friends with big heARTs

I will not leave you as orphans.
I will come to you.
- John 14:18-

"We can't take any credit for our talents.
It's how we use them that counts."
- Madeline L'Engle - A Wrinkle in Time

One of the biggest gifts that teachers have is time off during the summers.

Some spend that time investing in their families. Some do professional development by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars. Some get second jobs. Some respond to a nudge from God to go out into the world and serve people living in other countries.

I am so proud to say that my dear friends Mollye Crowell and Bethany Rountree are in that last category, a special one to be sure.

You may remember seeing horrifying pictures of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that happened just outside Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, in January of last year. It killed tens of thousands of people and left countless children orphaned. With all of the other natural disasters that have taken place since then, the media blitz about helping Haiti has faded - but the situation there still remains grim.

Mollye and Bethany are currently en route to Canaan Orphanage in Montrouis, Haiti, a special community that takes care of and educates over 100 children, many of whom were orphaned by the 2010 earthquake.

While they are at Canaan, Mollye and Bethany will be teaching art to these precious children - children that simply don't have the opportunities or the resources to express themselves creatively.

I can't imagine how powerful it will be to watch a three year old's eyes light up when he draws a fat, wobbly line with a bright blue marker. Or seeing a ten year old girl discover her creative potential through watercolor painting. Or seeing a sad and lonely middle school boy become transformed by an unknown talent for drawing.

God is at work through Mollye and Bethany, through Canaan Orphanage, and through art. I can't wait to see and hear about all the work He accomplishes this summer because of their willingness to go, to serve, and to love on God's children.

If you want to follow Mollye and Bethany on their journey, check out their blog:
http://bethanyandmollye.blogspot.com/

Now I know:
My friends have big heARTs.