{Creating} Hope for Cambodia

I have a dear friend, Marti, whom I believe is a walking, talking, earth-bound angel. Five years ago, she began a fundraiser called Creating Hope for Cambodia in order to keep kids in school past the 5th grade and out of sex trafficking. Marti has made several mission trips to Cambodia and has seen in person the poverty and the desperate need for help. Keeping kids in school saves their lives. Period. And guess what?  I want in! I want to save lives...I want to use my gifts to be God's hands and feet in order to help. Two years ago, I donated art pieces and last year I helped put together jars of coconut oil scented with essential oils... but little voice inside my head kept urging: "There's more you can do." I answered that call; I made a personal commitment to design a piece of art just for the fundraiser. Then I verbally commited my idea to Marti and to God. I just knew with His love and support, I could make this really special.  And here we are almost a year later and I'm happy to share what I have come up with, using Creating Hope for Cambodia's theme verse: Seek Justice. Love Mercy. Walk Humbly. Micah 6:8. 

                                  

Designing this piece has been an amazing journey. It has strengthened my relationship with the Lord. I prayed for the talent and the confidence to pursue my commitment. I didn't get it right with the first two pieces that I designed. He urged me to keep going. When I prayed that I didn't want to let Him down...I heard His voice in my head "My child, you could never let me down."  His love and support is undeniable. 

 I couldn't wait to show Marti! We had met two weeks earlier and I showed her the two pieces I had designed. I told her then that I knew those weren't right. I knew I could do better. This time I was sure I had it right. I was sure she would agree. Oh, and she did! The tears in her eyes and the goose bumps on her skin told me so. Now, He's provoded me with the confidence I prayed for.

Now for the next step: having this piece professionally printed to have multiples to sell at the fundraiser. This was the hard part. Designing this piece took my time, which I gave happily, but now I needed money to pay for the scanning and to pay for the prints. So, I prayed. I sold some of my kids' clothes and came up with $56. Then I asked John, at Rochester Framing and Fine Art Printing if he would consider donating the cost of the scan, which would have been $50. He said YES!! Just like that, YES!! Then my order from that day was $50 even...I had that in my pocket from the clothes. What?! Oh, yes, my friends, HE WILL PROVIDE. It came time to pick up my prints and pay my balance and I was feeling pretty good about things; my mom had won $50 dollars the week before and sent me half and I was putting that directly toward the prints. I was already feeling so blessed and grateful and then Valerie, co-owner with John, said, "you had a $25 credit from last February."  Oh my goodness! I tried not to get choked up, but I managed to tell her that I had just come from bible study at church and the ladies and I had just praised God for donation that John had so generously given. He has provided once again. 

My heart is so full. This journey has been an honor. The prints are gorgeous- I coudn't be happier with them. These babies are priced to sell! I will have 4x6 prints ($10 each), 2 framed prints ($20 each) and gray-stained wood blocks with the print adhered ($12 each). This print will only be available at this fundraiser.

My artwork is just one of many handmade items available at the fundraiser. I have full intentions of purchasing many Chirstmas gifts there! From baked goods to knitted items to jewelry and tutus, there's a little something for everyone.

      

Creating Hope for Cambodia

Saturday, November 14, 2015

9am-1pm

Christ Community Church

4400 55th Street NW 55901

Come early! Its just a 4 hour sale and items sell very quickly!

Please see Creating Hope for Cambodia's Facebook page for more info and pictures of the handmade items as they come in!