It was a sunday that my husband left to go on shift, early as usual. As I saw him out the door and kissed him goodbye, my mind started having flashbacks to earlier this summer. Out of no where I began to think about Haiti and the trip we took there just this past July. As I went back to bed in hopes to get some more sleep, I had this nagging feeling in my heart, that quite honestly I had been pushing aside for the past month. All I could picture was those beautiful faces, the tiny hands that would reach up with eyes that are full of hope, eagerly awaiting you to acknowledge them and pick them up. I thought to myself "Really God, now? You want to talk to me about Haiti right now, as I lay all nice and cozy trying to sleep? Ok. Fine." While my mind continued to race I was reminded of a Non-profit organization that a dear friend of my, Wendy helps out with that provides a way for people to sponsor the children in Carrefour Poy Haiti, and provide a way for them to receive an education as well as a meal. So, I got out of bed, turned on my laptop and started looking at the website. I have to be honest, I was very frustrated that I was up at 4:30 AM looking at this stuff and had such a heavy heart to the point where I couldn't sleep. As I looked in depth at the website and remembered my friend telling me that she would love for me to come on board with her and help out with this organization, if I were interested, I thought to myself "gosh dang it. how are you going to have time for this? You work full-time, rarely see your husband, already have a packed schedule....nope. You're going to do it Ashley. Today at church you are going to march yourself up to Wendy and tell her that you want to help."
So I did. I told Wendy that I couldn't stop thinking about helping with this, and that I had been putting off this nagging feeling for the past month. Though my schedule is rather tight and I don't have much wiggle room I knew that if I were to just say yes, and listen to what God was putting on my heart, He would bless me with more time. Sounds crazy, I know. Once I told Wendy this, we both were full of excitement, and agreed to meet that following sunday to go over what I could begin to help out with.
After meeting with Wendy and going over things that I could help with, my heart became full. Full knowing that this is exactly where I needed to be. I've been praying that God would open the doors to something that would keep me busy at home after work while my hubs is away fighting fires. This is it. A passion i've had for over two years is now becoming a part of our lives, that heartbeat that is so strong for Haiti is finally becoming something that is real, and present in the Catto home.
Now, long story short, I am happy to inform you all that I am currently assisting with The Bridge--reaching to the children of Carrefour Poy Haiti. I feel so honored to be apart of this and work towards blessing those children with a way to receive an education, a meal and a hope in their beautiful hearts knowing that WE DO CARE. We want to see them succeed, strive to work hard and live a healthy life. God is good, and I know that He will be doing great things with his sponsorship program. If any of you are interested in reading about the history of how The Bridge got started and what we're all about, you can visit www.thebridgehaiti.com or email us at thebridgehaiti@gmail.com
Now to Him that is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
