I have discovered this is the only way to help Haiti. One person at a time. If you look around at the vast need, it's way too overwhelming. It's immobilizing.
But...one person, one family at a time...there is so much we can do.
On our most recent trip, my daughter and I were blessed enough to be able to go into a school and help some of the teens learn how to make some jewelry items. We distributed the last of the crafting supplies that you sent us. What a treat to work with these kids!
I asked them why they wanted to make jewelry to sell? Not one of them mentioned any sort of gadget or possession for themselves. The standard answer was to help pay for their education (high school) or to help their family pay for food.
And what a fun surprise that most of our students turned out to be teen boys! They took their crafting very seriously and made some quite nice pieces. A couple of them are already clever entrepreneurs, selling their crafts where they can.
I'm so proud of them. I am honored that I had the chance to work with them. And now (thanks to you guys!) they are stocked with the materials to go forward and bring in some money on their own...so much better than a handout!
Please keep these young people in your hearts and prayers. Life is very, very hard for them and they have witnessed more than any young person should have to see in their short lifetimes.
Also, please notice that we've put a "Now Collecting" list over in the sidebar. This list will change from time to time, but it's a great way to help out with the current needs we have. There are so many little things we can do to help Haiti in a big way.
Until next time....
