myLIFEspeaks Life Academy in Haiti
Donation protected
Hello All! I am Olivia Caldwell, and I would like to go ahead and thank any and all who donate to my page.
I recently got the good news that I was accepted for a month-long summer internship position at myLIFEspeaks in Neply, Haiti. Last summer, I traveled with my mother and a mother-daughter serving group, located in my town, to Neply, Haiti. At the time, I had no idea just how much of an impact Neply, and the myLIFEspeaks organization specifically, would have on me. I know it sounds cheesy, but that short week changed my life. It gave me a new outlook because it helped me realize how lucky I am to be born where I was and into the family I have. It also helped me find my passion. I have always been really interested in service, but after traveling to Haiti, I realized THAT is what I could see myself doing with my life.
I find service like this particularly rewarding, too, because you get to see both immediate and long-term benefits. Take myLIFEspeaks for example. In just the one week I was there, I was able to see how each and every person that works with myLIFEspeaks touches all the people of Neply. By tossing a ball or giving a hug, I could see how much of an impact I was making. Speaking in terms of long-term effects, myLIFEspeaks mission has in a short time made such a difference. Its initial focus was to help orphans with and without special needs while also showing people their value. In order to do this, their campus in Neply allows both typical orphans, as well as those with special needs, the ability to grow up together in the same family environment. Unfortunately, in Haiti, voodoo makes the myLIFEspeaks mission challenging. Voodoo beliefs are prevalent in Haiti, and many voodoo priests believe that children with special needs are cursed, and therefore a danger to their community. This leads to children with special needs being abandoned, left on the side of the road, and even sacrificed. However, with the help of myLIFEspeaks and their mission, this belief is quickly changing. People are beginning to realize that if they have a child with special needs, they should keep and protect him or her because each child has worth.
The success of the original myLIFEspeaks mission has blossomed into more opportunities for change. Along with the orphan program, myLIFEspeaks has also started other successful programs, like a medical program and a feeding program. Their newest initiative is Life Academy, a school for the children of Neply. Although it isn’t quite up and running yet, this is where you come in. As of right now, Mike and Missy, the founders of myLIFEspeaks, plan to have the school running by the fall of this year. In order for that to happen, they still need to get a lot done. One of the most important things is equipment for the school, including desks for the classrooms. With your help, I hope to raise at least $4,500 to pay for the desks at the new school they are opening. Every dollar makes a difference, and I appreciate your support of the positive impact that this organization has on the people of Neply!
If you would like more information on my story, myLIFEspeaks’ mission, or if you have any other questions, feel free to contact me.
myLIFEspeaks' website link
I recently got the good news that I was accepted for a month-long summer internship position at myLIFEspeaks in Neply, Haiti. Last summer, I traveled with my mother and a mother-daughter serving group, located in my town, to Neply, Haiti. At the time, I had no idea just how much of an impact Neply, and the myLIFEspeaks organization specifically, would have on me. I know it sounds cheesy, but that short week changed my life. It gave me a new outlook because it helped me realize how lucky I am to be born where I was and into the family I have. It also helped me find my passion. I have always been really interested in service, but after traveling to Haiti, I realized THAT is what I could see myself doing with my life.
I find service like this particularly rewarding, too, because you get to see both immediate and long-term benefits. Take myLIFEspeaks for example. In just the one week I was there, I was able to see how each and every person that works with myLIFEspeaks touches all the people of Neply. By tossing a ball or giving a hug, I could see how much of an impact I was making. Speaking in terms of long-term effects, myLIFEspeaks mission has in a short time made such a difference. Its initial focus was to help orphans with and without special needs while also showing people their value. In order to do this, their campus in Neply allows both typical orphans, as well as those with special needs, the ability to grow up together in the same family environment. Unfortunately, in Haiti, voodoo makes the myLIFEspeaks mission challenging. Voodoo beliefs are prevalent in Haiti, and many voodoo priests believe that children with special needs are cursed, and therefore a danger to their community. This leads to children with special needs being abandoned, left on the side of the road, and even sacrificed. However, with the help of myLIFEspeaks and their mission, this belief is quickly changing. People are beginning to realize that if they have a child with special needs, they should keep and protect him or her because each child has worth.
The success of the original myLIFEspeaks mission has blossomed into more opportunities for change. Along with the orphan program, myLIFEspeaks has also started other successful programs, like a medical program and a feeding program. Their newest initiative is Life Academy, a school for the children of Neply. Although it isn’t quite up and running yet, this is where you come in. As of right now, Mike and Missy, the founders of myLIFEspeaks, plan to have the school running by the fall of this year. In order for that to happen, they still need to get a lot done. One of the most important things is equipment for the school, including desks for the classrooms. With your help, I hope to raise at least $4,500 to pay for the desks at the new school they are opening. Every dollar makes a difference, and I appreciate your support of the positive impact that this organization has on the people of Neply!
If you would like more information on my story, myLIFEspeaks’ mission, or if you have any other questions, feel free to contact me.
myLIFEspeaks' website link
Organizer
Olivia Caldwell
Organizer
Nashville, TN