03/01/2016
Thanks for your patience friends. I have been working hard to try to get ready for this year's journey...in July. However, lots of great work being done behind the scenes as always. Since we updated you last...John and I planned to live in the Dominican Republic for six month, which turned out to be closer to four. The company he was working for in CO. As he was the first couple in John's company (we'll leave out names) to ever move out of the country and become an independent contractor. The company chose to go the most conservative route...probably in retrospect (for the best, as those of you who know us...know we aren't too conservative:) Especially the one who wears half the pants lol! As a senior software developer with many rare talents he found a job within 3 weeks, including Christmas...over skype and Whatsapp...the cellular phone service we used for his work, which had very few issues, if any, I might add!
Fast forward during that time, I was doing lots of great work as this was my sixth year to hone in on what all the needs of the the the people in the batey truly were. I focused more of my time teaching business and marketing to most every child over the age of 12, as sadly that is pretty much when their childhoods end...in a haitian batey, with of course the rare exception. I do a lot of work starting and continuing, Colmado projects. Where I take existing colmados, or folks that cannot afford to start one at all and teach them to build their business from the ground up. Teach them what it takes to put away for start up costs, bad months, slow months, broken parts, the village was set back another year out of three by a fire that burned down nearly 3/4 of the village. How credit unfortunately in their country is considered negative...no matter how responsibly they use it. This is very difficult for all the stateless Haitians and people who can claim no country. Not only on a personal and professional level, but when it comes to helping out their fellow neighbor. It is in their hearts no question, in the near future I am going to to attempt to categorize some of these talking points into sections of what we do. Therefore, if there is a particular goal that I work on that you may be interested in getting involved there will be a section where you can sort through this...lets face it, mess and find what you are interested in regarding donations. In the last six years I have been quite frankly too busy to keep up with the ever changing social media. For those of you, that joined: 'Helping teach in a Haitian village.' If you would like to unfollow that, and join us here...there are some great photos and videos and yes, that is where we started but this is where we are now!
'Although I am a not a missionary...I am on a mission!' (This is also my new tag line!) I simply believe there is enough bible study going on throughout the day and week to be teaching more...ok I will be totally honest...I probably don't know enough to teach them anything else than they already know on the subject. However, learning English, Spanish, mathematics, and geography...being able to run a store, and understand how to manage said store, stock it, plan for it, etc. The girl project,,,helping raise one girl up at a time,,,giving them more of a purpose in life then thinking all there good for is selling themselves to the highest bidder. A very sad truth, that I've come to learn sometimes I have to realize when there are certain situations that I must cut my losses, more independent stories on my new and improved blog coming soon!
So long story long, John and I ended up having an amazing four months together. Especially, since it was my husbands first time to make the trek with me. He literally risked it all for us and the people of Munoz. My heart's calling for the last six years of my life. He may have had a job loss and set back, and a few frantic days, but now...after over a year and four amazing months living the dream. Fate brought us back to ATX and we are now living near the Domain. Obviously, I was not able to physically go this winter given everything I just shared with you. Please remember, this is a CAUSE page, and not my main page. Nonetheless, it will get better and better with time. More organized and hopefully reflect the purpose I feel in my heart, on the page, as well as in its contents. To all my fellow volunteers, philanthropists, and people just trying to make a difference wherever you are. Thank you, and keep fighting the good fight!
