Growing up in a family of entrepreneurs and leaders fostered a passion within me for creativity and innovation. I am currently taking an entrepreneurship class at my university and designing the business plan for my dream that has been years of prayer in the making. This is not to say my current idea will be the final result but I believe the Lord will continue to grow and develop this vision as I go.
That is where I need your help! After reading this summary of my plans and hopes for this ministry please fill out the quick survey at the end! Your contribution will help me guide my decisions and pitch the idea to potential partners and donors. __________________ Meraki: to do something with soul, creativity or love. The Meraki Cafe business model consists of a cafe paired with an art studio/store. The employees of this non-profit would be young women who have aged out of the foster-care system or been rescued from human trafficking. These women often have no where to go and get pulled back into the vicious trafficking cycle. The girls would run the cafe with supervision and be trained to teach step by step lessons to clients who want to create professional-quality paintings/signs/etc. The schedule and theme of these lessons would be posted on a website for people to reserve spots in each class. The cafe would function as any other, with an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere and a variety of drinks and treats. Items created by the women would also be sold on the website: paintings, sketches, jewelry, writings, etc. This system would teach the women business, interpersonal and financial skills as well as providing them with a family to support them in pursuit of their God-given purpose. The money they earn would then be put toward their college education. On top of this, the ministry will involve mentorship and discipleship training. Not only will these women have Bible studies to deepen their understanding of Christ's love, but they will also be taught leadership skills to help the next girls entering the program. Please help me make this vision a reality with your thoughts in this survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScmevSo5FMnnXYXKUSzu1ct6KGfBfQB-gOZr8GvmV_BX_db2w/viewform?usp=sf_link #mission #business #empower
0 Comments
While hiking in Uganda, I collected crystals from the red dirt. I was exploring with some kiddos who were working at a local stone quarry. You can read about one of their testimonies on my post : Rocky. With these crystals I have created one of a kind necklaces. I have a LIMITED supply so leave a comment if you are interested! As mentioned in my previous post, I am raising money for my trip to Ecuador and I am asking for donations of $20 or more. These would make perfect gifts with a special story. The necklaces will be gift-wrapped with a thank you note and a written link to the post about Emmanuel's story. Thank you for your support! This spring I will be studying abroad in the beautiful country of Ecuador!
As many of you know I have been drawn to latino culture and the Spanish language since I was a young girl. (Some even say I was born into the wrong ethnicity). Nonetheless, I have been given the opportunity to make my dream a reality next semester by fully immersing in this culture I have come to love. My time there will be spent taking classes in Spanish (shocking), latin history, latin dance, language and culture, and I will be doing work with orphans and vulnerable children. I need to raise funds to fly to Ecuador and fully experience the culture once there. In order to do this, I am selling sketches! Need a PRESENT for someone this Christmas that is unique and helping someone at the same time? Want an artistic card/stationary? Do YOU just love art? Look no further. I am accepting any DONATION toward my trip as the price for these pieces. I hope you will partner with me in prayer and whatever other means possible. Also, please keep up to date on my adventures by reading my blog as I share what amazing things the Lord will do! I am also selling unique handmade necklaces that contain the crystals I collected while hiking in Uganda. Check them out on my post My Handmade Necklaces for Sale. #travel #business #art #diy #Uganda #Ecuador My heels ached and droplets of sweat rolled down my neck onto one of the only professional blouses I own. Nonetheless, that pencil skirt and those strappy shoes could not hide the childish giggles that escaping my mouth as I turned the corner. Milky white walls, smooth as ice rose up before my wide eyes. Their mass and solidity were softened by intricate designs boasting of a skillful artistry. Swirls and loops topped the majestic buildings before me that we unlike anything I had yet seen. Even the words inscribed upon these marble surfaces beautifully boasted of equality and justice. Though I have traveled the sufficient amount to keep my wanderlust at bay, I was struck by the aesthetic architecture right here in my nation’s capital. A rush of adrenaline coursed through me as I explored with one friend, two feet and google maps. Eight miles in heels was the price to experience these structures in their crowning glory, but no part of me (except the blisters on my feet) regretted it. It was as if each structure beckoned me to lean in so it could whisper its story in my ear. To my dismay, this unplanned excursion was restricted within our 1.5 hour break from inspiring sessions I did not want to miss. As the clock neared three, my friend and I rushed back from the White House and ran out of data in a narrowly successful attempt to summon an Uber. We slipped in the church doors just past due and joined our fellow travelers as Matt began to share with us how we could use our knowledge