tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66332035220488098562024-03-05T02:24:21.098-08:00Missions of the HeartA journey to my destiny... watch and see... nobody, but God.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17425198948372616159noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6633203522048809856.post-83616037255826638712013-02-11T10:12:00.000-08:002013-02-11T10:12:51.972-08:00Support Local Business!!<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Cstyle%3E.ig-b-%20{%20display:%20inline-block;%20}%20.ig-b-%20img%20{%20visibility:%20hidden;%20}%20.ig-b-:hover%20{%20background-position:%200%20-60px;%20}%20.ig-b-:active%20{%20background-position:%200%20-120px;%20}%20.ig-b-48%20{%20width:%2048px;%20height:%2048px;%20background:%20url(//badges.instagram.com/static/images/ig-badge-sprite-48.png)%20no-repeat%200%200;%20}%20@media%20only%20screen%20and%20(-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio:%202),%20only%20screen%20and%20(min--moz-device-pixel-ratio:%202),%20only%20screen%20and%20(-o-min-device-pixel-ratio:%202%20/%201),%20only%20screen%20and%20(min-device-pixel-ratio:%202),%20only%20screen%20and%20(min-resolution:%20192dpi),%20only%20screen%20and%20(min-resolution:%202dppx)%20{%20.ig-b-48%20{%20background-image:%20url(//badges.instagram.com/static/images/ig-badge-sprite-48@2x.png);%20background-size:%2060px%20178px;%20}%20}%3C/style%3E%20%3Ca%20href=%22http://instagram.com/anetrapolk?ref=badge%22%20class=%22ig-b-%20ig-b-48%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22//badges.instagram.com/static/images/ig-badge-48.png%22%20alt=%22Instagram%22%20/%3E%3C/a%3E">Anetra Polk on Instagram</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17425198948372616159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6633203522048809856.post-74110614043685413562012-04-07T06:52:00.003-07:002012-04-07T06:52:54.924-07:00<div style="color: red;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Asking for your help!</b></span></div>
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I recently posted on Facebook and have reached out to a select few regarding my neighbor who is facing hardships and recently lost her elderly husband. She is missing work, which means, she isn't getting paid during this time of bereavement. I would love to ask everyone to stop by her home and just donate a HUG, but that isn't possible. However, what is possible, is for you to make a difference in someone's life today. Maybe you can't give monetary donations, but you can pray. Pray that we are able to help her through this time in her life and that whatever she is facing, God continue to ease her and make a way. </div>
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Any donations would be greatly appreciated for her to be able to use towards funeral expenses, medical bills, groceries, clothes and shoes. </div>
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Click this link to make a donation: <span class="commentBody" data-jsid="text"><a href="http://tinyurl.com/7t2xmjb" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/7t2xmjb</a></span> </div>
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Thank you for anything you are able to do.</div>
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<b>God Bless</b>, </div>
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<span style="color: red;">Samantha</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17425198948372616159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6633203522048809856.post-71596269191973799332012-01-24T07:30:00.000-08:002012-01-24T07:37:51.457-08:00"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength." - Corrie ten Boom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's never too late! I had this draft saved from May 2011... It's January 2012 and I'm awake. <br />
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<i> The last few weeks of my life have been extremely challenging... I'm lying, since my last blog post I've been in a battle. I have a 6 month long to do list of tasks to complete, people to follow-up with, and mission trips to catch up on. That is not the extent of the list, but you get it. I've gotten some of the greatest news & some of the worst, grown closer in my relationships & distant from others, dreamed about my goals, but seemed to never wake up. </i><br />
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<i>Sometimes we don't need another chance to express how we feel or to ask someone to understand our situation. Sometimes we just need a firm kick in the pants... An unsmiling expectation that if we mean all these wonderful things we talk about and sing about, then lets do something to prove it.</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhi9F73UZZyinfQchF7_zekByRnnwF0kcwBnwfbXswF1I0Yld6H2Pi_mj1mG8HLBcwSB_iOJJ_Bsc9zSeLwidpK1wl3IffOjkFsmr99mJ1D-J2ZhakeZlB9-TJnm3eNXgV-y-Mp90y6nuT/s1600/reality+check.