Fishing class? Or Purse Party. You decide the title..It's kind of both.

Ok readers, you already know my heart for Haiti.

IF you've been reading here for more than a minute, you know what I am talking about. If you've talked to me for more than 10 minutes since July 2008, then you know what I am talking about.

You can read my declaration of love as it happened here.


Well here's something I love that I just can't help but share.....


On my last trip I was fortunate enough to get to visit Heartline Haiti. What an amazing ministry this is. I got to meet Sheila and see the place where the Pre-natal classes, Literacy classes, and Sewing classes happen. I also got the opportunity to meet some of the students and their children. All I can say is, WOW. Here is a program that is not just giving the women of Haiti a fish, but teaching them how to fish (sew) so that they can take care of themselves.

Briefly, the women take a sewing class at Heartline. As they progress, they make bags and purses, which are then sold. The money is then split up-part going directly to the woman, the ministry and part going into a savings account. That way, the woman can eventually buy her own sewing machine. And guess what? It's working!

Directly from the Heartline Haiti site:

"Our first sewing class started on February 18, 2008 with fifteen women and seven graduated. Five of the women who graduated have started to earn money from their sewing skills. Even those who did not complete the class have gained skills that are allowing them to earn some money. Three of the graduates have earned enough money to purchase their own sewing machines. In fact, one woman has made enough money that she has been able to bring her children back from the village so that they can live with her and have her raise them. Within a six month time frame she has earned about 6 years worth of wages (half of it going back to her business). None of the women that started the program were able to provide for their families before the class. Most of them worked as merchants buying and selling products, but unfortunately, most of the merchants end up in debt to those who provide them goods as they are unable to sell enough goods at a high enough price. This class has been a miracle for these ladies as they can now provide for their families in a positive and healthy way.

We are allowing the women who graduate from the sewing class the option to work at our facility several days during the week when our facility is not being used by other programs. We provide the material, machine and a safe place and then each woman gets to keep 50% of the sales proceeds from each item they make. We currently have an onsite store to sell the bags and other items made by the women. As women earn enough money they will buy their own machines and be able to work out of their homes."


After having been to Haiti and seeing the ministry and some of the women it's impacting, reading this is enough to bring me to tears. Teaching these women a skill is saving their lives, and that of their children. This and education of/for the children of Haiti are vital to improving life in Haiti and changing things for the better. Without education the options for earning a living are minimal. Education is so important.

Another way you can help is by sponsoring a student (child) at Three Angels Christian Academy. I've written about this before, and will continue to do so, periodically, because in order to improve things in Haiti we must educate the children. You've heard it said that children are our future-well it's true-they are the future leaders of Haiti. $27 a month can send a child to school and change the future.


Back to the purses.....

Consider this your invitation to an online purse party. There is no hostess gift or program. I am just spreading the word to see if we can't help more people.

I got to see a variety of these purses and bags in person and they are great, one of a kind items. I love them.

So, if you're shopping for a bag or a purse, check this out (go here to shop) and DO something GOOD while you're at it.

Even if you're not shopping for a bag or purse, check it out anyway. Do good, anyway.


I love it.

:-)