It Takes A Village

It's been a little while since my last blog. For those of you that have been checking, I do apologize. However, I have been busy! Last weekend, our Youth Group participated in World Vision's 30 Hour Famine! I was an Organizer and Leader and all I can say is WOW!! We have some of the most compassionate young minds in the world! If I had the strength and courage to be even half as compassionate as they are, when I was their age, I would be a very different person today! We were able to raise over $1100 dollars! With $1 being enough to feed and care for a child for a day, you do the math. Amazing right?! 

 These amazing young people know how to be compassionate, caring, giving, loving, and kind because God placed great examples before them. Each of them has someone in their life that makes them want something better for others.

"I want to go to Haiti because in sixth grade I found out that an older guy in my youth group went and I heard him talk about how amazing and life-changing of an experience it was. This year is the first year that my parents consider me old enough to go, and the recent death of that person makes me feel like God is calling me to go and see for myself what changed his life so that by changing other lives, my life can be changed as well." - Emma

"I have been wanting to go on another mission trip since the second I came home after my first in 2009. We were doing an awesome bible study, Experiencing God, and all I could feel was a huge calling to go serve! I am living such a blessed life and I want to pour out the love and hope that Christ instills in me every day to the Haitians." - Lauren

"I am SO blessed to live the life I live. Even though some people wouldn't agree, I love my life and wouldn't change a thing. And to spend at least one week of my life helping others that weren't as blessed as me, would mean the world to me." - Anna

"...the strong will of God, the 'push' I felt to go was incredible I wanted to put every fiber of my being into Gods plan and be there for those people! I know its God who makes me want to help these people so badly, that is why I am so willing throw myself into His plans. I want nothing more than to please my God and right now I know this is what He wants of me." - Katie

See what I mean? It's the society, the people that we choose to surround ourselves with that help us to open our eyes to God's calling. He not only commanded us to help our fellow man, he instilled a true yearning to fulfill it!

I grew up in a less than desirable situation and I whole-heartedly believe that I have the beautiful life I live, because of the people that chose to listen to the calling that God gave them. So many people saw the need in my family, and in me, and they stepped up! Today, I am "paying it forward" and planting the seeds of opportunity for others.  

During this year's trip to Haiti, we will be conducting VBS!! I have been asked to help organize and I am so excited! In speaking with a good friend of mine about how excited the children get when they see themselves in digital photos, she noted that most of them may have no idea what they look like. Most mirrors are made of glass and I don't recall seeing any outside of the hospital we stayed in. Can you imagine having no idea what your own face looks like?! So, I am on a mission for a mission! We are currently looking to make shatterproof mirrors for the children. I would love to write something on them about being "beautifully made" to go along with the message that we are made in His image.  

We are also focused on getting the foundation of the new school in Momance setup, again. We are back at ground zero with this project since our materials were destroyed.  Once the school is completed, the children will have access to an education and the building will be used for church service, as well as Sunday School and VBS. This school is more than a building to our Haitian family. This building is an opportunity to grow in spirituality and knowledge. 

These projects aren't possible without the love and support of our "Village".   No matter how you choose to show your support, it will make a difference!! Every prayer, kind word, and/or dollar donated, allows us to fulfill the calling that God has given each of us! All that I can ask is that you look into your heart, say a prayer, and help us help others as you are comfortable doing. We are an extension of your kindness and we would never turn away your support. You can make a difference!! We will show you how!

Thank you for your time and attention! I know that there are a million other things going on in everyone's world these days. I really appreciate even a kind thought! God bless!!

~ Genia

Ways to give:

Mail check and/or words of positivity to:

Hamilton Mill Presbyterian Church
C/O: Haiti Fund - Genia Davis
5152 Braselton Hwy
Hoschton, GA 30548 

or

See the PayPal Giving Widget to the right! Your personal information is safe and secure. You can even donate anonymously!

Contact me at gmdavis81@gmail.com for more information!

As always, thank you for your support!!

 

Good Enough and Not Giving Up!