and passions for effective change. One hundred people from various locations had gathered in Washington D.C. for the Justice Institute. This was not for convenience sake. (It was halfway across the country and a hurricane was barreling our direction.) But rather, the location was strategic. This was unlike any conference I had ever experienced in that there was no sugar-coating information or dumbing it down to appease a crowd. No question was off limits and difficult issues were intentionally discussed and dissected rather than dismissed. Our focus involved three people groups: refugees, immigrants at our borders and dreamers. Some of you may know that all three of these populations hold a special place in my heart. For those of you who read my post “International Mission in the Local Community” you know the specific story of my friend’s children who have been separated from her for an undetermined amount of time because of documentation. My heart aches for those kiddos as they wrestle with life apart from their generous mama who brought my El Salvadorian food that some of you unknowingly tasted at my graduation party. Burmese refugees who I have come to know closely in Fort Wayne recently invited me into their home to share a meal and celebrate their holiday though I brought them nothing. World Relief has been working with refugee resettlement for years and their representatives led us in educational sessions informing the group about what is truly happening in these spheres. Though voices echo through the streets warning of the potential threat refugees bring to our nation not one refugee has ever taken an American life. Many speak out in frustration against drug cartels and gangs infiltrating our borders and rightly so. However, we are so blinded by that violent minority that it has somehow become acceptable to put children in cages. One world relief worker named Nikki visited our border between Texas and Mexico two weeks ago to see for herself what was truly going on. What she saw was horrifying. “I have visited many hard places in my life. I’ve been to refugee camps and the red light district, yet everywhere you go children are still children. They laugh and run around in the midst of the turmoil. This was not the case at our borders. Unaccompanied children laid on mats with sober faces. Not one of them was smiling. I’ve never seen anything like it,” she said. These children and families at our borders were not illegally attempting to cross, they were seeking asylum from the violence in Mexico. This is legal under U.S. law, but rather that welcoming them after traumatizing journeys, we have locked them up as prisoners and separated them from their children. The alternative measure has been keeping these children in cement cells right alongside their parents for weeks if not months on end while extensive paperwork is slowly processed. This is not only dehumanizing and traumatizing but it also costs taxpayers over $360 per night for these families to be kept in detainment. World Relief implemented a family case program which had allowed families to stay with relatives in the states while their paperwork was being processed. They had a 99% rate of attendance to court and it only cost $36 per night. Despite all of this, the government shut it down. (This would be a program to pray and advocate for when given the opportunity.) Dreamers are individuals who were brought into the states illegally as young children. They have grown up as an American yet are unable to obtain a license, attend college or get a workers permit. Some of these people relied "DACA" which allowed them to work without becoming a citizen. This has now been rescinded and no new person can apply. In the end, the true blessing of this conference was the piece of empowerment. We were not asked to donate to an organization, not told to go back home and dwell on what we had learned, but rather we were shown the power which had been in our hands all along. Our democracy. World Relief had set up personal meetings with our senators, representatives and their staff in Capitol Hill. In groups of less than ten we had the priviledge of spending an entire day meeting with those who’s lives are dedicated to making our voices heard. Those who write our laws and seek justice sat down with us at conference tables and listened to our statistics and testimonies. Many were moved and others intrigued. Some were more educated about these issues than others. After a long day of passionate conversation I left Capitol Hill emotionally and physically exhausted. Still I felt grateful for the immense blessing it is to live in a nation that makes mistakes, yet allows a 19-year-old girl to walk into a senator’s office and share why she believes we should protect refugees and the foreigners living among us. I was even able to leave a small piece of paper with those who were receptive to the idea which had listed forty verses in the Bible that call us to do exactly that. The adventure and mission were completed for that day and as I walked with my group back to the Airbnb where we were staying the streets become less elegant with every turn. They in no way lacked beauty but it transformed into a simple and sweet neighborhood. Houses pressed against each other of all colors with old trees swaying in the breeze. It was a quaint and artistic little street where we finally stopped to unlock the front door. No one would know the capitol building was hiding around the next bend. Just like this precious, little, red home which served as our oasis, there are those among us who may seem lesser than the elegant White House on the outside, but within, the presence of love and the Spirit flow in a richness far beyond those our government can hold.
