I am still accepting orders for Christmas presents for the 2009 season. What I love so much about offering glass work to you for Christmas is that you as women are going to buy gifts for your families,friends and loved ones anyway...why not buy a gift that in the words of the old cliche just "keeps on giving". Anyone could buy a gift at Target or Macy's, and although they are lovely, they do not continue to bless others. When you buy a gift from Heart Song Studio, the money you spend goes to help serve the needs of women and children around the world. You can place an order for a custom piece at any time. You may look through the old blog archives and choose something you like and I can recreate it (although no two pieces are ever alike), or you may talk with me about a simple idea you have that perhaps I can create for you specifically. Prices are based on size, the amount of glass I use, as well at the amount of hours put into the piece. Generally the prices are as follows, but may vary depending on the exact glass work:
Ornaments- $22.00
Smaller than 5x7- $25.00-$35.00
5x7 $35.00-$45.00
Larger than 5x7 but smaller than 8x10- $50.00-$65.00
8x10-$75.00
Larger than 8x10 various drastically depending on size and design. Most pieces are created in salvaged old windows and frames and begin at $195.00
To contact us simply call: 765-659-1626 or e-mail us at: thekirbows@yahoo.com
Orders placed for Christmas should be ready to pick up (or ship) by December 1, 2009.
Recent Posts
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Teen Midwives in Afghanistan Help Save Lives
Teen midwives in Afghanistan help save lives
A bored teen at the mall? Hardly. This 18-year-old widow and mother works courageously to curb Afghanistan’s staggering infant and maternal mortality rates, thanks to a training program supported by World Vision.
September 2009
By Mary Kate MacIsaac, World Vision Afghanistan, and Rachael Boyer, World Vision U.S.
As part of her practical training, this 18-year-old midwife-in-training administers a vaccination to a newborn at Herat Regional Hospital in Afghanistan. World Vision is training young women here to become midwives in an effort to reduce the region's high maternal- and infant-mortality rates.
Photo ©2009 Mary Kate MacIssac/World Vision
Dressed in scrubs, pink vinyl aprons, caps, and the occasional surgical mask, midwives-in-training hustle between beds in the delivery room at the Herat maternity hospital in western Afghanistan.
In other countries, teens like these are attending high school, watching movies, or going on dates. But in Afghanistan, these young women are learning to save lives.
Almost half of all deaths of women age 15-49 in Afghanistan result from complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Most of these deaths could be prevented with increased access to maternal health services. Competent midwives based in rural communities are beginning to make that difference.
A midwife named Suraya
It is May 2009. A young woman cries, “God, God, God…” from behind a portable turquoise curtain. Leaning over her, an Afghan teen dressed in hospital scrubs speaks calmly, encouraging her to take quick, short breaths. The laboring woman’s toes grip the mattress edge, and her hand presses against the green tiled wall next to the bed. “Don’t push. Not yet,” says the midwife, “Wait, wait…”
Make a donation to World Vision’s Mother and Girls Health Fund. Your gift will help provide maternal health care in areas where the need is great.
The midwife is Suraya,* an 18-year-old midwife-in-training from a remote village in the mountainous province of Ghor. Married at just 14, and widowed at 16, Suraya is more grown up than one might expect. She was 15 when she gave birth to her son, Razeq, who is now 3. Her mother cares for the boy at home while Suraya completes her practical training in Herat.
When her parents heard about the program, they encouraged Suraya to become a midwife. “They said, ‘This is good. You can help our community by assisting the women here. You can help save the lives of mothers and babies,’” recalls Suraya.
Eighteen months ago, Suraya had just completed the ninth grade. Then she heard about and applied to the midwifery training program, supported by World Vision. The program is about 125 miles from her home — an unheard-of distance for an Afghan woman to travel through rocky terrain and bad roads for an education.
Midwives-in-training, like Suraya, deliver most of the infants at the Herat maternity hospital. They work alongside trained medical staff, gaining invaluable experience assisting mothers in labor by preparing hydration drips, and monitoring infant heartbeats and maternal blood pressures. They also carefully examine each woman for signs of complications such as obstructed births, and other potential causes of maternal death in Afghanistan.
Some staggering figures
The United Nations estimates that Ghor has the highest rate of maternal deaths in all of Afghanistan, which holds the second-highest rate in the world, after Niger. According to the UN, one in eight Afghan women die in childbirth.
