Going Boldly
August 2014
Putting it all together
Over two years ago, God started mixing things up in my life. I've mentioned bits and pieces about that in my introductory letter, and in conversations if you have talked with me in person. Today, while I was thinking about writing my next newsletter, I was pondering the idea of a blog. One place where all of my information could be, that people could go back to and look at without having to save all of my newsletter emails. While I worked through this idea, I remembered that I had actually already started a blog, a while ago. I wondered if it was still out there some place in cyber space, and sure enough, it is.
As I read through my blog posts from the spring of 2013, it was amazing. It brought tears to my eyes and made me really grateful that I have those posts from that period in my life. I though you might like to read them, too. Rather than starting a new blog for this adventure in my life, I'm just going to add to what's already here. Please feel free to read through my posts from last spring. http://hisbigpicture.blogspot.com
The Start of a Plan
In May, I was asked if there was any way for me to get a hold of a few piano books. There was a music class being held at the GF school. There were 8-10 students in the class and they were all working from one copy of a Level 2, Bastian piano book.
I looked up the book, just to be sure it was the one I was thinking of. I noticed that this particular piano book is published by a company called Neil A. Kjos Music Company. I just happen to have a good friend that is a composer for this particular company.
I sent a message to my friend, Dean Sorenson, asking if we could talk about getting ahold of some piano books for this music class in Haiti. He was more than happy to help me out and wanted to know exactly what I needed.
Being the type A, list maker that I am, I was happy to put together a plan. Here's what I came up with:
- 20 level one books - with the intention of starting a beginning level music class made up of students are interested in learning an instrument once the band program gets up and running.
- 10 level two books - so that the kids who are already learning from this level book can have more than one copy to work from.
- 10 level three books - so that when the afore mentioned students finish book 2, they can keep going.
I sent my list to Dean and he said it was no problem get the books I requested. He ordered the books and had them sent to my house. They arrived just in time to make the trip to Haiti last week with my friend, Tiffany. Here's a picture of some of the Haitian staff members with the books. Adelcon, the man in the black shirt, is the music teacher. I think he looks pretty excited!
What's Next?
I love to be working on what comes next. But, before I can, I need to be fully funded. I have been working to meet with people and raise these funds for the last few months. The hardest part for me is that I am being encouraged to call people and set up meeting times or ask for support. I am having a hard time with this because I really don't like the idea of "cold calling". Here's the request I put out on Facebook this week:
I'm looking to set up some meetings this week. I'm looking for people that would be willing to stand behind me in this mission by supporting me on a monthly basis. Everything in me is having a hard time picking up the phone and making "cold calls" to ask for your support. If you would be willing to meet with me this week (in person or on the phone) and be willing to open your heart and mind to hear more about what I'll be doing, would you please call me or send me an email or a private FB message. I'll even buy you a cup of coffee
And, if not, would you be willing to pray for me? Pray that God would raise up the supporters that I need. Pray that he would do so in a way that brings Him all of the glory and honor. Pray boldly that this would all happen in order for me to start working this fall.
And, if not, would you be willing to pray for me? Pray that God would raise up the supporters that I need. Pray that he would do so in a way that brings Him all of the glory and honor. Pray boldly that this would all happen in order for me to start working this fall.
Thrivent Financial Benefit Garage Sale
On Saturday, August 16th, my friends David and Laurie Stay will be hosting a garage sale for my benefit. There are lots of ways you could help if you are interested.
- Pray for this fundraising event
- Donate items to sell
- Volunteer to help
- Make a financial donation
The times for the garage sale are as follows:
- Wednesday, August 13th - in the afternoon - pricing and sign making
- Friday, August 15th - 1:00 to 4:00pm - Set-up
- Friday, August 15th - 6:00 to 8:00pm - Friends and Family Sale
- Saturday, August 16th - 8:00am to 4:00pm - The big event!
Praises and Requests
Praises
- I'm about 36% funded, up from 23% last month.
- The music books that were requested from the GF team in Haiti were provided and delivered.
- An initial plan has been made toward setting up a band program in Haiti.
- There are a lot of nice things being donated for the Thrivent Financial Benefit garage sale.
- People are excited to about my mission and are choosing to stand with me.
- I'm learning Creole and have reached the point where I'm mentally trying to figure out, "how would I say that in Creole?"
- There are many, many more. We are in good health, our church is doing amazing things, our home project is going well, Andy has finished his class.
Requests
- God would provide the remaining 64% by the end of the summer so that I can start "working" this fall.
- God would help me to be patient while I wait on His perfect timing.
- God would be with my family while we transition into me working again.
- Continued good health.
- Protection from Satan's evil schemes.
