Thursday, February 19, 2009

My Amazing 3rd Graders!

On Monday, after hearing about my trip to Haiti, my third graders decided they wanted to help raise money for the Haitian kids. They thought collecting pop cans could be a small way to earn some extra money. Their excitement took over and they couldn't wait any longer, so we had to start on Tuesday. They went down and asked the janitor if he had an extra garbage can and garbage bags, carried it down the hallway, and placed it in our classroom. By Friday, just four days later, they had proudly collected 96 cans ... Don't ever doubt 9 year olds!

Reminds me of:
1 Timothy 4:12 (Amplified Bible)
"Let no one despise or think less of you because of your youth, but be an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, and in faith."

Saturday, February 14, 2009

What are you doing on your summer vacation??

This question is one I have heard for many years from my 3rd grade students as they dream of warmer weather ahead in Michigan. Instead of taking the usual round of graduate classes (hallelujah for a break!), working in my yard, or going on an “exotic” vacation, I have felt led to share some of my God given talents in a very underprivileged area of the world.

On June 20th, I will be traveling to Haiti to work with the Haiti Foundation Against Poverty (http://www.haitipoverty.org/). The foundation has been in existence since 1998. It’s purpose is to improve the standard of living in the country of Haiti. This organization strives to provide basic education, improve the status of women, and establish food distribution and health care centers. Children are at the core of their focus as they work towards creating child sponsorships and local orphanages.

I will be working in the Cite Soleil, one of the poorest and most dangerous slums in the Western Hemisphere. I will be working at a school that just opened last October for poor and orphaned street children (most children have no access to education in this area). I will be participating in food distributions for the elderly and for single women with large families and also serving in two different orphanages, one with children who are up for adoption, and another for dying infants.

I would like to invite you to partner with me as I embark on this adventure. As you can expect, the needs are great in an area where there is a lack of even the basic needs that you and I take for granted everyday. It is my hope to take down school supplies, health and beauty aides, and children’s clothing. I am allotted two suitcases and a carry on of which will hold my personal items. I plan to leave everything behind.

If you feel led to partner with me to help the poorest of poor in Haiti, I will be collecting money and supplies. With your financial and prayer support, I hope to bless the people of Port-au-Prince in many ways. If everyone who reads this blog were to give just $25, I could be well on my way to meeting my goal. Financial support is essential to my going on the trip, but of equal or greater importance is your commitment to pray. As my departure date approaches, I covet your good thoughts and prayers for safety, good health, and a purposeful impact on the country of Haiti. Thank you!