In 2002, the World Health Organization (WHO) found that there were only 467 trained midwives in the country. By 2008, that number had increased to more than 2,100. However, Peter Graaff, a WHO representative for Afghanistan, says that the country needs far more — at least 4,500 midwives.
In 2008, World Vision started a program in coordination with an Afghan humanitarian organization. The 18-month program, which aims to improve maternal health, recruits young women from rural communities across the province. Each student makes a commitment to return to her community after she completes the training, to increase women’s access to care in remote areas.
On a mission to save their friends
A 17-year-old midwife-in-training is supervised as she dresses a newborn child at Afghanistan's Ghor Regional Hospital.
Photo ©2009 Mary Kate MacIssac/World VisionThe training program was a dream come true for Suraya. “When I was a small child, I hoped to be a doctor or a midwife in my community. When I heard about this program, I had to apply,” she says.
Suraya, like many of the student midwives, joined the program motivated by personal experiences from their own communities.
“Back home, in our village, my friend was in labor for more than four days…she lost so much blood, but they would not take her to the hospital. The baby finally came out dead and my friend, the mother, was in a terrible situation. It was her first child, an awful experience, but she survived, barely. They didn’t consult anyone.”
Every student has a story like this. Every student’s family has been affected or knows a family that has endured such a loss. Among these young midwives, there is a sense of urgency that something must be done to reverse the trends in maternal and infant health. These students see themselves as part of a new future for their country and their people.
‘Now I feel fully competent’
A 20-year-old mother lies with her newborn son after receiving care from midwives-in-training at Ghor Regional Hospital.
Photo ©2009 Mary Kate MacIssac/World Vision“The first time I delivered an infant, I was so afraid,” admits Suraya. “I was looking at the mother, feeling so sad for her and wondering, ‘Is it really possible that I can do this?’ I could only think how God must help me.’”
But she did it, and then she did it again and again, 43 more times in her final months of training.
“Now, I feel fully competent,” she says with a confident smile.
In one month, Suraya and her classmates will graduate and return to their villages. Suraya has not been home since she began the program in January 2008. She has missed her family, and especially her son.
“But I’ll miss all the friends I’ve made in this program, too,” says Suraya. “Already, every day we are missing each other,” she laughs, but then grows more thoughtful and serious: “But I must do this. I must return home. It has been my dream to finish this program and become a good midwife. This is my life’s purpose now.”
*Name has been changed.
A bored teen at the mall? Hardly. This 18-year-old widow and mother works courageously to curb Afghanistan’s staggering infant and maternal mortality rates, thanks to a training program supported by World Vision.
September 2009
By Mary Kate MacIsaac, World Vision Afghanistan, and Rachael Boyer, World Vision U.S.
As part of her practical training, this 18-year-old midwife-in-training administers a vaccination to a newborn at Herat Regional Hospital in Afghanistan. World Vision is training young women here to become midwives in an effort to reduce the region's high maternal- and infant-mortality rates.
Photo ©2009 Mary Kate MacIssac/World Vision
Dressed in scrubs, pink vinyl aprons, caps, and the occasional surgical mask, midwives-in-training hustle between beds in the delivery room at the Herat maternity hospital in western Afghanistan.
In other countries, teens like these are attending high school, watching movies, or going on dates. But in Afghanistan, these young women are learning to save lives.
Almost half of all deaths of women age 15-49 in Afghanistan result from complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Most of these deaths could be prevented with increased access to maternal health services. Competent midwives based in rural communities are beginning to make that difference.
A midwife named Suraya
It is May 2009. A young woman cries, “God, God, God…” from behind a portable turquoise curtain. Leaning over her, an Afghan teen dressed in hospital scrubs speaks calmly, encouraging her to take quick, short breaths. The laboring woman’s toes grip the mattress edge, and her hand presses against the green tiled wall next to the bed. “Don’t push. Not yet,” says the midwife, “Wait, wait…”
Make a donation to World Vision’s Mother and Girls Health Fund. Your gift will help provide maternal health care in areas where the need is great.
The midwife is Suraya,* an 18-year-old midwife-in-training from a remote village in the mountainous province of Ghor. Married at just 14, and widowed at 16, Suraya is more grown up than one might expect. She was 15 when she gave birth to her son, Razeq, who is now 3. Her mother cares for the boy at home while Suraya completes her practical training in Herat.
When her parents heard about the program, they encouraged Suraya to become a midwife. “They said, ‘This is good. You can help our community by assisting the women here. You can help save the lives of mothers and babies,’” recalls Suraya.
