What Happens When Women Across America Reach Across the Ocean
It was one year ago when I stood under her shoddy tin roof, with my sandaled feet planted on her dirt floor.
“Melting.”
That’s the word she used to describe what was happening to her house.
Her house was melting. Disintegrating. Every time it rained, her house eroded more and more, because her house was made of mud and cardboard.
But that day, I had come that day with good news, with a surprise. I had told her what a bunch of women across America had decided to do — how sisters wanted to help a sister.
“You won’t have to live in your melting house anymore, Adeline,” I told her as we sat knee to knee. “Because my friends? They’re your friends, too. And they don’t want you to have to live here anymore.”
She couldn’t stop hugging me.
Friend, do you remember that? Do you remember what we did together? Do you remember how I asked if you could help a year ago, and you said yes? So many of you bought the jewelry that Adeline and her friends make every day in Haiti, and a portion of those proceeds were set aside for Adeline’s house.
In all, we raised more than $5,000 in less than two weeks! That was one year ago.
This week, Adeline moved home. She’s finally home for the holidays.
And when we our family visited Haiti, I got to see what your generosity did. It was far more than we dreamed. Look!
Her house has three rooms, a porch, and an amazing view of the ocean. This is what she wakes up to every day. (I took this photo from her front porch.)
This was not easy, getting this house built. It took a whole year to make this dream happen, even though the money was raised quickly. You all poured your heart into this effort, but there were all sorts of problems getting the land secured. It’s a long story. But exactly one year later, Adeline really is home for the holidays. Thanks be to God!
And we brought housewarming gifts for her walls, to remind her that God’s Got It.
She’s home. And you there? On the other side of the screen? You did this.
You were with us in this. You understood that during Christmas in Haiti, people aren’t scouring the shelves for deals, but for meals. Haiti is a place where the phrase – “while supplies last” – means this: I hope I can feed by babies before supplies will run out.
And tonight, one more woman in Haiti will sleep under a solid roof, and under this solid truth:
God’s Got It.
Thank you. Just … thanks. You changed a life.
Do you want to continue to empower women like Adeline? This Christmas, and throughout the year, buy gifts from ViBella Jewelry, where Adeline works.
Adeline says this:
“Having this job makes me happy. Seeing that I am in good health and my family is in good health as well as being able to provide for them makes me extremely happy.”
SHOP VI BELLA JEWELRY
You can shop ViBella by clicking here.
Here are a few of my favorite pieces, including a necklace inspired by Love Idol.
My dear friend Amy Breitmann is hosting a series of blog posts this month, to highlight the work of ViBella Jewelry. You can find her by clicking here.
LEAVE A COMMENT FOR ADELINE
Hey friends, Can you leave a word of encouragement or a favorite Bible verse or a greeting for Adeline? I will copy these off, and give them to a friend who can translate it for her. She would love this! Think of this is a virtual housewarming party!
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Reclaiming what the enemy wanted to wound, and using it to proclaim the Word! God is really using you here, Jennifer. Thank you for allowing us to join with you in what God is doing.
It was a great thrill, and a highlight of our trip, to see the SAFE and BEAUTIFUL house where Adeline will be living!
Tears of joy. Oh my goodness this is so beautiful Jennifer. So, so beautiful. When God’s people link arms to be used for His glory my heart leaps.
I am rejoicing with you Adeline. May the Joy of the Lord Jesus keep you through all the paths of your life. May God bless you & keep you in His peace this Christmas.
Yay! I am so happy for you Adeline! God is so good! I pray God’s continued blessings over you!
Ephesians 3: 16-21
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
Thanks for the beautiful post, Jennifer and to every friend who helped make this possible! Blessings to you, Adeline. I can’t wait to see you in your new house in person! “God has made everything beautiful in its time.” Ecc. 3:11 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Jas. 1:17
This is such heartwarming news, Jennifer. Hugs to you and Adeline!
Home for the holidays. God bless Adeline, and everyone involved–and the ministry of ViBella. And YOU.
I am so happy for you Adeline. Welcome to your new home and a Merry Christmas.
2 Samuel 7:29
Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever.”
Ahhhh, what a beautiful sight. Welcome home, Adeline. And thank you, Jennifer, for the way you live and lead by example. Your heart belongs to Jesus. How beautiful you are.
Welcome home Adeline! I am so happy for you this Christmas season! This new house for you makes my Christmas extra special knowing you will stay dry and have a new place to call home! Keep your eyes on Jesus and enjoy His beauty this Christmas! Hugs and Love to you! Tanya Leonard
Welcome to your new HOME Adeline! Ever since Jennifer let us know of your need, I was so touched. I began to pray with her and with others for you and purchase ViBella jewelry in support of a new home for you and your family. I am THRILLED to see God bring down the walls that were standing in your way, even as He built up the walls of your home! May God bless your home and protect it from the storms of life in every way. Love to you!!