also know that God does great work in my life when He takes me out of my comfort zone.  So as uncomfortable and insecure as I may feel, I will continue to plug on, seeking His guidance in the middle of it all.  And trusting that all the other Board Members and Staff will be patient with me as I walk through this process.

It's funny  -  in the last few years I have grown the most confident, the most secure in who I am and what my purpose is in life.  It's just like God to bring something in that shakes all that up - keeping me humble and relying on Him.  The wonderful thing is - no matter my confidence level - He still uses me.  I think that is pretty awesome!

The Clay County Fair ended a week ago.  I have been in a 'coma' all week trying to recover.  It was a great experience.  Ten days, over 40 volunteers, many connections and over $5000 in sales!  We were all able to talk to so many people and the potential is huge!  We handed out lots of literature about Apparent Project, their fundraisers and my info so I can come and do my presentation with other churches, schools and community organizations.

After ten long days working our booth, I've been doing a lot of evaluating as to whether or not all that time was "worth it."  Not a good question to ask yourself when you are tired.

Yesterday, during our Board Meeting, Shelley mentioned that that morning alone she had two different moms stop at the gate outside of Apparent Project and try to give her their babies.  My heart broke.  It's a good thing we were all on the phone as I sat there crying.

THIS is why I sell.  THIS is why I give up ten days to run a booth and tell people about Apparent Project.  THIS is why I go around talking to churches, etc.  These moms are desperate.  They love their babies and want them to live.  It's so sad to me that giving your babies to orphanages is so 'normal' in Haiti.  Shelley walks through her community and people are constantly asking her for a job.  She desires to employ as many people as possible. So - we have to continue to spread the word - have parties - sell the jewelry.  As the demand grows, she can hire more artisans.

So - Yes.  The fair was worth it!  We raised $5000 for now and laid the ground work for future sales.  We helped to support the artisans and allow them to keep their babies.  As word grows, we will help employ more people.

As Mother's Day approaches - I can't think of a better gift for mom.  A beautiful piece of jewelry that allows a mom in Haiti to keep her baby.  Won't you consider having your own jewelry party?  Do you need to raise funds for an adoption, a ministry opportunity or another cause?  The Fundraiser bracelets are perfect for that! 

You don't have to be as involved as I am - just volunteer to do one party.  Order a box (no cost up front), have your friends over, tell the story and sell the jewelry.  When your finished, mail the money and the leftover jewelry back.  It's that easy!  For more information - click here.

You have followed my blog - you've read how it's changed my life.  How Apparent Project is changing the lives of the artisans.  Won't you give some of your time to help spread the word?

Lives depend on it.

Maybe it's a little out of your comfort zone.  I promise you - it will be worth it!!!!




Until next time.....

Haitian Artisans Creating Jobs in the U.S.

Apparent Project Office - U.S.A.

In the Fall of 2009,  Shelley and Corrigan launched their job creation initiative in Haiti - what we know as The Apparent Project.  Four women were selected who were at risk for giving their children up.  Shelley taught them how to roll beads from recycled cereal boxes/paper and then string them into jewelry. 

Dec. 2009

She knew that they needed a platform for selling the jewelry in order to make this successful so she came up with the brilliant idea of jewelry parties here in the U.S.  Run similarly to a Pampered Chef or a Sentsy Party, only it's done by volunteers so that the Haitian artisans can benefit the most from the sales.

In the beginning Shelley was handling all the shipping herself.  I actually received my very first box of jewelry directly from Haiti.  I sent Shelley an email, she packed up a box and had to find someone who was flying out of Port Au Prince who would be willing to bring it with them and then mail it to me once they got back to the states.  My box went to California and then to me here in Florida.

Originally she asked her mom (Marilyn) if she would be willing to deposit a few checks now and then from the party sales.  That way the funds could just be transferred electronically to Haiti and she could then pay the artisans.  Little did they know that Marilyn's involvement would be MUCH more than just depositing a few checks!

Jewelry is everywhere!  Love this!

During the Fall of 2010, Marilyn's 1700 square foot home became the Apparent Project Warehouse.  They needed to create a space here in the U.S. that housed all the jewelry so that it could get to people faster.  Now when you email Apparent Project looking for a party box or the fundraiser bracelets or you order something off of MarketHaiti.com - it's coming directly from Lacey, Washington.

It didn't take long before Marilyn needed help!  Jewelry had taken over the house and she was putting in 70 - 80 hours a week as the orders just kept coming.  Soon she had some volunteers and within the last year or so, those precious volunteers have become employees.  How cool is that?  They were working so hard to create jobs for the Haitians and now it has come full circle, creating jobs for these lovely women here in the U.S. at a time when it was really needed.  God is good.

Love this too!  How cute is that?

So - let me take you on a photographic journey of AP Stateside.  I will introduce you to the lovely ladies who work so hard behind the scenes, give you some interesting info and show you what it takes to help keep all of this running here in the states.  And the next time you send an email and don't hear back right away - you can understand why.  These ladies are BUSY!!!!