Eighteen months ago, Suraya had just completed the ninth grade. Then she heard about and applied to the midwifery training program, supported by World Vision. The program is about 125 miles from her home — an unheard-of distance for an Afghan woman to travel through rocky terrain and bad roads for an education.
Midwives-in-training, like Suraya, deliver most of the infants at the Herat maternity hospital. They work alongside trained medical staff, gaining invaluable experience assisting mothers in labor by preparing hydration drips, and monitoring infant heartbeats and maternal blood pressures. They also carefully examine each woman for signs of complications such as obstructed births, and other potential causes of maternal death in Afghanistan.
Some staggering figures
The United Nations estimates that Ghor has the highest rate of maternal deaths in all of Afghanistan, which holds the second-highest rate in the world, after Niger. According to the UN, one in eight Afghan women die in childbirth.
In 2002, the World Health Organization (WHO) found that there were only 467 trained midwives in the country. By 2008, that number had increased to more than 2,100. However, Peter Graaff, a WHO representative for Afghanistan, says that the country needs far more — at least 4,500 midwives.
In 2008, World Vision started a program in coordination with an Afghan humanitarian organization. The 18-month program, which aims to improve maternal health, recruits young women from rural communities across the province. Each student makes a commitment to return to her community after she completes the training, to increase women’s access to care in remote areas.
On a mission to save their friends
A 17-year-old midwife-in-training is supervised as she dresses a newborn child at Afghanistan's Ghor Regional Hospital.
Photo ©2009 Mary Kate MacIssac/World VisionThe training program was a dream come true for Suraya. “When I was a small child, I hoped to be a doctor or a midwife in my community. When I heard about this program, I had to apply,” she says.
Suraya, like many of the student midwives, joined the program motivated by personal experiences from their own communities.
“Back home, in our village, my friend was in labor for more than four days…she lost so much blood, but they would not take her to the hospital. The baby finally came out dead and my friend, the mother, was in a terrible situation. It was her first child, an awful experience, but she survived, barely. They didn’t consult anyone.”
Every student has a story like this. Every student’s family has been affected or knows a family that has endured such a loss. Among these young midwives, there is a sense of urgency that something must be done to reverse the trends in maternal and infant health. These students see themselves as part of a new future for their country and their people.
‘Now I feel fully competent’
A 20-year-old mother lies with her newborn son after receiving care from midwives-in-training at Ghor Regional Hospital.
Photo ©2009 Mary Kate MacIssac/World Vision“The first time I delivered an infant, I was so afraid,” admits Suraya. “I was looking at the mother, feeling so sad for her and wondering, ‘Is it really possible that I can do this?’ I could only think how God must help me.’”
But she did it, and then she did it again and again, 43 more times in her final months of training.
“Now, I feel fully competent,” she says with a confident smile.
In one month, Suraya and her classmates will graduate and return to their villages. Suraya has not been home since she began the program in January 2008. She has missed her family, and especially her son.
“But I’ll miss all the friends I’ve made in this program, too,” says Suraya. “Already, every day we are missing each other,” she laughs, but then grows more thoughtful and serious: “But I must do this. I must return home. It has been my dream to finish this program and become a good midwife. This is my life’s purpose now.”
*Name has been changed.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Who is the Isaiah Project and Heart Song Studios?
The Isaiah Project
was founded on Isaiah 61, our purpose is to serve women and children who have been affected by poverty, war, AIDS or oppression. Our goals are to restore well being, dignity and hope through education and humanitarianism. By equipping both women and children with the tools necessary to better themselves and their community we empower their future. We desire to teach elementary skills and education to those who have none, and develop education centers as well as charitable homes to provide a refuge from the tempest. Our ultimate goal is to show love by giving our resources and lives to those without love, hope or a future and to show our fellowman a better way through compassion and action. To contact us please e-mail us at: thekirbows@yahoo.com
Heart Song Studio is a ministry of the Isaiah Project. Our vision is to take discarded materials and use them to create beautiful works of art, much the same as God does with those individuals that are discarded by the world.
In the past I have maintained two blogs, one for The Isaiah Project and one for Heart Song Studios. I am now combining the two, but if you have an interest in either ministry let me know and I can get you more information.
was founded on Isaiah 61, our purpose is to serve women and children who have been affected by poverty, war, AIDS or oppression. Our goals are to restore well being, dignity and hope through education and humanitarianism. By equipping both women and children with the tools necessary to better themselves and their community we empower their future. We desire to teach elementary skills and education to those who have none, and develop education centers as well as charitable homes to provide a refuge from the tempest. Our ultimate goal is to show love by giving our resources and lives to those without love, hope or a future and to show our fellowman a better way through compassion and action. To contact us please e-mail us at: thekirbows@yahoo.com
Heart Song Studio is a ministry of the Isaiah Project. Our vision is to take discarded materials and use them to create beautiful works of art, much the same as God does with those individuals that are discarded by the world.