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhi9F73UZZyinfQchF7_zekByRnnwF0kcwBnwfbXswF1I0Yld6H2Pi_mj1mG8HLBcwSB_iOJJ_Bsc9zSeLwidpK1wl3IffOjkFsmr99mJ1D-J2ZhakeZlB9-TJnm3eNXgV-y-Mp90y6nuT/s400/reality+check.png" width="400" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17425198948372616159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6633203522048809856.post-74948572735683994732010-11-19T08:57:00.000-08:002010-11-19T09:06:40.996-08:00I've Walked Miles in My Shoes<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Since returning from Haiti I have been overly giving and sacrificed much. It amazes me the sacrifices that you are willing to make once you find your passion in life. For the ladies... I've not had a manicure, pedicure (feet are ROUGH), gotten my hair done or trimmed (not even once) and I've been wearing the same pair of run down shoes for over 1 year and slipping when walking on to smooth surfaces because the bottoms are so worn. My feet have been wet each time it rains because the front of my shoes are separating from the soles.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLy-EddWiIq480GJ0W3epb45KwNfNIvo1Rp09fnZ_NoI7bO_ITljhqWLS552ijsgGzJpbutGS89BIrpxsuWGDxC7qvsurMox-asEp1AuncAW9wYovKkT8dqnC08gr9aifiZDrphBuPNjxx/s1600/samboot2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLy-EddWiIq480GJ0W3epb45KwNfNIvo1Rp09fnZ_NoI7bO_ITljhqWLS552ijsgGzJpbutGS89BIrpxsuWGDxC7qvsurMox-asEp1AuncAW9wYovKkT8dqnC08gr9aifiZDrphBuPNjxx/s1600/samboot2.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvTcf3kGcKk72KPZxM2mp5wwXPlNHUpBnpXQOr4xSQUICswCjVl-WiVOMnoKUnC2etxeVzqPpDSYdBft8AfgG4WLuOWgZg8YuTYul-oPOoFS6CN5Zqwl2drMonneBa2aao2vZKCGekVpR/s1600/samboot1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvTcf3kGcKk72KPZxM2mp5wwXPlNHUpBnpXQOr4xSQUICswCjVl-WiVOMnoKUnC2etxeVzqPpDSYdBft8AfgG4WLuOWgZg8YuTYul-oPOoFS6CN5Zqwl2drMonneBa2aao2vZKCGekVpR/s1600/samboot1.jpg" /></a>From my past posts, many of you know that I am still trying to raise money for my next mission trip which has been pushed back numerous times. I am not giving up, however, I am sacrificing all the wants and have sacrificed many of the needs in order to reach a goal to fulfill my passion. I am determined to be the change I wish to see in the World and I'm not looking for a pat on the back... I simply want to say THANK YOU!</div><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3BYugJEte5SDTUXRKSefurmHeYZAkE4V2vWEpr1cuccUS-XPtYk3gpBpU01I8i3fPWLyY7RI8N6lIfuBYqElTcpwau8Le_cFOWPP2e9XpdsqN9hKyhqZOtHM0u94AtoD5l0To0k-gG1a/s1600/samboot3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG3BYugJEte5SDTUXRKSefurmHeYZAkE4V2vWEpr1cuccUS-XPtYk3gpBpU01I8i3fPWLyY7RI8N6lIfuBYqElTcpwau8Le_cFOWPP2e9XpdsqN9hKyhqZOtHM0u94AtoD5l0To0k-gG1a/s1600/samboot3.jpg" /></a>If ever there has been a time when I seemed ungrateful for the support anyone has given me, please charge it to my head and not my heart. The last two months have been extremely trying financially and emotionally and I appreciate everyone who has been there in every way. </div><br />
If you fed me, provided a couch or bed for me to lay my head on, gave me a ride, gave me a job, lended an ear, prayed for me, prayed with me, gave encouraging words of wisdom, sent positive and uplifting e-mails or text messages... <br />
THANK YOU. <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><strong><u>Special Thanks to:</u></strong> </span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>LaDonna Johnson (my mother)</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Sanford Smith (my father)</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Wanda Johnson (my grandmother)</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Susan Strange (my new BOSS!!)</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Bilal El-Amin</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Shawna Jackson Taylor</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Charlesetta Johnson</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Misty Hankin</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Emily Given </em></strong></span><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: purple;">Joy Harris</span></em></strong><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Myra Parks</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Nija Bonvillian </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Shannon Simpson</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Megan Sheckles</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Tamara Connor</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: purple;"><strong><em>Denise Williams</em></strong></span><br />
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These names were not listed in any particular order. You have all been there in some way and I couldn't be more grateful. If ever you need me, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>Much love from a heart that keeps on giving,</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>Samantha</em> <span style="color: red;">♥</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkvEcQqiR5HbwxQWdeckMSjbjxbJvYeLgaLpCzgIJ1TYvo85wfJpf8zYqro5cpDy_TBPn3KUD3PW-QQ_yLJIsdQ-d-tkdH8NypIaRO_hYm_X7VRsPv9Z9zdd6Zf-yv-xFpc1Cri5An70o/s1600/waffle+hosue+worker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkvEcQqiR5HbwxQWdeckMSjbjxbJvYeLgaLpCzgIJ1TYvo85wfJpf8zYqro5cpDy_TBPn3KUD3PW-QQ_yLJIsdQ-d-tkdH8NypIaRO_hYm_X7VRsPv9Z9zdd6Zf-yv-xFpc1Cri5An70o/s320/waffle+hosue+worker.jpg" width="240" /></a>The next morning, I got up very lazy, dropped my mother off at church... let me be real honest. I got in at 4am in the morning. I was extremely tired from a very long over due, fun night out with friends and a heavy Waffle House breakfast. I