Salsa, friends and dancing.
For those of you who know my well, you are already aware that the mere mention of those three words bring me joy. On April 14th the three came together in perfect unity when I was able to perform at Mosaic Night. As the lights flashed on and I stepped on stage a fierce mixture of anxiety and pure exhilaration rushed through my veins. Three months earlier my Portuguese friend asked me to join with others from the Latino Student Union in a dance performance which would express a core piece of Latin culture. (Basically she asked me to live my dream.) The first practice, I walked in the dance room to find twice as many girls as guys and a group of mixed races and personalities. I loved it from the beginning. We were numbered off and somehow I was put with one of the only other blue-eyed blondes in the group. I had met him once before and we were about to become fast friends. There is something about being forced to look into each other’s eyes and move in perfect unison that makes you pals pretty quick. Our dance was the bachata— lots of hip movement and staring into one another’s soul. At first everything was very stiff and awkward, but as time went of the moves began to feel natural as breathing. Over the next weeks we laughed and stepped on each other’s toes. Everyone in the group made mistakes and got confused on the choreography. Nonetheless, as the performance drew near we could feel it finally coming together. When the night finally came I found myself standing backstage in a blue dress wearing bright red lipstick. My heart threatened to beat out of my chest and lungs decided oxygen was no longer their friend. Sending up a quick prayer to the Lord, I took the step into the stage lights and was met with an eruption of cheers from the packed auditorium. I focused my attention on my partner across the stage. We had the act down perfectly. He stood with a bright smile which quickly turned to a look of panic. Frantically patting his pockets he looked around as all the other guys gave their partner a flower. I rolled my eyes and pulled the flower from behind my back. He then smiled, spun around and handed it back to me as if nothing happened. From there the audience faded away, as did the other dancers. Our muscles knew what to do and I was taken away with the music. At the final pose we finally looked to the audience and a wave of shouts and cheers enveloped us. After sprinted of the stage I changed as fast as I could into my bright colored shirt and shorts for the next number. Bouncing back on stage, I made my way to the front and proceeded to live my best life dancig my heart out to reggaetón music. The night ended in a flurry of hugs and compliments. Comments flew at me like “saucy!” “Spicy!” “That intensity though!” I was on a high surrounded by amazing people and so grateful for the opportunity I had been given. Watch the performance for yourself on YouTube!ttps:/ /https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNnoNEqX2jw This is why I am angry.