In the past I have maintained two blogs, one for The Isaiah Project and one for Heart Song Studios. I am now combining the two, but if you have an interest in either ministry let me know and I can get you more information.
Dreams
There are so many dreams we have, so many things we long to accomplish. Our hearts often run ahead of the moment, but I must dream it is what gives me hope. It is what wakes me in the morning and keeps me from sleep at night. I believe those who do not choose to dream are the ones who regret. I read once a poem, that sadly I have never been able to find again, which stated, "I want to live in such a way that when I come to die...I KNOW that I have truly lived". Of course that is paraphrased and if you should know the poet, please, please let me know, but that is how I want to live my life. I want it to be an unselfish life that, because I have lived, others too can really, truly live and maybe even, one day...DREAM.
Here are a few of our dreams (one of which is already a happy, successful reality):
The Refuge: We dream to take part in desert reclamation. To help provide tools, seeds, farming techniques, water wells and other resources for returning refugees and smaller communities so they can better reclaim their lives, homes and yes...dreams.We long to come along side refugees, who have been asked to return to their homes, but who have no homes to return to and help them re-establish themselves in small communities and enable them to build a home, garden plot and community resources such as fisheries.
Beauty for Ashes: Here we would take the gift and skills of antenatal health care and midwifery to the women and newborns who, otherwise, would have no health care or resources in the Middle East and North Africa. Women in these areas are not going to be reached, unless other women rise up and go to them. The time in a woman's life where she experiences pregnancy, birth and postpartum are hinge moments. Her future, the future of her newborn and subsequent children, as well as her husband, in-laws and her community all hinge on a healthy woman during and after pregnancy. So often, the WOMAN IS THE MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE a developing world community will have, and we must reach her in these pivotal moments and offer her opportunities for positive outcomes.
Heart Song Studio: Heart Song Studio is a platform and voice for the art medium of humanitarianism. We make art for the sole purpose of raising money to support various projects in Russia, the Middle East and Africa. In time, we hope to encompass a COMMUNITY of artists who are willing to create and donate their art for the cause of their fellow man.
So we invite you to DREAM! Dream with us...dream on your own...just know there is so much more than you have probably ever imagined...and begin TODAY to DREAM!!
Here are a few of our dreams (one of which is already a happy, successful reality):
The Refuge: We dream to take part in desert reclamation. To help provide tools, seeds, farming techniques, water wells and other resources for returning refugees and smaller communities so they can better reclaim their lives, homes and yes...dreams.We long to come along side refugees, who have been asked to return to their homes, but who have no homes to return to and help them re-establish themselves in small communities and enable them to build a home, garden plot and community resources such as fisheries.
Beauty for Ashes: Here we would take the gift and skills of antenatal health care and midwifery to the women and newborns who, otherwise, would have no health care or resources in the Middle East and North Africa. Women in these areas are not going to be reached, unless other women rise up and go to them. The time in a woman's life where she experiences pregnancy, birth and postpartum are hinge moments. Her future, the future of her newborn and subsequent children, as well as her husband, in-laws and her community all hinge on a healthy woman during and after pregnancy. So often, the WOMAN IS THE MOST VALUABLE RESOURCE a developing world community will have, and we must reach her in these pivotal moments and offer her opportunities for positive outcomes.
Heart Song Studio: Heart Song Studio is a platform and voice for the art medium of humanitarianism. We make art for the sole purpose of raising money to support various projects in Russia, the Middle East and Africa. In time, we hope to encompass a COMMUNITY of artists who are willing to create and donate their art for the cause of their fellow man.
So we invite you to DREAM! Dream with us...dream on your own...just know there is so much more than you have probably ever imagined...and begin TODAY to DREAM!!
Heart Song Studio
Heart Song Studio is a ministry of the Isaiah Project. Originally Heart Song Studio began in order to provide finances for a blanket project in Russia. This project was to provide blankets to orphans in various orphanages in the Perm region of Russia. It was a success and so Heart Song Studio continued to produce work and continues to provide the bulk of the income for the Isaiah Project. As of now, 100 % of the proceeds from Heart Song Studio has gone, and continues to go directly to fund various projects and people in our focus region.