told myself I would go back home and set my alarm to get up, but in my heart I knew I probably wouldn't get up for church. "What's one Sunday...? I attend church on the regular. I do my good deeds each week. I acknowledge God every single day and spend my quiet time building a closer relationship with Him." ...those were my thoughts driving home... Before I reached the driveway my cell phone rang.... Yes, you guessed it! It was Steven from Waffle House. He said, "Hello, Samantha? I just got off work at 7am, I rode the city bus to my apartment and as I was taking off my clothes to go to bed, your card fell out. I would love to go to church, but I don't have any clothes or shoes to wear and well, I don't have a way there. " Now I was tired... but I knew that his call wasn't just for him, but also for me. I was so excited that someone actually wanted to go to church who hadn't been in over a year. I told him that we would find him a way there and that he could wear whatever he wanted. I actually wore jeans Sunday so that he would feel comfortable... not that it mattered. Imani is a come one, come all atmosphere... in WHATEVER YOU HAVE IN YOUR CLOSET! =)<br />
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To end this story... Steven enjoyed church service, though he was so sleepy by working an overnight shift and getting off at 7am, riding the bus and getting home around 8am. He left service thanking me over and over. I left service with a wonderful word of God and ready to begin my week. Though Steven is faced with many challenges at this moment in his life, he knew he needed to seek God before relying on his own understanding. Some of us get so caught up in image and being tired and lazy that we decide to skip out on God every now and then, but it was something to see a man so down, but so adamant about getting in the presence of God in spite of being tired and working all night. I thank God for that reality check!<br />
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You never know how God will use you... you cannot plan who you may be an example for. We must be reminded that we are always being watched. Even on a late Saturday night... God's work never ends. You might be the only example someone ever sees of God's will. Make sure you're on your game at all times! God is always on His game for you.<br />
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I'm completely open and willing to try (almost) anything. It's crunch time ladies & gentlemen. Put on your thinking hats... since it is almost Christmas, get in the spirit of giving a little early and simply give me an idea.<br />
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I would like to ask that many of you donate something to me outside of money. <b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">I would like to challenge you to update your facebook status', tweets on twitter, personal blogs, work bulletin boards, church programs, etc with my blogspot web address and simply send as much traffic as possible to help me spread the word about helping the World</span>!</i></b>... and maybe...just maybe... someone will be inspired enough to donate via the paypal button or pass along the web address as you did.<br />
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I am completely open to speak and present on the issues effecting children across the World and especially the thousands of orphans in Haiti and the children effected with AIDS in Africa. Many of you know the true passion of my efforts - this is no vacation for me. There are plenty of ways you can help - donate a book of stamps, tell someone who may not know what I'm doing, send encouragement by posting to my blog posts, etc... I could also use someone's skill to create a logo for me, help me with an awesome business plan layout, and other technical things. Don't all raise your hands at once. (smile)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8MUc58tG-JP3-cxfpg2nzutkY3cFmhZhi2aIOdmcd7gB_K9h7mJYzq_TsjSPgZuMY58AKLnrMO6QxvWlGhcwXDYmxEZk-02oyYS6try09wapNsO00O85lPaxYeofQpO8QW9K9mC2d3wm/s1600/hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8MUc58tG-JP3-cxfpg2nzutkY3cFmhZhi2aIOdmcd7gB_K9h7mJYzq_TsjSPgZuMY58AKLnrMO6QxvWlGhcwXDYmxEZk-02oyYS6try09wapNsO00O85lPaxYeofQpO8QW9K9mC2d3wm/s400/hands.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #bf9000;">"When you think there's nothing you can do...rest assure, there is always something you can do." - Samantha</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17425198948372616159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6633203522048809856.post-9463758157849877632010-10-12T08:34:00.000-07:002010-10-12T08:36:37.275-07:00What God Has for Me... Is For Me...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I would be lying if I said that everything leading up to my next mission trip has been great. It hasn't. Though I've been through many storms in my life, for some reason, more than ever, now seems incredibly difficult. I would like to blame it on many things, but I can only blame myself. I know the devil gets busy when God is even busier in our lives and that all things happen for a reason and trials and tribulations are many times, just a test of faith. Well, I've got faith, I'm a believer in most cliche' phrases and I'm still stuck in a slump.