Wow, do I ever feel the exhaustion of these trips the first day home. Adrenaline is a crazy chemical, it keeps me high for weeks and as soon as my feet hit American soil, I am a zombie!
I was not in Haiti for very long this trip, only about 10 days, which was hard for me because of how busy everything is, hectic, hot, everyone working, teams in and out of the mission, me trying to get video and stills in the middle of it all.
Sams family is fully moved into their new home and it looks amazing. The view is incredible, the tranquility of the area in which they live is breathtaking. They seem so happy there and it is a joy to watch the kids playing in their yard, Sams mom cooking on her stove, everyone sitting on the front porch laughing and enjoying each other. This is such a blessing and almost indescribable the pure joy.
I also went to see the land that Up from Under purchased for Pepe, it is just below the HCM village where Sam lives. We were able to show his mother Emania and brother Weddz for the first time too. I think that Emania was so touched and so in awe of the fact that this is where she would cal home, a view so incredible that photos do not do it justice. She spoke on the interview about where she came from as a child and then her circumstances so far in life in PAP. She is so proud of her son, I can see it when she looks at him. Sometimes I think she is lost for words in expressing how much she not only loves Pepe but appreciates his sacrifice for his family and all he has done to make their lives better. I can’t wait to get his house built and get them moved in! Pepe is attending the WISE school in St. Vincent in September so we are hoping to have the funding by the end of the summer! Nations Photo Lab and their team have joined forces with us to make this happen!! Thank you so much NPL for recognizing the importance of their lives and committing to spreading the word to your clients about participating in serving this family!
Sonson’s house is almost complete! I got to go and walk through with his family and envision how beautiful this house is going to be. They are itching to move in and we only have $2000 to raise before they can do that!! They are still living in the tents because of only 2k!!! I know its possible to raise this too if we all put our hearts together! They have to finish the floor and the doors and windows as well as the plumbing. This is a very exciting time and I will post photos later today of the new house so you all can see the fruits of your labor!!
The fundraiser is full speed ahead!!! DC Magazine is on board as a local supporter along with Nations Photo Lab, Bryan Voltaggio, RJ Cooper, Mike Isibela, Matt Hill, Spike Gjerde and our newest sponsor CHEVY!!! We have some other goodies in the pot that are simmering so please be praying!! Our photographer list is growing and some of the work that has come in for the auction is incredible!! We will announce the photographer list as it is completely pulled together! Eric Hilton from Thievery Corporation has also joined with us to do the music, what a blessing to have his talents part of the mix!
I leave for Miami the end of August for a TV interview with Comcast NBC on a show called Newsmakers with Spero Canton. God is bringing in these amazing opportunities for Up from Under and the more the story is shared, the sooner we will have these homes built! Press is not an easy thing for me, I get so nervous, but I understand the importance of sharing your story, not just through photos but there is power in the spoken word and being vulnerable and open with my experience.
So I am hoping that by the end of August , the remaining amount needed of $2000 will be funded directly from Facebook! How cool would it be to show that via social networking, and all of you, were were not only able to start a house but finish it directly from the funds through our FB family!! Please share this note and direct everyone to http://upfromunder.org for more information!
I love you all and stay tuned for photos!!
Peace and Love
Nicole