Heart Song Studio uses the gift and medium of art as a platform for educating others in the art of humanitarianism. We have dedicated our talents to the nameless and voiceless of Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Our desire is to bring awareness to their hideous plight juxtaposed against the beauty of art. Heart Song Studio takes discarded glass, salvaged frames, along with broken windows and creates unique works of art. Like the art materials that have been discarded these children and communities forgotten and forsaken by the world, can become beautiful with time and a loving, patient touch.
To learn more or to purchase a work of art from Heart Song Studio go to:
www.heartsongstudio.blogspot.com
Heart Song Studio uses the gift and medium of art as a platform for educating others in the art of humanitarianism. We have dedicated our talents to the nameless and voiceless of Central Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Our desire is to bring awareness to their hideous plight juxtaposed against the beauty of art. Heart Song Studio takes discarded glass, salvaged frames, along with broken windows and creates unique works of art. Like the art materials that have been discarded these children and communities forgotten and forsaken by the world, can become beautiful with time and a loving, patient touch.
To learn more or to purchase a work of art from Heart Song Studio go to:
www.heartsongstudio.blogspot.com
Our Vision
Our goal is first, to raise the awareness of what is happening in the world today due to poverty, AIDS, war and oppression, and to ignite others to action. There are so many people with the heart to go or give, but they simply do not now what needs to be done or where they should start.
We desire second, to raise funds and resources for various projects in Russia, the Middles East and Africa.
Third, we will work towards raising funds for people already serving women and children in their own ministries in our focus nations, and learn how we can relieve financial pressures for them so they can better succeed in their work.
Long Term Dreams and Goals
To Restore: dignity, resources, homes, income, health and HOPE to those who have been trampled, rejected and forsaken by the world.
To Equip: women and children who have been affected by poverty, AIDS/disease, war or oppression with a sense of hope and well being and to give to them the tools necessary to better their lives and community.
To Teach: basic skills and elementary education to those who have none specifically in midwifery and farming.
To Develop: communities for women and their families, who have been refugees, to return to, sustainable resources for impoverished communities, means of education and "hope for a future" for orphans or children coming out of the sex/slave trade.
To Connect: churches and individuals with people and communities around the world desperate for the Lord and the hope He alone brings and to inspire other women to reach the women of the Middle East and North Africa through midwifery.
To Love: by giving our lives to those without love, hope or a future, and showing our fellowman a better way through compassion and action.
We desire second, to raise funds and resources for various projects in Russia, the Middles East and Africa.
Third, we will work towards raising funds for people already serving women and children in their own ministries in our focus nations, and learn how we can relieve financial pressures for them so they can better succeed in their work.
Long Term Dreams and Goals
To Restore: dignity, resources, homes, income, health and HOPE to those who have been trampled, rejected and forsaken by the world.
To Equip: women and children who have been affected by poverty, AIDS/disease, war or oppression with a sense of hope and well being and to give to them the tools necessary to better their lives and community.
To Teach: basic skills and elementary education to those who have none specifically in midwifery and farming.
To Develop: communities for women and their families, who have been refugees, to return to, sustainable resources for impoverished communities, means of education and "hope for a future" for orphans or children coming out of the sex/slave trade.
To Connect: churches and individuals with people and communities around the world desperate for the Lord and the hope He alone brings and to inspire other women to reach the women of the Middle East and North Africa through midwifery.
To Love: by giving our lives to those without love, hope or a future, and showing our fellowman a better way through compassion and action.
What is the Isaiah Project?
What is the Isaiah Project?
Founded on Isaiah 61 and Isaiah 58, our purpose is to serve women and children who have been affected by poverty, AIDS, war or oppression. Our goals are to restore well being and hope through education and humanitarianism by equipping both women and children with the tools necessary to better themselves and their community. We desire to teach elementary skills and education to those who have none. Our ultimate goal is to show love by giving our lives to those without love, hope or a future, and showing our fellowman a better way through compassion and action.
We are a non-profit organization recognized by the state of Indiana. We have filed for our 501c3 status two years ago. We are still following the red tape and believe one day very soon we will come to the end of it. We chose not to file The Isaiah Project under religion, for the simple fact that in many parts of the world the word "Christian" does not imply what we are and does imply so much of what we are not. However, our values lie deep within the truths of what Jesus Christ said and did while on earth and we seek to follow His example. We are founded on the principle that love, mercy and sacrifice for our fellowman are the only things that will change lives. Thus we are a humanitarian organization living out what we believe is true Christianity. The Isaiah Project values the lives of women and children and will strive to bring hope to all we meet.