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">While things are moving all around me, I feel like nothing is moving in me...through me...for me... Donations once came pouring in then they stopped. Everyone keeps asking "when are you leaving?" I want to say something else, but I simply reply, "when I can afford to buy the plane ticket and get my shots." I feel like I'm letting my real supporters down because I stated I was leaving in the Fall of 2010 to Africa, but it will be at least Winter 2010 before I get up off of the ground...</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I don't think people truly understand the importance of financial funding when you're a missionary. If everyone I knew gave just $5-$10, I believe things would move much quicker. Where are all the people who were so willing to help? Where are you? Where are the people who were willing to take this to their church famillies on my behalf because they believed in my vision? I am going to reach out again and pray really hard on a few other things possibly hindering me from God's will on my life and see where I end up.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I have some plans in the works... I know God is waiting for me to take that next leap. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">In the meantime, shout out to Bekah Woodall for doing amazing things for Honduras & to Urisa Reve Smith who just came back from Nicaragua!!! You both inspire me & I'm very proud to know you!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Love, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Samantha</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br />
</span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17425198948372616159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6633203522048809856.post-62067006197743326252010-09-22T08:15:00.000-07:002010-09-22T08:15:13.887-07:00Ross Oscar Knight Photography | Destination and Fusion Wedding Photographers: Haiti Prints Added to KNIGHT Gallery Opening Reception 9.24.10<a href="http://www.rossoscarknightphotography.net/2010/09/haiti-prints-added-to-knight-gallery.html">Ross Oscar Knight Photography | Destination and Fusion Wedding Photographers: Haiti Prints Added to KNIGHT Gallery Opening Reception 9.24.10</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17425198948372616159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6633203522048809856.post-12168684271280023372010-08-29T11:58:00.000-07:002010-08-29T12:12:14.984-07:00I Thank You<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">From my heart to yours... I am honestly without words. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">If there's anything that I can say to you it is this:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">The support you have shown me from day 1 and especially on Friday (Donation Day) at <a href="http://www.bb-cakes.com/">Babycakes Cupcakes</a>, has been overwhelming. I thank God for choosing me to walk this path. Your support served as a reward from God to me... confirming in my heart, that with God as my strength, I can do all things. The following is a social media status update via <a href="http://www.bb-cakes.com/">Babycakes Cupcakes</a>...</span></div><blockquote style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">"Dearest Samantha J., if you know nothing else today, please know that you are greatly loved by many people. We have opened, closed and opened again in an effort to keep Last Friday Donation Day going for Ms. Samantha. We still have some cupcakes, so if you need some sugar, come visit and help us send Samantha on her 2nd mission trip! Peace & Love!" </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">(Friday 3:25pm - Babycakes Cupcakes Owner, Tricia) </span></b></i></blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">"We are officially sold out of cupcakes...and eggs....and milk. It has been a great day and we thank everyone who came out and bought cupcakes for Last Friday Donation Day and Ms. Samantha! We love you guys!!! We will see you tomorrow. Peace & Love!" </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">(Friday 4:38pm - Babycakes Cupcakes Owner, Tricia) </span></b></i></blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">It is only because of YOU that I am able to reach unthinkable limits. It is because of YOU that I am blessed beyond belief. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Thank you to : <a href="http://www.bb-cakes.com/">Babycakes Cupcakes</a>, <a href="http://www.fcbcsermons.com/">Pastor Mike of FCBC (Harlem) </a>- your sermons have inspired me unlike anything else next to God. I thank God for leading me to your word. To my family, my friends, <a href="http://www.imaniflc.org/">Imani Missionary Baptist Church</a>, Cumulus Broadcasting, <a href="http://www.ket.org/">KET</a>, First Baptist Church Versailles, Facebook friends, Twitter followers.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Thank you for contributing to my fulling God's will upon my life and my pursuit of happiness.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">May you be blessed,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">♥Samantha Johnson</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZdGkYjjgABuBmS96VnMfJZRWHNtJB4zzDqE3ebP6u5qLNxdZOsw6QyxXdfcs1Pon7ptmFRBnanauPwmK5xAqqRA99YKRw-5ubRgcsXzXjzZ3dmsiI-vqTFSDT5jl2sbmSGmJxZYDbDh_/s1600/cupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZdGkYjjgABuBmS96VnMfJZRWHNtJB4zzDqE3ebP6u5qLNxdZOsw6QyxXdfcs1Pon7ptmFRBnanauPwmK5xAqqRA99YKRw-5ubRgcsXzXjzZ3dmsiI-vqTFSDT5jl2sbmSGmJxZYDbDh_/s200/cupcake.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><br />