Not because I watched a film with fake creatures. But because we created those creatures. And we caused His death, we killed Him. We love Him but we killed Him and it is our fault that He was tortured. While we could say nothing because it was the consequences of our own actions. And I let fear paralyze me. Rather than use the gifts he gave me to kill the bloody monster. I'm writing because I truly don't feel like I can speak. My chest is tired, like I'm holding a huge bag of sand on it. It just kills me that people can watch agonizing violence and loss and heartbreak and then step out of a building and move on because it's not real. Of course it's real. Every gripping story comes from some aspect of truth. The reality may not be a blind monster with fangs. He's not blind at all. The creature isn't what I fear. I'm afraid of fear itself and the amount of control has had over me. Not now in my room, but when it matters. But more than fear I'm just angry. It's impossible for me to watch something and not see God's truth. Or at least my view of it. I entered that theater full of fear and anxiety. But I prayed the Lord would give me peace and vision. I feel like He has given me a new righteous anger. The Devil has no place here. He is weak and helpless at the sound of Jesus's name. He crumbles on the ground shrieking. his power is stripped from him at the sound of Christ’s name. Yet we walk around in silence while the devil swallows up those around us. All the while we hide in safety holding the key to slaughter the monsters. But it takes courage and actually facing the enemy head on. The fear of him keeps us in our padded-up house of comfort immobile and ineffective. But HE HAS NO POWER. Jesus! he has no power. God forgive our fear. Forgive our weakness, our choice to let him control us with the false idea that he has power over our souls. In Jesus's holy and all-powerful name, I command you Satan to leave me and my friends. You have no place on this campus, or among our people. You can send your demons but they will fall. They will fall. Through the broken silence that pierces the soul. His glory is as overwhelming to us as it is to the devil. That's why she was brought to the ground. But rather than destroying her, it empowered her, while the evil crumbled and collapsed. Even though He uses us as His vessels to fight the devil, it doesn't mean we will always feel better when His glory is shown. It is intense beyond our comprehension and its presence weighs so heavily on our earthly bodies that we cannot stand. The overwhelming power and ferocity of it physically brings us to our knees. Nothing. I will no longer do anything. Futile attempts to save them by my power will never succeed. I am helpless. I can only fall as His glory overwhelms me. Hello dearest friends and family, I am writing to share with you some of the amazing opportunities that your support made possible for me this past January. First, I want to say thank you from the absolute bottom of my heart for your prayers and immense generosity. Through your provision I was able to go on the trip of a lifetime to the beautiful countries of Rwanda and Uganda. This trip consisted of a combination of learning, heartache, growth and joy. My perspectives on life, culture and humanity as a whole where broadened in ways that simply would not have been possible here in the states. In Rwanda, we learned in a very real way about their genocide and visited a memorial for its victims. There were several discussions about evil and the consequences of humanity’s actions. For the next two days, we helped run a peace and reconciliation workshop with local pastors and partnered with them in street evangelism. The children in these remote villages surrounded us with bright smiles and warm hugs even though we were complete strangers. With bloated tummies poking through their ripped clothing they looked deep into my eyes searching for the answer to their turmoil. One young boy reached out his hand and declared with a raspy voice, “I’m hungry.” No number of promotional videos or commercials to raise money for missions can prepare you for a child dying before your eyes as you helplessly drive away in a bus. On the other hand, this trip opened my eyes to an entirely new perspective on Africa as a whole. These people are not helpless just waiting for a generous American to save them. They are actively making changes and pursuing the Lord’s purpose for their lives. I had the privilege of getting to know a few of the locals on a personal level through hearing their stories. I have posted and will continue to post several of these testimonies on my blog under the “testimonies” tab. I will include the link at the bottom of this letter. A few of these amazing stories include: a man whose blind daughter inspired him to start a ministry that is changing the lives of children who were shunned by society, a woman who cannot afford college and has lost her job due to a lack of education but is still active in ministry, and a ministry that teaches refugee women how to create and sell products in order to provide for their families. One amazing prayer that the Lord answered was that I finally met my sponsored sister Kirabo Ruth! Even while on the trip I was unsure of whether or not the plans were going to work. However, the Lord aligned everything seamlessly. As it turned out, the weekend we were in the area she was staying at a camp just a few minutes away. We were able to spend an afternoon catching up like old friends. While in the past we were only able to send two letters per year, we now have each other’s contact and can communicate whenever we wish. Another once in a lifetime experience I had was white water rafting down the Nile. The full experience is also on my blog under the “travel” tab. Needless to say, I thought I was going to meet my end on several occasions but it was an unforgettable day and I managed to escape in one piece. After numerous talks with my amazing team about ethnic and minority group issues and social justice my perspective on life is forever changed. We dove into real examples of when helping hurts and were blessed to instead see the rewards reaped from empowerment strategies. Words cannot describe how grateful I am for you joining me on this journey and supporting my growth. I currently have contact with several individuals in Rwanda and Uganda who are fighting for life and justice. If you would like to partner with them by sending financial support or specific prayers I can share those contacts with you. Some of these include the blind school, college tuition, empowering refugee women, school for orphans and construction of a pediatric hospital. I will use the blog to keep everyone informed on all the Lord is doing in my life whether through the daily grind of college or missions opportunities. Thank you again for all you do and I cannot wait to share more next time I see you, With love, Bree Bailey This weekend was yet another mind-blowing experience that surpassed all expectations.