You can't make people care, or even pretend to care, about things that they aren't willing to let into their life. However, you can demonstrate to them how actively caring can change their life. I have found that many people choose not to allow themselves to care because they don't feel as though they are good enough. At some point, life has led them to believe that they are not good enough to make a difference. Now they find that trying to be a caring person leaves them feeling vulnerable. To some of you reading this, my statements are difficult to process. 

Why am I sharing this with you? Well, I was once a person afraid to care. The risk associated with opening myself up, to show that I cared, was debilitating. Things changed for me when God put a calling in my heart. He was constantly whispering to me that I was good enough! So, I stepped out in faith and haven't looked back yet.

Last year, I took that huge step in my faith. I dared to believe that I was good enough to help people in Haiti lead better lives. Money was tight because I had lost my job just a few months before making this decision yet, I managed to pay for half of the trip on my own. Then, a sponsor pushed for my first "big step" to be successful by funding the remaining balance! Before I knew it, I had a plane ticket for Haiti in my name!

Me and two of my dear team mates/family during a hike to a village in the mountains!

The trip was amazing! Haiti opened my eyes to so many aspects in life. The people are vibrant, loving, gracious, and proud. They live in hovels constructed of left over rubble, their health is fair (at best), and food is sparse. Everyone was grateful just for me to check their temperature. And there I was, wondering if I was good enough. I was good enough for them! This realization has had a steadfast hold on my heart yet, I thought I had to do this all on my own.

John was 13 years old and thrilled to show us how much english he knew!

This year, I almost gave up. This year, I learned that other people think I'm good enough as well! I am happy and grateful to report that my balance is paid in full!!! Haiti will have me the last week of June, this year! This was made possible by sponsors that have faith in me to be good enough for the people of Haiti! These sponsors will never know how much this means to me! Every moment I spend in Haiti will be done in the best possible way to represent the wonderful people that put me there!

The fundraising isn't over yet! I can't quit now! I am only one person and we need our team and building supplies. Momance, Haiti needs a school and it is a huge part of our mission to give it to them! Please help anyway you can. Even a $5 donation is helpful!


Thank you to my sponsors and to everyone for your continued love and support!

God Bless!

~ Genia

Ways to give:

Mail check and/or words of positivity to:

Hamilton Mill Presbyterian Church
C/O: Haiti Fund - Genia Davis
5152 Braselton Hwy
Hoschton, GA 30548 

or

See the PayPal Giving Widget to the right! Your personal information is safe and secure. You can even donate anonymously!

Contact me at gmdavis81@gmail.com for more information!

As always, thank you for your support!!

I Need You!

Possibly the three most difficult words to put together out loud. Until recently, I hadn't realized that mission trips are just as much about asking for help, as they are about helping others. In my mind, this work was about how much I could improve the lives of others with my own hard work. This was the worst way of thinking about missionary work.

Yesterday, I was willing to give up. Heart broken, defeated, disappointed, and ashamed, I laid on my sofa in tears. Having discussed all of the bills that have to be paid prior to this trip, my husband knew why I was falling apart. So, he posted on Facebook how he felt and how I was struggling. The responses were amazing!!

To think, all this time I have spoken about how much Haiti needs your support when I should have been stating how much I need your support! I was wrong to discount the people that I surround myself with. You are the network that compares to no other! In a matter of a couple of hours, the encouragement I received breathed new life into this dream of mine! While this post isn't full of facts or that much about Haiti, it may be my most honest post yet. I still owe a sizable balance but I want to say thank you to everyone that has shown their support, in one way or another (you know who you are)!

Fundraising will continue and funds received beyond the amount needed to get me to Haiti will go towards our account for building materials. We were recently notified that the materials we left in Momance, for the school, have been destroyed. We are back at square one.

Thank you all, again! I am humbled by your generosity and support. Thank you for teaching me how to be the light!

Ways to give:

Mail check and/or words of positivity to:

Hamilton Mill Presbyterian Church
C/O: Haiti Fund - Genia Davis
5152 Braselton Hwy
Hoschton, GA 30548 

or

See the PayPal Giving Widget to the right! Your personal information is safe and secure. You can even donate anonymously!

Contact me at gmdavis81@gmail.com for more information!

As always, thank you for your support!! 

