Why Haiti? part 1

So I often get asked how I got connected with the orphanage in Haiti.  Here is my crazy story:

I had a Scentsy event (craft night to be exact) at my house one evening in October of 2011.  I had a newer team member attend.  As I was getting to know her, she began to share with me that she was working on adopting two children from Haiti.  I thought that was just great as we have experienced the growth of family through adoption.  While I thought it was sweet, I was not at all moved by our conversation.  She proceeded to tell me how she had never had the priviledge of meeting her children yet and she would be traveling there in December.  Again, sweet.

Well, December came and went and she did in fact visit her children.  I was anxious to see what a Haitian orphanage looked like so we scheduled a coffee date at Starbucks (surprise surprise) to look at her photos.
As I sat there looking at the precious faces our these angels, I was astounded.  You see, I know there are less fortunate in the world out there.  I do have a television.  I have seen those "Feed the Children" commercials but this was closer.  My new friend had been there.  She had first hand experience.  Still, no movement on my part.  This was "her thing" and I would support her however she needed.
At the close of the coffee date, she said, "Hey, I am taking a group with me in March.  We have plans to do blah, blah, blah."  I say "blah blah blah" because whatever she said at this point was insignificant to me.  I was going!  All of a sudden, I blurted out, "Okay, I'll go with you!"  She was a bit taken aback.  I don't know if it was from the fact that I was volunteering without being asked or if I had really just screamed that in her face.  Either way-I wondered who had just said that.  "I'll go with you?"  Did that come out of my mouth?  No.  I can't go to  Haiti!  I need my daily shower.  I need my makeup.  I need my hair dryer.  I need my comforts.  I walked away confused--really confused.  What had just happened?

Well, I was in it now.  I had obligated to do this.  I can't go back on that.  So the fundraising began.  I sent out letters to my closest friends and family.  I figured I needed about $2500 to be able to go.  The money slowly started coming in.  $50 here.  $20 there.  $25 there.  (Interestingly enough-my "living comfortably" friends sent some but my "live paycheck to paycheck" friends sent more and more and more as their budgets would allow from week to week.)  Before I knew it, I had the full amount needed an MORE!
About this time, I start getting reports that some of the other trip members are backing out.  We are not going to be able to do what we want.  Then my friend told me she wouldn't be going either.  It was a paperwork issue.  She needed to wait to travel until her dosier (adoption paperwork) was ready for hand-delivery.
So here I am.  Money in hand.  Ready to go.  And everyone else backs out?!?

"Lord, what am I supposed to do?  You called me to step out of my comfort zone.  I did!  I asked everyone I know for money and you prompted them to give.  What do I do now?  Send the orphanage the money I raised?  Get another group together?  I can't do that on this short of notice.  What do I do?"

He replied with one word-"GO!"

...to be continued...