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17425198948372616159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6633203522048809856.post-74221044909949160562010-08-28T22:38:00.000-07:002010-08-28T22:38:00.371-07:00DONATE TO ALL MY MISSION WORK HERE<a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=QSZ5HHMLX3EYA&lc=US&item_name=M%2eO%2eT%2eH%2e%20%28Missions%20of%20The%20Heart%29%20%2d%20For%20Samantha%20Johnson&item_number=Missions%20of%20The%20Heart&currency_code=USD&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF%3abtn_donateCC_LG%2egif%3aNonHosted">DONATE TO MY MISSION TO KAMPALA,UGANDA HERE!</a><br />
<br />
(This is a direct link to my paypal account used only for donations to my mission work. I apologize on the slow steps in becoming a non-profit so that you can gain tax credit. I am working on that. If you feel it in your heart to give ...do so.) <br />
<br />
Your love, prayers, and all support is beyond appreciated. You are helping me fulfill God's destiny for me. Watch and see. My return to you will be greater than ever. I have plans to help fulfill your children's and children's children's lives! I WILL. WE CAN.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSOozWhsM-4FnsWFL-I3tANWAfLyyAxNevRhD7IYpFO0aiWYwLwpdde-a7D5oeybgvI_GSQ-4P7LvNzrStMeGu12YNxmbI0um1P_TLnwmsF7_-14jB6nLwY40HEHBbBAWZZUUAnwpzOHf/s1600/IMG00094-20091004-1848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSOozWhsM-4FnsWFL-I3tANWAfLyyAxNevRhD7IYpFO0aiWYwLwpdde-a7D5oeybgvI_GSQ-4P7LvNzrStMeGu12YNxmbI0um1P_TLnwmsF7_-14jB6nLwY40HEHBbBAWZZUUAnwpzOHf/s400/IMG00094-20091004-1848.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This mission to Kampala, Uganda is dedicated to Emily Baldwin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17425198948372616159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6633203522048809856.post-85056104223052839272010-08-26T22:27:00.000-07:002010-08-26T22:27:17.513-07:00Babycakes Cupcakes DONATION DAY!!!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">via Babycakes Cupcakes Facebook Page:</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">TODAY (8.27.10) is Last Friday Donation Day and it is dedicated to Samantha Johnson. She will be heading out on her second mission trip, her first was to Haiti. I have so much respect for a strong human being who is following what is firmly in their heart. Please come buy a cupcake and help another soul in their quest to try and heal thousands.</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">BABYCAKES CUPCAKES BAKERY:</span></b></span></span><div style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="street-address"><a href="http://bing.com/maps/default.aspx?v=2&rtp=%7Eadr.153+Patchen+Drive%2C+Suite+57B%2C+Lexington%2C+KY%2C+40517" rel="nofollow" style="cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">153 Patchen Drive, Suite 57B</span></span></b></a></div><span class="locality"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Lexington</span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">, </span></b><span class="region"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">KY</span></b></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">, </span></b><span class="postal-code"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">40517</span></b></span></span></div></span></span><div><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="UIStory_Message"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.bb-cakes.com/">Babycakes Cupcakes DONATION DAY!!! 8.27.10</a> <--- the bakery website </div><div style="font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
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</div></span></span></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17425198948372616159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6633203522048809856.post-44170630526357442212010-08-17T16:19:00.000-07:002010-08-17T20:30:47.554-07:00From St. Louis du Nord to Bonneau, Haiti...My people:<br />
<br />
I fell in love with a little boy who's name I did not know. His name did not matter, just the feeling in my heart and the immediate love God wanted me to show. I played with him at an orphanage until it was time to go and I was amazed at his strength because he was the only child who did not cry.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6ngLwpXHAkfxTl8gwmY6CERCfiO8PiOZSz91HOmUTWhH9XTtBLQ908Ogs761ymzge6NyPuFnaaKzf0jVhx_srxOhTrjjnNiDzrFvGCWZ1Ho5o7DlU9CmsCSKjC38s5XwxblUd37uGlwb/s1600/IMG01066-20100727-1130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6ngLwpXHAkfxTl8gwmY6CERCfiO8PiOZSz91HOmUTWhH9XTtBLQ908Ogs761ymzge6NyPuFnaaKzf0jVhx_srxOhTrjjnNiDzrFvGCWZ1Ho5o7DlU9CmsCSKjC38s5XwxblUd37uGlwb/s200/IMG01066-20100727-1130.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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There were many children reaching out for love, some fought to hold our hands, some stood back and stared. We picked and poked and tried to bring smiles to everyones face, but it wasn't until we sang and danced that they all had smiles on their faces.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDbRd2ZAWmJlqx2WulJ9u0yK4EFtJqUH0aXbzwGGFy7s3vXy6chpLiCvQL2Vyj_O1_09PMYPayVs5Rrp0tN4VRItzgUX-aCuCpuj9155sV2jTZzfdbjjHW_A0YJYQhy_sdn8iie1Cy_WL/s1600/IMG01087-20100728-1343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDbRd2ZAWmJlqx2WulJ9u0yK4EFtJqUH0aXbzwGGFy7s3vXy6chpLiCvQL2Vyj_O1_09PMYPayVs5Rrp0tN4VRItzgUX-aCuCpuj9155sV2jTZzfdbjjHW_A0YJYQhy_sdn8iie1Cy_WL/s320/IMG01087-20100728-1343.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Little girls and boys did not have underwear - many of their bottoms stayed dusty and bare.<br />