A Missionary’s Mission Statement Revealed

James 2: 14-17:

"What good is it my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you say to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep well fed' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, by faith itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

What does this say to you? Read it… let it sink in. How does it apply to you? As you may have noticed, this verse is the header to this blog. What could be a better Mission Statement to a missionary?! It’s easy to lose sight of the task at hand when you’re faced with the many emotions that overwhelm you. Beyond the emotions are the doubts and hurdles that take hold of you. These are the times that this verse can be a light in the darkness. It’s a reminder that helping your fellow man isn’t meant to be easy but it is necessary.

Preparation is more than packing your bags and clinging to your passport. Preparation takes soul searching, prayer, research, team meetings, doctor’s appointments, family discussions, financial planning, supply purchasing, travel planning, and so much more. As in life, these preparations don’t always go as planned. There are only so many hours in the day and so many responsibilities that require your time. (Keep in mind that we don’t get paid to do this. This all happens in our free time.) Where do you place your attention each day? There is no perfect science to balancing your life between your responsibilities and the calling God places in your heart. Defeat starts to close in on you and doubt plays with your mind. These two go into play while you find yourself in the field as well. As a mother, I found it very difficult to keep thoughts of my own children separate from the faces of the children we saw each day. The devastation lingers and creates a feeling of hopelessness. You wonder how far your current deeds will carry. Can you really make a difference? Are you truly a key player in bringing hope and opportunity to a community so deeply wounded?  

Then, that moment comes along. Smiles from the children that love you already, just because they know that you are there for them! The open arms of an elderly woman who is thanking God for you and won’t be satisfied until she has hugged you tightly! Witnessing the walls come down in a young mother who only wants to know that she is doing the best thing for her children, and being confirmed by your smile! The happy work of a man with a shovel in his hand because, for the first time in a long time, he feels like a proud provider for his family! The reality of your hard work comes to light! These are the seeds that you are planting. Positivity, hope, strength, opportunity … separately, these are just words. The actions behind these words make them tools! Actions make them affective!

Missionaries have a strong calling in their heart to act. It is due to this calling that we can take your kindness, love, and support, and give them life in a world very different than our own! We do it because deeply rooted in our souls and tied to our hearts is the message found in James 2: 14-17.

"What good is it my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you say to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep well fed' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, by faith itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." 

Thank you again for reading!!

~ Genia 

Ways to give:

Mail check and/or words of positivity to:

Hamilton Mill Presbyterian Church
C/O: Haiti Fund - Genia Davis
5152 Braselton Hwy
Hoschton, GA 30548 

or

See the PayPal Giving Widget to the right! Your personal information is safe and secure. You can even donate anonymously!

Contact me at gmdavis81@gmail.com for more information!

As always, thank you for your support!! 

Are You the Way Out?

It's been a little while since my last post. Funny how time has a way of getting away from you. With a full time job, three children, a husband and all that comes with it, your focus constantly shifts to the things that are immediate. As I think about this with a warm cup of coffee in my hand, comfy sofa under my tush, and Wipe Out on the television, I am reminded of how easy my life really is. Haitian life is so very different.

A home in Momance, Haiti.

Haitian Dirt Cookies. (made with real dirt)

Imagine a day when your only chore is simply to survive. You don't have a job because employment opportunities do not exist. Your stomach aches with hunger and you are weak. The last thing you ate was a simple piece of bread, two days ago. You do not find comfort in your home because your home has missing sections of roof, holes in the floor, and crumbling walls. Yet, other Haitians still consider you one of the lucky ones! You still have your limbs and health, though you don't know for how much longer. Your housing consists of more than plastic sheets and you can, at least, remember the last time you ate. Yet, you all have one thing in common. Each of you hopes for an opportunity. You know that money will only go so far and that in your country's current state, no amount of money will be enough to make a difference. The deficit is too great. BUT... If someone could give you the tools... If someone would show you the way... If someone would have a little faith in you... You could find your way out! You could build the future of Haiti! 

Who could that someone be? Where would that someone come from? What could that someone do? 

