There is a Dream

There is a dream in Haiti.

It is dream that there will be food on our tables and clothes on our backs.

There is a dream in Haiti.

It is a dream that I will be able to find work, and perhaps work with dignity.

There is a dream in Haiti.

It is a dream that because I have been helped I will be able to help my community.

There is a dream in Haiti.

It is a dream that the young people who are falling through the cracks will be able to go to school.

There is a dream in Haiti.

It is a dream that those without hope will find hope.

There is a dream in Haiti.

It is a dream that our youth will be disciples, young men and women of love and leadership.

We see this dream in the eyes of our friends and partners TiCarme, and Arnold and Rodrique.

We see this dream in the eyes of the 40 students who were the first ones rescued from the cracks;

who a year ago were desperate to get back in school;

who today are back in school!

15 months ago one of these students came to TiCarme and said, “TiCarme, you can help us!” And he was absolutely right. TiCarme is a leader in her community, they call her “Mayor.” TiCarme knows the needs, she knows the families and their stories, she knows the schools and the teachers. TiCarme knows what it takes for students to not simply survive, but to thrive. She also has Arnold and Rodrique who share her dream. But TiCarme was missing the financial resources to make the dream come to life.

14 months ago TiCarme called us. We were in Haiti for 8 months in 2001 and had remained friends ever since. TiCarme said, “I can't lay this on your heart, but God can. You can help us.” TiCarme's call came about a month after Al said to me, “I think God is calling us back to Haiti.” God was busy laying it on our hearts! We returned to Haiti in May to explore.

We were in Haiti again in February and met with the first 40 students of Mission: Help the Youth Get an Education. Four of them gave a speech. Each of them began with these words, “We thank God, first of all, for laying it on your hearts to help us, so that someday we can help others.”

Now it is our turn to say, “We can't lay it on your hearts, but God can...You can help us.” Like TiCarme we can't do it alone. We need partners here in the United States...people with resources to share in the dream. You may not think you have much to offer, but together...we can help.

Do you want to be part of making the dream come true? Is God laying it on your heart?

Perhaps you need a trip to explore, like we did. We invite you to join us on a trip with a mission. We are planning trips for May, July and November to build friendship and partnership bridges. You will be able to see for yourself what God is accomplishing in the country of Haiti, in a village called Neply.  Contact us if you want more information at hollyschutlois@gmail.com  

I wonder what God will lay on your heart.