For those of you that have followed my blog for long, you have learned that the children of Haiti have stolen my heart. Recently I had the pleasure to speak with the founder of REBUILD globally, Julie Colombino, who is helping the kids of Haiti with the Impact Shoe. If you have ever been to Haiti or even seen pictures you would see that the terrain there can be rather difficult. Since the earthquake in 2010, much of the infrastructure has been reduced to rubble. It is not uncommon for the children of Haiti to walk great distances. Sometimes a couple of miles of rough mountainous terrain each day to attend school. Shoes donated from countries around the world do not always provide the wear they need. Shoes bought at the dollar store, or hand-me-downs might last in countries with roads and sidewalks, but not where rocks and debris make your path. Orlando-based nonprofit, REBUILD globally, announces a groundbreaking initiative to tackle the root causes of poverty in Haiti with a revolutionary new product: a school shoe made from re-purposed and recycled materials that enables children to pursue their education. It is estimated that 50% of the children of Haiti do not attend school due to costs. Costs of not only the school, but also the uniforms, and shoes. To solve this and other problems, REBUILD globally created a Haitian for-profit company named deux mains designs. As a nonprofit organization fighting poverty, REBUILD globally felt that by creating a local business in Port-au-Prince, that gives […]

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We spent the bulk of the day doing VBS at the Heart of Love School Our morning started out in a little traffic again. Prayers were answered this morning as we did not encounter near as much as yesterday. When we arrived at the school there were easily one hundred fifty to two hundred waiting for us. We were serenaded upon entering the school. Beautiful voices praising into the mountain tops. After brief introduction we performed the story of the Good Samaritan for the children. The laughter was almost as heartwarming as their singing. Once we were done making fools of ourselves we split the children into two groups. One group stayed in the school to work on crafts geared towards loving their neighbor. The other group, which I helped with went outside to play games with the children. It was fun playing games I have either never played, had not played since I was a child, or watched others play. Games like egg and spoon relays, over under and one that well ended up a mix between futbol, dodge ball, and hot potato. Once we were done playing games with the first group, we switched. It was so hot, the children were tired and a bit anxious. The second group was a bit hard to manage mainly because the children had their crafts to contend with. We then sent the last group back in and shared cookies and Gatorade with all the children and the parents that were there. There is nothing better than […]

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Last weekend we helped build a school, what did you do?

On Valentine’s Day while many were waiting hours to eat an over priced dinner. My bride and I spent the evening with fellow Christians that wanted to do more. The 2nd annual Valentine’s Day Gala by theVine.co was a night to remember.

The sole purpose of theVine.co is to raise money for their Mission and Outreach work locally and around the world. It is events like the Gala that make all their hard work possible. Last year enough was raised to buy a plot of land in Haiti. This year they raised funds to build a school and orphanage on that land.

At the Gala, we were greeted by rose barring kids. One of whom is from Haiti. There were numerous generous gifts donated by local companies. These items were being raffled off as well as silent auction items. All the proceeds were going to theVine.co.

Dinner was served with in several courses. Started off with bruschetta followed by a salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette. The main courses were comprised of either fish, chicken or steak. I opted for the steak, my wife the chicken. Both paired with mixed vegetables and potatoes. Desert was mini cupcakes and chocolate covered strawberries.

Towards the end of the meal, after Austin Adamec finished his musical set. Our emcee, local radio host Theresa from the Promise introduced our guest speaker. Many people know him as Javier (aka snake eyes) from the movie Courageous. He also starred in Mom’s Night Out. The one and only Robert Amaya.

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