What is your passion?
Besides being the best wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend I can be, my passion is serving the Deaf in the area of Cabaret, Haiti. As a founding board member of the Haiti Deaf Academy, my work there over the past 10 years has been a huge part of my life. Despite too many hurdles to mention, which are expected in the developing world, our staff has created wonderful programs for 48 deaf students, ages 4 to 18 years. As most come to us with no way to communicate, they first focus on language development (sign language) and then use those new skills for academic and spiritual development, life skills and vocational training. I could go on and on!
Why do you love this community?
This community is loaded with incredible service minded people. Whether through their work environment or the many non-profits based in the Gainesville area, people seem to step up without fail, both financially and personally.
Why go the extra mile for it?
Seeing others work so hard to serve in Hall County inspires me to do the same. And there are many areas of need.
How in the world do you juggle family and pandemic and still find that fire to serve?
Most women I know are hard wired to operate with a full plate!
Where does the fire come from?
My faith and belief in 1st Peter 4:10, “Each one of us should use the gifts we have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”
Who inspires you and why?
Melanie, a deaf Haitian woman I have known for 10 years, has had a hard life, beyond my imagination. Yet, she has a positive spirit about her as she works hard day and night and gives love and attention to the children under her care. You’d never know that literally nothing in her world is easy. She inspires me.
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