connie collins' journal ~ day 2

Had a very busy first day - unpacked our bags to find out what we salvaged from 10 of the 22 bags we tried to bring with us - amazing how much stuff we were able to cram into the 10 bags we did bring. We set up for our first day of teaching tomorrow in the school. Had our first bumpy, bumpy tap-tap ride (the local bus system - a small truck with two benches - with as many people crammed in as possible and no shocks). Our police escort - Clark - took us to see the presidential palace and the cathedral - both in ruins. Saw tent village after tent village crammed in wherever there was space. So much ruin and squalor, but also so much beauty and culture in the most unexpected places.


Also had a fourth of July party here with the families and the locals that live in the compound - chicken BBQ with Haitian food and American hot dogs.

Time to hit the sack...Thanks for your prayers and thoughts

Talk soon

Connie

May 25 2010 - $20,000.00

Have you ever had a dream? I am not sure I have dreamt this one before but as I live I have never known this. To know that your life has been timed out to meet a particular need in the world is over the top. I cannot put words how it feels to reach an amount in fundraising for Haiti that we've never met before. I do not take the credit - but I do say "thank-you!" Thank you to all of you! You who bought a shirt and  wear it proud, you adopted a bear to give to a child in Haiti. thank you! To the school children here who have listened and learned about a country where children wake up to hungry bellies and sad hearts - I thank you, children of KW and Canada. I am proud and satisfied. As we go into our final 5 weeks before we leave ... please continue to donate and continue to open your minds and hearts to children in need. Children who have parents, and children who do not. Children who want to learn and children who suffer. Children just like you!
Follow our journey as we leave July 3.

It's time!

OK. Now that I cannot count on the "famous" to promote Lespwa we are taking on a whole new campaign for the month of June. Adopt a Bear has been running for 3 weeks now and we have raised an awesome amount of money for the children of Haiti. If you adopt a bear, name it, donate an amount of money, and write a message to a child, a very grateful child in Haiti will have your support and your bear! email me at jcrone1051@rogers to Adopt a Bear or to buy a Lespwa T shirt. We leave July 3!!!

The wind

We leave July 3 to travel to Haiti. I am not with an organization. I'm a woman ... trying to make a difference one life at a time. Sometimes I feel I have lived for my moments with Haitian children: children crying and begging in desperation, on the street. I did,nt know that leaving ones mark on the world unfolds so easily. It is a gift to see how your skills and compassion for others can have such value in a fourth world country. It feels like a strong wind that passes quickly and lasts for ... moments cut into time ... moments that matter. I can make a difference in lives when I stop and feel that wind.

Ellen ... and handlers

I am Canadian! I realize that you are "busy". I am too! So here is the deal....I have great made in Canada Lespwa shirts for your audience! If you would like to support this excellent cause...and add to the amount I am hand delivering Haiti...please contact me. I leave July 3 from Toronto Ontario. I AM making a difference but I need your help. I know many people of this world have causes. I am a woman of faith, HOPE and passion extending a Canadian 'eh' to you and hope that you will contact me. I am not a stalker! ;) I'm a Canadian Special Education teacher ... with heart and HOPE for children.

PS: did you receive my t-shirts?

can you buy hope?

when you purchase a lespwa t-shirt you:

- send a child to school
- buy food for a child and his/her family
- buy textbooks and school supplies for children
- buy medicine for a sick child
- show a child that you care- buy lespwa (HOPE) for a child's future

Contact me at: jcrone1051@rogers.com to buy a made in Canada bamboo or cotton t-shirt.

Join the wave of Lespwa! CTV did! SunLife Financial did! and you can too!!!

It's a new month and a new sales amount...drum roll!

Sales in shirts have hit $14,000.00! Our teaching team goes to Haiti in July, including a new teacher coming along this summer for her first Haiti experience. I am not sure what to expect once there. It does sound grim for those who are trying to live normal lives there. I am sure things will not feel the same. We want to provide the teaching staff of Three Angels with as much support as possible. We want to build them up in character, dignity and spirit! If you have any items to donate please contact me! I would love to sell more shirts before we leave! I am now selling shirts in the USA. Tell your friends about the T shirt drive. The shirts are selling themselves! I have high hopes and even higher Lespwas! :)