They begged for food and water, but we had none to spare.<br />
<br />
(bare with me on the rhyming...it is so unintentional - I think God is prepping me to write something to share at a church I will speak at next week on this experience)<br />
<br />
When we did share all of our water, we ran out before the days work was done and had to do an hour drive back to the mission. We stayed dehydrated... I think I had to use the bathroom (#1) maybe once a day. I drank everything in sight... even warm water. One day the mission had no water. We took bucket baths and leaned on our own supply from America...then that ran dry.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgWr3uhAJR8j_WtuwZmREramGkVboNSRwI8hJ81VIxVcpTEvI7wNgwtOJCp_y_MPiGqgQ2C4GnGJBpeTpDhKALXvVmTf9zGlgNNpDdV4_pBTE2IF4Aowc-KM7FLi_DrNbWqMAlWz8EBkq/s1600/IMG01145-20100802-1429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgWr3uhAJR8j_WtuwZmREramGkVboNSRwI8hJ81VIxVcpTEvI7wNgwtOJCp_y_MPiGqgQ2C4GnGJBpeTpDhKALXvVmTf9zGlgNNpDdV4_pBTE2IF4Aowc-KM7FLi_DrNbWqMAlWz8EBkq/s320/IMG01145-20100802-1429.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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The conditions which we lived in were not near as bad as they could have been. We had 3 meals a day. Devotions twice a day. Small mattresses to sleep on. A roof over our heads to shelter us from the rain.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBv412flzMTLRsXrmjPxQtlOtOEGL8I4mKxfF_1vwcO-7-MIEJsLQWZnN83df0oOo7gGw_R2Og0a_kTYqvurmRZ5nCGDJIA6eEg_RgEzKVqVXFfIHgcodCOIvDwlxZYtvL7T8WWNMmR753/s1600/IMG01225-20100805-1316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBv412flzMTLRsXrmjPxQtlOtOEGL8I4mKxfF_1vwcO-7-MIEJsLQWZnN83df0oOo7gGw_R2Og0a_kTYqvurmRZ5nCGDJIA6eEg_RgEzKVqVXFfIHgcodCOIvDwlxZYtvL7T8WWNMmR753/s200/IMG01225-20100805-1316.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
There were little boys who made bracelets and sold them for $1. We all bought plenty, but it never felt like enough.<br />
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We broke ground in Bonneau, Haiti and drove each day 1 hour from our mission to work side by side Haitian men who worked before we got there and after we left. We dug an entire hill out to somewhat of a flat surface. It was HOT! Children came out from the trees and mountains it seemed to watch and some of us took breaks to play with them, sing with them, and dance with them. "It was a wonderful feeling," a man said, "to be working and too tired to continue shoveling, but to fight past the exhaustion when all you could hear in the background was the laughter of children."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8pxQ09TtVZVlwGSNXhAup9plW0riS0phLlIg7nKCz45eVLu2O7y6DaD8Ha7xQLx9Bt0wG5VVF8BuYHKI_jsVE8DimA7FNQYHNDKz8SPTseOyCsHyX0uSR7kVQCCcA2vq_ai8JzsIdxkQ/s1600/2010-08-12_0005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-8pxQ09TtVZVlwGSNXhAup9plW0riS0phLlIg7nKCz45eVLu2O7y6DaD8Ha7xQLx9Bt0wG5VVF8BuYHKI_jsVE8DimA7FNQYHNDKz8SPTseOyCsHyX0uSR7kVQCCcA2vq_ai8JzsIdxkQ/s400/2010-08-12_0005.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Laughter is a universal language...smiles and hugs too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2eKOhFauSK6VYsQIZuebk_dTzm3VXqA86V95J9HOoG_6bxmOhsE1FPP-F5oy0Sw0CSiKNsCd8G0-2O-1QFT-iCt2UxfsPqoY5BYxGk_GKsevCKFzddYpU6AjEmky3v7oBZhuqQD37ENe/s1600/laughing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig2eKOhFauSK6VYsQIZuebk_dTzm3VXqA86V95J9HOoG_6bxmOhsE1FPP-F5oy0Sw0CSiKNsCd8G0-2O-1QFT-iCt2UxfsPqoY5BYxGk_GKsevCKFzddYpU6AjEmky3v7oBZhuqQD37ENe/s200/laughing.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laughter is a universal language...smiles and hugs too!</td></tr>
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I signed jokes back and forth with the deaf men of Haiti that came along with our team each day. I can only do the alphabet in sign language, so they eventually pulled out paper and pen and we wrote sentences back and forth.<br />
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One thing about the people of Haiti is most of them pick up bits of English very well. All of those who translated for us, teens to adults, the security and all spoke Creole, English, Spanish and some French!<br />
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The youth from 18-20 talked in depth with me about their dislike for America & values on life...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Fi8RellACEfjO9SFcw3kgZ45YUip9DXbM96YNwsXFgy_NpBPrzzKoECulXYLHKYJm9Z4l5_W1KfCNV0a9qzxyn5YnjzxohC9CSeJckaOWJa_Ih3X45T28eNdw2gJ83Nln7mpKWYOg6_g/s1600/06540003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Fi8RellACEfjO9SFcw3kgZ45YUip9DXbM96YNwsXFgy_NpBPrzzKoECulXYLHKYJm9Z4l5_W1KfCNV0a9qzxyn5YnjzxohC9CSeJckaOWJa_Ih3X45T28eNdw2gJ83Nln7mpKWYOg6_g/s200/06540003.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nephtalie, Baradina, Me, & Lynn - (interns from Haiti)</td></tr>
