My prayer warriors :)
I have been beyond excited to write to you, but God taught me His patience as I waited on the details! If you read my last blog or saw the pictures, you know God's been busy in the village of Mango ;) I've been led to continue my partnership with brother Claudi's school; We've trekked up the mountain (twice) to visit the homes of each of his 33 students, most of which are led by single, jobless mothers or grandmothers. Many of these children of God share their single-roomed, dirt-floored, humble homes with as many as 9 others.
When I arrived at the home of one student, her mother was laying on the dirt floor, sick, as her 5 children wandered barefoot around the village, caring for one another. Another student's home was destroyed by a strong wind last year, so he and his family have been sleeping outside of a friend's home ever since. Though I'd normally pray for the sound of cooling rain as I fall asleep in my mosquito-netted bed...I've found it harder to enjoy the nightly downpour this past week. These beautiful, bright babies have so much potential, and young Claudi has committed to providing an otherwise unattainable education to the least of these. He longs to provide them with the knowledge and skills to break the cyclical poverty that currently has a firm grasp on their families. I am OVERJOYED to partner with and encourage a young, self-motivated Haitian who is already actively working to serve God and his community!
For this reason, Church, I'm asking for your help. Claudi's family has a beautiful piece of land in Mango that they have offered to donate for the school, as the children are currently squished into an unfinished, roofless home. Very humble building plans have been drawn, including 6 small classrooms for the 6 grade levels. Focusing on necessity, these rooms will be built with traditional coconut leaf walls. Depending on funding, the roof of each classroom will be made with either a tarp, or tin. Secondly, 2-in-1 benches will be built, so that the children will finally have a place to comfortably sit and learn to write. While the school currently has 33 students, there is still much need in the village. Most children who attend Claudi's school have uneducated siblings. With such a great vision and an even greater need, we must start small.....but we must start.
I'm not sure what God has planned for this community and for these children. I don't have plans to change the world or fix every problem here, I simply can't. Yet, there is a need. Church, I believe we have the ability to meet this need, together. We have the humble opportunity to show God's beautiful, Agape love to a few sweet souls. If the Kingdom gains even one as a result, I believe that this project is worth investing in. Would you prayerfully consider joining me?
* For all of the building materials and labor for both the classrooms and the benches, my goal is to raise $3,500us by August.
While I anticipate fundraising to be a little more challenging while I am away, I will need your help to get the word out! This week, I am setting up a Haitian bank account here, in order to wire funds later. At the end of May, I'll be stateside for 2 weeks, and I'll set up another U.S. account, specifically for the school. At that time, I will begin accepting donations.....until then, PLEASE PRAY WITH ME! God can do abundantly more than we can even begin to hope for! I will keep in communication and I would LOVE to answer any questions, so don't hesitate! Let's advocate!
In His Agape Love,
Kourtney
kourtneyjisaman@gmail.com
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