Back to reality... 
You can be that someone! The hope and faith comes from YOU! Your step in faith can change the life of many more than you know! While they may never know your name, they will know that you are their supporter. Your donation to our mission trip fund, assists in sending almost 30 Missionaries to Haiti to help with medical, housing, and educational needs. Please look into your heart and give as fully as you feel God's call. If you cannot give at this time, your prayers and positive words are always appreciated! Our work is an extension of your support!

Ways to give:

Mail check and/or words of positivity to:

Hamilton Mill Presbyterian Church
C/O: Haiti Fund - Genia Davis
5152 Braselton Hwy
Hoschton, GA 30548 

or

See the PayPal Giving Widget to the right! Your personal information is safe and secure. You can even donate anonymously!

Contact me at gmdavis81@gmail.com for more information!

As always, thank you for your support!! 

~ Genia 

 

Operation Love The Children of Haiti

Children gather around to watch as fluoride treatments are performed.

Our mission trips aren't only focused on visiting Momance to build a school and performing mobile medical clinics in the Leogane area. We also visit orphanages to offer our assistance in collecting medical data and, of course, to play with all the awesome little ones! They are so joyous and beautiful! Last September, I had the extreme pleasure of visiting an orphanage run by Operation Love the Children of Haiti! I thought it was only appropriate to share them with you!

This amazing organization is headed-up by the most humble and giving woman I have ever met. Her name is Jasmin Martinson. She loves these children so deeply that she left the comfort of her home and family in Florida, for the less desirable location of Haiti, to ensure that the orphaned children of Haiti knew what it was to be loved and cared for. She and her husband, Greg Martinson, founded OLTCH in 2008 and have been dedicated to the children ever since. Children in her care receive daily meals and medical treatment, as well as an education, which is very difficult to come by elsewhere. Jasmin is very focused on preparing the children for brighter futures. Personally, I was amazed at how well the children understood English and could speak to us! This was all possible because of the love and dedication that Jasmin has shown to them. There were over 40 children in the orphanage the day of our visit and Jasmin could tell you all about each one of them! I have 3 children and often confuse them for one another! Imagine my astonishment!

Me holding one of OLTCH's angels.

Operation Love The Children of Haiti is also focused on helping children find their new homes. They assist in placing children with families that are called to adopt. You can visit their website to learn about how they are working to do good things in the lives of these children. 

OLTCH does depend on the kindness of volunteers. During our visit, our group obtained each child's height, weight, and head circumference to help them understand how the children were growing and help identify which ones may be at risk for other health concerns. We also provided fluoride treatments in an effort to help improve and protect their little teeth. Upon our departure, we left all of our documented information with Jasmin for other groups to reference and for her to keep on record. 

Visits like this are made possible by supporters, like you. This June, we will return to OLTCH to followup and offer our time and energy for any needs that we may be able to fulfill. All of the materials we bring with us are paid for by us or provided by donors. Will you help us do as much of God's good deeds as possible? Every little bit counts. Please see the Paypal widget to your right, to donate. Your information is 100% secure! 

Visit OLTCH!

Operation Love The Children of Haiti is in no way affiliated with this blog. Everything written above is from my own personal opinions and from information provided on their website. If you are interested in learning more about this beautiful organization, please visit them at http://www.operationlovethechildrenofhaiti.org/#!. You can even make donations to ensure that the meals and medical treatments continue!

Thank you for reading!!

~ Genia

A Program Worth Noting

It's been a little while since my last post but it's because I have something in my heart that is so difficult to put into words. This is especially true when I know that you cannot see my face or hear my voice to know how deeply I feel about this topic that I will soon post. 

In the mean time, I want to share this amazing program with you. While visiting in Haiti, we had the opportunity to meet up with a key representative of Children's Nutrition Program of Haiti. Along side this amazing group of people, we are able to share information and bring help to those that need it. They recently started a blog and I am thrilled to share it with you! CNP (Children's Nutrition Program) sees that Haiti's children are the future and they are compassionate about doing what they can to see that these children flourish. Below is a link to their blog. Please read, even one post, to see what good there is in the world! They post to be inspiring, not depressing, so don't worry about the guilt trip that so many people fear, where charities are concerned. There's nothing to lose and a new view of another part of the world to gain!

Thank you for reading!

~ Genia

What are waiting for?! Check them out!

http://cnphaiti.blogspot.com/