The most memorable lip-sync battle in all of history. For the past couple of months, various groups across campus have been practicing every weeknight for one of the biggest events at Taylor, Airband. Our group’s theme this year was the Greatest Showman and we learned choreography directly from the movie with a few slight adjustments. Day after day our fearless leader Cam Johnson taught our diverse group each count for every move. All of us grew closer with every late night of sweat and laughter. Through all the spins and falls and colliding into each other, everyone began to get tired as we neared the performance. Nerves and exhaustion reared their ugly heads but the excitement was reignited as we swept to aisles of Goodwill piecing together crazy costumes. Lots of face paint and makeup later, we were ready for auditions. In all honesty, I thought I was going to throw up on stage as we waited for our turn. We were the last group to perform and while we stood backstage for what felt like eternity, the fog machines choked out any oxygen we managed to inhale. Nevertheless, when the lights flashed on and the music began, everything melted away. The next night, during the performance, cheers filled the chapel immediately after our first pose. As someone who had never performed before I had been fearful that I would freeze on stage. To my surprise the hype crowd had the exact opposite effect, filling me instead with excitement and energy. In my bright pint, flowy pants from Africa I jumped, twirled and at one point ran into someone on stage—but that’s beside the point. Our group killed it! We moved as one unit in perfect sync with the music and each other. My mouth felt like it was full of cotton but as we all struck the final pose and shouts filled the air, my smile could not have been brighter. We had hardly left the stage when we heard our group being called back for an encore. Butterflies filled my stomach, we had won! The second show ended with the same results. Four performances in one night with each one better than the last. As the lights dimmed and each of us on stage was breathing heavily it set it. We had achieved the dream. The screams of joy could not be held in after all the hard work and preparation came together in such a beautiful ending. Check out the performance for yourself!: hPitch Perfect Taylor Version This weekend was yet another mind-blowing experience that surpassed all expectations. The most memorable lip-sync battle in all of history. For the past couple of months, various groups across campus have been practicing every weeknight for one of the biggest events at Taylor, Airband. Our group’s theme this year was the Greatest Showman and we learned choreography directly from the movie with a few slight adjustments. Day after day our fearless leader Cam Johnson taught our diverse group each count for every move. All of us grew closer with every late night of sweat and laughter. Through all the spins and falls and colliding into each other, everyone began to get tired as we neared the performance. Nerves and exhaustion reared their ugly heads but the excitement was reignited as we swept to aisles of Goodwill piecing together crazy costumes. Lots of face paint and makeup later, we were ready for auditions. In all honesty, I thought I was going to throw up on stage as we waited for our turn. We were the last group to perform and while we stood backstage for what felt like eternity, the fog machines choked out any oxygen we managed to inhale. Nevertheless, when the lights flashed on and the music began, everything melted away. The next night, during the performance, cheers filled the chapel immediately after our first pose. As someone who had never performed before I had been fearful that I would freeze on stage. To my surprise the hype crowd had the exact opposite effect, filling me instead with excitement and energy. In my bright pint, flowy pants from Africa I jumped, twirled and at one point ran into someone on stage—but that’s beside the point. Our group killed it! We moved as one unit in perfect sync with the music and each other. My mouth felt like it was full of cotton but as we all struck the final pose and shouts filled the air, my smile could not have been brighter. We had hardly left the stage when we heard our group being called back for an encore. Butterflies filled my stomach, we had won! The second show ended with the same results. Four performances in one night with each one better than the last. As the lights dimmed and each of us on stage was breathing heavily it set it. We had achieved the dream. The screams of joy could not be held in after all the hard work and preparation came together in such a beautiful ending. Check out the performance for yourself!:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pP2DPQ_WR0 Fun Facts: -There had been rumors going around that our leader made us go on a diet, join cross-fit and tryout for our spot, not true of course. -The bathrooms started overflowing and no one could use the restrooms in the building -My fam came to watch and it made the night all the more special -We were at Wendy’s until 3am ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pP2DPQ_WR0 Yesterday exceeded all expectations.