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"I don't like America.. I never want to go... you all don't love one another as we do here in Haiti. You don't even know all of your neighbors first and last name and you don't hug them all each day as we do."<br />
-Baradina Garcon (age 19)<br />
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"I was raised between Haiti and Baltimore, MD. My parents live there now with my sisters and brothers. I love Haiti. I have to go to America in January 2011 because I start college at University of Maryland - College Park. I do not want to go. My friends there don't love me like my friends here in Haiti."<br />
- Nephtalie Eimeus (age 17)<br />
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"I do not have a girlfriend. I have a dream... I want to be a doctor and I have no time to fulfill a womans needs until I have fulfilled mine and can provide for a family." -unknown (age 19)<br />
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And that's all for now! To be continued... with many more pictures & video very soon!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17425198948372616159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6633203522048809856.post-65202991130913025472010-08-17T10:28:00.000-07:002010-08-17T16:25:15.241-07:00Here's to HaitiMy apologies for the delay in updating... I'm back!<br />
<a href="http://www.ahomeinhaiti.org/">Shaun King</a> posted a note via the web that read, "it feels like we left the children of Haiti in a burning house."<br />
I couldn't have said it any better myself. Though we did what we went to do and we left with smiles on our faces and in many of the Haitians hearts, I still feel as though I didn't do enough. There's nothing I can do about that feeling in my heart, but pray that the new generations of Haiti, the youth with such knowledge and bright futures that I spoke with will be strong and help bring change to their country. There will be many trips back to Haiti with the Courageous Church, however, I do not see it in my timeline in the near future. <br />
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For me, Haiti was placed in my heart simply for the experience. I say that to say this... on my first day in Haiti I had something like a nervous break down. I questioned my being there. Was I selfish in coming? I did not feel that sadness in my heart as many people did. Quite honestly, I was ready to come home! I spoke with my mother who calmed me instantly and I sat down a table with random missionaries (not from my group). We exchanged a bit of conversation and then I broke. They gathered around me and asked if they could pray for me. In their prayer they asked God to ease my heart and to open my mind. Long story short, we began to talk again and I could feel the bitterness lifting up out of me as if God himself stuck his hand down my throat and pulled it out of my heart. They talked about past mission trips and how their most memorable moments were from UGANDA!!! To brief those of you who are unfamiliar with my story - Kampala, Uganda is where God lead me to before Haiti. No matter what I've done, refused to do, ignored in my spirit... God always brings me back to the mission he placed in my heart for Uganda. I am grateful for my experience in Haiti and maybe it will be for me to return some day... until then I am still raising money for October's trip to Uganda.<br />
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I wish I could've updated while in Haiti to share my experience in depth with you, but I did not have access to a computer. However, I will give you the quick version... next post!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17425198948372616159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6633203522048809856.post-35662622848700455842010-07-13T22:38:00.000-07:002010-08-17T16:34:32.542-07:00Help me help Haiti...You can donate before Saturday July 17, 2010 to help me to help Haiti! <br />
CLICK THE LINK BELOW!!<br />
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<a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=QSZ5HHMLX3EYA&lc=US&item_name=M%2eO%2eT%2eH%2e%20%28Missions%20of%20The%20Heart%29%20%2d%20For%20Samantha%20Johnson&item_number=Missions%20of%20The%20Heart&currency_code=USD&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF%3abtn_donateCC_LG%2egif%3aNonHosted">DONATE HERE FOR ALL MY MISSION WORK!!</a><br />