This is Kelly (and Marilyn).  Kelly is in charge of data entry.  After you have a party, she takes all the paperwork that you fill out - you know, the one that asks you to list all the artisans, what you sold and how much - and she enters each line into her program.  That way, they can easily figure out how much money each artisans earns and that info can be emailed to Shelley in Haiti.  I was told that it took her 8 hours to go through my recent packet of info - Sorry Kelly!  :-)  But - hey!  That's what $13,000 in sales will do!  That's awesome!!!!

The biggest request that Kelly has is to "PLEASE WRITE LEGIBLY"  That way the proper artisan gets the credit.  If she can't read your writing, then someone could be missing out.

This is Vera - she handles all the accounts and has been a huge help to Marilyn.  Especially in the last few months.

She came up with these great end of the year printouts and graffs for our Board Meeting and they were a big hit!  Everything made sense to people like me who's mind goes numb when seeing a paper with nothing but a list of numbers on it!

Way to go Vera!!!!

Of course, this is Marilyn (and me!)  Absolutely LOVE this lady!  The most joyful woman I have ever met.  I don't think there could be a more perfect calling for her right now.  She LOVES what she does, she LOVES the Haitian artisans and she takes everything in stride.

She never dreamed that she would have a task like AP but she does it well.  When you email AP for a box or purchase from MarketHaiti.com - this is who you hear back from.  She sits for hours (often LATE in the night) and answers all the emails, organizes them and gets them to the people who need them so that your order can get out as quickly as possible. Plus - she has her hands in EVERYTHING else as well.  Including building and keeping up with the MarketHaiti web site.  She is one busy lady!

She has sacrificed her time, her home and sometimes her sanity (LOL!) to make it run smoothly.  There will be special rewards in heaven for sure!

 

This is Sandy.  Sandy is in charge of packing party boxes.  Marilyn prints out the emails and gives them to her and she goes to work.  During the Christmas Season this year, they were shipping up to 20 boxes of jewelry PER DAY!  That is NOT MarketHaiti.com orders.  Each box has at least 150 pieces of jewelry in it.  Sandy makes sure that everything is counted, tagged, priced and ready to go.  

During this past Oct, Nov, and Dec  -  a total of 541 boxes of jewelry and fundraiser bracelets were shipped all over the U.S.  That is a total of 69,431 items!!!!  Bracelets, earrings, necklaces - plus Christmas ornaments, purses, etc.  And I thought I had a lot of stuff! Ha! That's a lot of product!!!!

This is Karen.  Karen does a little of everything!  She helps with the warehouse, helps with the fundraiser bracelets and helps Sandy pack all those boxes.  She is an extra pair of hands that is greatly appreciated! 

The day that I spent with them, they were unpacking all of the returns from Christmas.  After you have a party, you send back the left over jewelry and everyone was helping to unpack so they could be restocked and then sent out again for the next party order request.

It's very important that you send everything back after you have your party.  The artisans do not get paid if there is jewelry sitting in your closet somewhere.

 Still unpacking.....

This is Keri (and Sandy).  Keri is the warehouse and the fundraiser bracelet girl.  If you have ordered a box of fundraiser bracelets - she has put it together.  She makes sure everything is tagged and counted and you have all the proper paperwork.  She is also in charge of the warehouse.  She helps keep it organized.  She used work in a large warehouse and I'm told she enjoys driving the Forklifts.  AP isn't there yet - but when it is - Keri will be able to help!

Speaking of warehouses .........

 

To give you some perspective.  All of this is in half of Marilyn's 2 car garage.  In this photo Marilyn was so excited because she had discovered a new place to stack things!  Space is tight!!!!

So tight that it spills over into the rest of her house.......

 

 

 

 One more introduction.....

This is Daisy!  She is the official encourager!  I don't know which goes faster - her tongue or her tail.  Having a bad day?  Don't worry - she's right there to give you lots of love and can't help but lift your spirits!  Seriously - I have never met a more friendly dog - she's awesome!

So - that's it!  These 6 women - Oh!  And Shelley's dad, Craig - and a few other volunteers.  That's who make up AP Stateside!  Last year, AP did over $775,000 in sales!  That's a lot of product for this group of people to keep up with but they make it run as smoothly as possible.

I wrote a similar blog about this back in March.  I used Marilyn's pics and expanded some on their shipping info.  If you are interested in that - you can check it out here.  It was really great seeing all of this in person and getting a better perspective of all that goes on.  I got to help unpack and organize things with these lovely ladies.  It was so much fun!

A few ways you can help:

1.  Be patient if you send a request and don't hear back immediately.  Know that you are one of hundreds of emails they receive each day.  Only one person handles the emails to keep confusion to a minimum.  Marilyn WILL get back to you.

2.  Please DO NOT send empty cereal boxes/magazines to this location!  There is just no room for them and NO time to pack them up and get them to Shelley in Haiti.  If you want to send cereal boxes to Haiti - follow these instructions.

3.  Send all of your money and your unsold jewelry back ASAP so the artisans can get paid!

4.  Pray for Marilyn and her team!  It's a lot to keep all of this organized and flowing out across the entire U.S. 

5.  Host a jewelry party!  Sell fundraiser bracelets!  Tell everyone you know about Apparent Project and all that it is doing to alleviate poverty in Haiti!

Until next time........