So many great organizations to share and so little time - especially when you get all excited to start and then everything crumbles when your house is hit with influenza, asthma, ear infections and more. But our lives are not really crumbling - no matter how much it feels like it. Every so often I have to check myself as I am humbly reminded of how much my life is not crumbling. In other corners of the world, schools, buildings, orphanages, families, children are literally crumbling. One of those places is Haiti. I have only been to visit twice so I can't say I truly know and understand as some of my other missionary friends do, but I still feel my heart break when I think of what they've been through and what they continue to go through. I will always remember my time on that island in 2010 when the earthquake hit and time stopped for so many people that we love. I was completely removed on the other side of the island but somehow the stories still shook me to the core.... The "other me" volunteering as a special ed. teacher at NPH across the border who lost her life after 3 days alive under the rubble. My roommate who had to find and unbury his own nieces and nephews. My sister from another mister who moved in with us after losing both parents and her home - not just from the earthquake, but from the aftermath of disease that rampantly spread afterward. The stories from my husband and others of bodies literally being bulldozed when they went over to help. Clinging to my own husband who nearly died of malaria after going to help - feeling both immense gratitude and guilt when he survived when so many others did not. All of these feelings might seem intense, but remember, I wasn't even on the same side of the border for all of this. I can only imagine for those who were actually there because I'm not sure I would have been able to bear it.
Now Haiti is in shambles again. Can I honestly say I sob uncontrollably and that my heart breaks now the same way it did nine years ago after the earthquake? No, I cannot. I am absorbed back into the American culture and all my own daily drama. But should I not let my heart break for those suffering in the same way? Allow my heart to break at least enough to feel inclined to do something about that suffering? Shouldn't we all be broken by the kind of suffering happening in Haiti - happening anywhere? I think a lot of us turn our backs because we don't know how to help. We don't want to gift money at the chance it might get into the wrong hands and may just be a loss. So with all of that said, here is a way to give to an organization that will absolutely get resources into the right hands that will help in the right way - a sustainable way.
So now let's rewind even further back to 2007 to meet Mallery Neptune. I was riding my plane back to Grand Rapids and couldn't help but notice the American girl sitting behind me - even younger than my 25 year old self but carrying an itty bitty Haitian baby. I was instantly intrigued - what was she doing? Where was she taking this baby? I don't remember a lot about this day but somehow we've kept in touch on social media and I have no words for what she has done since that day (but I'm going to try to put some together anyway). During these past twelve years, Mallery has put together a foundation, school, children's home, clinic, store, online shop and more - all to pour back into families in Haiti. Her mission is not just to come and love on orphans but to love on the entire family unit and bring restoration back to all. It's a sustainable mission and one I can totally get behind. I could go on and on but you can learn lots more by clicking here and reading Mallery's words for yourself: https://haitipoverty.org/
There are lots of ways to give but one of the most fun ones since holidays are right around the corner is to SHOP! (and actually feel really good about it) Every single thing in their shop is handmade in Haiti by people there. Your purchase will transform lives. AND your friends and family will love their beautiful quality products - I just visited their shop and was seriously drooling over every last thing. Here's just a preview of some of their amazing items:
From gorgeous kitchen and home decor items....
To the adorable children's collection...
To beautiful, timeless fashion.....
There's seriously something for everyone on your list!!
Visit their website https://www.giftofhopehaiti.org/ to start your shopping - check out their amazing sales too!! Also, go give them a like on Facebook at Haiti Foundation Against Poverty and Gift of Hope Haiti, and follow them on Instagram. I promise you won't regret it!
Haiti needs us now more than ever and we can all do something to help - I hope you will consider this incredible organization as a way to do it. I can't think of a better way.
More to come soon about more amazing friends you can support - stay tuned. 💗
Love,
Kristin
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