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<b>(PLEASE NOTE: COMMENT IN THE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS BOX "DONATION FOR SAMANTHA JOHNSON" WHEN DON</b>ATING.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2m8w3drchvExagD8h_wHMKoQzMLes0cxVATUyoxDjv6vP3yGYsPYMrUF5GwOEvxZWTSrus1pIEuoYHi8aOKu2V2w5W2svoY7shjadK-4P1NO2m6_45IXEmRRiA8RsYwhiC9N9tZ5LfQIp/s1600/IMG01145-20100802-1429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2m8w3drchvExagD8h_wHMKoQzMLes0cxVATUyoxDjv6vP3yGYsPYMrUF5GwOEvxZWTSrus1pIEuoYHi8aOKu2V2w5W2svoY7shjadK-4P1NO2m6_45IXEmRRiA8RsYwhiC9N9tZ5LfQIp/s320/IMG01145-20100802-1429.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I thank you in advance. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17425198948372616159noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6633203522048809856.post-32499742314226484192010-07-12T20:47:00.000-07:002010-07-12T20:47:41.991-07:00The Best is Yet to Come<div class="MsoNormal">While I was in the Spirit…</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“God showed me some things. He told me some things, revealed some things. While I was in the spirit, God pointed out some things, that I needed to know. He showed me my enemies and my friends too, how to look at my troubles and walk right on through. If you need to know God’s plan for your life, get in the spirit; let the Lord minister to you” </div><div class="MsoNormal">Through the beginning of this journey I find myself so excited it is difficult to get a full nights rest. I’m up every hour on the hour, making notes, researching, planning constantly for the next move…filling out envelopes with addresses… and then it hit – while I’ve prepared to take on the cost of this Haiti mission trip alone, I’ve got to come up with the cost of stamps and more envelopes and more paper and of course, my printer ink is completely dry. It’s funny because the resources that you think you have, when you need them most, the devil has a way of making them unavailable. Or better yet, God has a way of testing my faith during this time. I’ve been dealing with a lot personally aside from my planning these missions God has put on my heart and even the smallest disappointment can send me to tears. But I felt God a few weeks ago place on my heart this understanding, “when I’m walking the path God has laid for me, I will lose some of the closest people to me and when I feel I’m at my highest, I just may be getting ready to meet my lowest point. But I am not to be discouraged too much that I lose focus and fall short of my destiny. Instead, I am to remain strong in my faith and allow God to make me stronger as a woman of God.” </div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02YxGxQJ-JTfttggy_ZT6N2_B-bu_pz3uTRQE3DzPZmZXLc3JszNQOo_kTCEldYiE8-w9S6XC_cgqTh0zdxWaBb9Z0t4tghLMqMln8QJZ89qJKhHGxWRpNl-dRt_lKq2G7llKOwW1AkJV/s1600/bestyettocome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02YxGxQJ-JTfttggy_ZT6N2_B-bu_pz3uTRQE3DzPZmZXLc3JszNQOo_kTCEldYiE8-w9S6XC_cgqTh0zdxWaBb9Z0t4tghLMqMln8QJZ89qJKhHGxWRpNl-dRt_lKq2G7llKOwW1AkJV/s200/bestyettocome.jpg" width="200" /></a>Although I’ve gotten a late start b/c the Haiti trip was so last minute, I feel passionate enough to know that this is what God has for me and He will provide a way. While I am struggling now to find transportation to Atlanta to leave with the group and a way back, I know it will work out. I cannot wait until the day I’m looking back at all of the obstacles I am facing and will have faced and am able to give God the honor for working it all out in my favor. Right now, I’m leaning on riding the Greyhound to and from Atlanta b/c I do not see renting a car in the budget! I wish I had a family member or awesome friend who was willing to make the investment in me and see that this is the beginning of my future – a very prosperous future and they will only benefit from helping me, but that’s no one’s responsibility, but my own. (If anyone out there reads this and has the means & wants to invest the time –if I provide gas money- let me know!) I’m also taking donations of stamps, lol, as I’ve gone through multiple books of stamps already and can’t afford anymore if I’m going to pay for this trip alone. I was able to get a company to donate some extra envelopes- I’ll be thanking them and donating to them once I make it! =) It’s the small things. In light of all my frustrations, I know that they are nothing compared to what the children of Haiti are going through, those who are abandoned or on their death beds. I look forward to the fulfillment I will get personally from giving back to those who need it and knowing that my struggle… sacrificing all of my finances, eating, or not paying a personal bill was well worth it. I have no regrets – the best is yet to come! Amen, so be it! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLZr8Bd-O_k">Let the Lord Minister To You</a> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17425198948372616159noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6633203522048809856.post-61335579109217713312010-07-07T17:34:00.001-07:002010-07-13T22:34:10.852-07:00Help me help Haiti...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYKAWunZ5uHAOFPrRzYkRtYbtvdYUafp2AKmgpWfpsS_IkCWooUx68PL9yyhDg5LGEZpgWfy9D-GDveJyWgszIetjuPfIvbiWST0Y5qhIF8oAFd9DiZNprJRRE1AQU3xGAxTT7SCdYXmM7/s640/haiti2.gif" width="640" /></div><br />
Give...help save a life...<br />
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CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO MY HAITI MISSION ---><a href="https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=31WjPpRAlOvNxJ0BXCgSrN0AODY_7PeTClnlj2RBa3NsrdANpJv9zpqvyva&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d66edfb0b39be7838e3b204755610594d">MISSION FOR HAITI</a><br />
<b>(please make note in the special comments box - donation for Samantha Johnson)</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17425198948372616159noreply@blogger.com0