I woke up to a hand-made poster from my darling roommate saying how beautiful and beloved I am . The morning was spent in the Lord’s presence soaking in the blessing of a new year. Three different girls from where I live surprised me and brought handwritten notes/gifts and another friend treated me at the cutest little coffee shop for breakfast. My mid-term went great and I felt so joyful heading to the next class where my professor made cookies, lit a candle and the whole class sang to me. All through the morning people sent me he sweetest messages of encouragement and love. Then it was time to get excited. A girl on my wing offered to do my hair for the big night and then I slipped into my black dress with a skirt that flares out when I spin. Heels were the final touch and I was ready to go. After dinner with two of my close friends we met back at the dorm. (I had forgotten to tell one of my friends we were wearing dresses so when she came we did a rapid-fire wardrode change and were on our way to Indy!) Walking down the street I was mesmerized as neon lights flashed when approached Fountain Square Theatre. My stomach was full of butterflies. I had never tried swing dancing before. Thankfully, some of my friends started showing me the very basics and I even saw a random friend from high school there. As the night went on the guys were getting more confident and I progressively improved at the different moves. Everyone was laughing and switching partners between songs while people kept running into each other. Then came the birthday dance. I was dreading it because I didn’t know what to expect but they pushed me into the middle with other girls whose birthdays were in March. The live jazz band started playing a song and random guys came to dance with us and switch out whenever the next one came. The guys from our group kept jumping in and we would spin a couple times before other random guys would reach for my hand and twirl me the other way. At one point it felt like rapid fire with so many guys switching and spinning me I couldn’t keep track which direction I was going. Some guys knew all these fancy moves that I didn’t while others could hardly do that basic steps but it was super fun nonetheless. I found out later my roommate hand lined up all the guys that came with us and was sending them in at intervals or whenever a creepy guy would ask me to dance. I've never spun that many times in one song in my entire life and by the end I was out of breath but I couldn't stop smiling. Soon after we left for a friend's house and on the way I backed into a car in the parking lot. Thank the Lord there were no scratches! Once we got to his house I was frozen and ready for the hot tub and but everyone headed downstairs. A little confused, I followed them and as I walked down the stairs everyone started singing happy birthday. They surprised me with my favorite dessert and icecream cake! After we enjoyed the savory sugar, we changed into swim suits and headed out to the hot tub. A few of us jumped out, ran to the trampoline and jumped around until we about froze and then we ran back to the warmth while the next shift of people jumped out. After drying off we watched a movie and a lot of people fell asleep but I was cracking up the whole time. Around 2am it was time to head back. The girls piled into my car and we followed the guys to get to the main highway and then waved bye as we passed them. When we arrived back on campus around 3:30am my emotions were everywhere and I knew I could not have asked for a better birthday. Everyone made me feel so immensely loved and I will never be able to express the fullness of my gratitude for that. |