The Isaiah Project was conceived in 1994 on a small windowsill somewhere in the middle of Poland. Amy had recently given her life to God and everyone around her kept asking what her "calling" was. She no idea what a "calling" was, but in those days "if others had one then I wanted one too", she says with a laugh. Amy sat quietly, staring out at the small village and asked God to reveal the purpose for which she had been created. "I was a strong believer in "something more" and had been looking everywhere for it," she states "I also believed one could hear from God, if they were quiet enough for long enough." Maybe that puts her in a very small and somewhat unstable minority, but none the less that morning she heard Him speak. Led me to read Isaiah 61, there all alone "I new without any doubt those words spoke to my soul. Those words were written on my soul. It was my purpose for living, and in that moment I could see myself rocking babies, washing faces, lifting chins and holding hands with women and children no one else would touch". But life continued and Amy was married, gave birth to three delightful, wonderful sons and together with her husband worked in a private school dedicated to young people who, for one reason or another, could not make it in public school. Over time she convinced herself this was what God had spoken so long ago, because indeed these people needed love and hope too, but the day came and bags were packed in preparation to move on. No without the young people who needed so much, she found a void in her life. Amy began asking God once more for direction. She wept over the fact that, though she had three small children to care for, she was not doing enough. Happening across Hotel Rwanda only led her to be further convinced she must do something from where she was for a world out there dieing, hurting. Amy and her husband Derek continued to pray and on the day those prayers came to a culmination, the Isaiah Project was born. What will it become? We are unsure. For now it is a dream, a vision and a road that must be traveled. As of now we are organic: ever evolving, changing, growing and going where there is need.
Founded on Isaiah 61 and Isaiah 58, our purpose is to serve women and children who have been affected by poverty, AIDS, war or oppression. Our goals are to restore well being and hope through education and humanitarianism by equipping both women and children with the tools necessary to better themselves and their community. We desire to teach elementary skills and education to those who have none. Our ultimate goal is to show love by giving our lives to those without love, hope or a future, and showing our fellowman a better way through compassion and action.
We are a non-profit organization recognized by the state of Indiana. We have filed for our 501c3 status two years ago. We are still following the red tape and believe one day very soon we will come to the end of it. We chose not to file The Isaiah Project under religion, for the simple fact that in many parts of the world the word "Christian" does not imply what we are and does imply so much of what we are not. However, our values lie deep within the truths of what Jesus Christ said and did while on earth and we seek to follow His example. We are founded on the principle that love, mercy and sacrifice for our fellowman are the only things that will change lives. Thus we are a humanitarian organization living out what we believe is true Christianity. The Isaiah Project values the lives of women and children and will strive to bring hope to all we meet.
The Isaiah Project was conceived in 1994 on a small windowsill somewhere in the middle of Poland. Amy had recently given her life to God and everyone around her kept asking what her "calling" was. She no idea what a "calling" was, but in those days "if others had one then I wanted one too", she says with a laugh. Amy sat quietly, staring out at the small village and asked God to reveal the purpose for which she had been created. "I was a strong believer in "something more" and had been looking everywhere for it," she states "I also believed one could hear from God, if they were quiet enough for long enough." Maybe that puts her in a very small and somewhat unstable minority, but none the less that morning she heard Him speak. Led me to read Isaiah 61, there all alone "I new without any doubt those words spoke to my soul. Those words were written on my soul. It was my purpose for living, and in that moment I could see myself rocking babies, washing faces, lifting chins and holding hands with women and children no one else would touch". But life continued and Amy was married, gave birth to three delightful, wonderful sons and together with her husband worked in a private school dedicated to young people who, for one reason or another, could not make it in public school. Over time she convinced herself this was what God had spoken so long ago, because indeed these people needed love and hope too, but the day came and bags were packed in preparation to move on. No without the young people who needed so much, she found a void in her life. Amy began asking God once more for direction. She wept over the fact that, though she had three small children to care for, she was not doing enough. Happening across Hotel Rwanda only led her to be further convinced she must do something from where she was for a world out there dieing, hurting. Amy and her husband Derek continued to pray and on the day those prayers came to a culmination, the Isaiah Project was born. What will it become? We are unsure. For now it is a dream, a vision and a road that must be traveled. As of now we are organic: ever evolving, changing, growing and going where there is need.
from Isaiah
Isaiah 61:1-4
1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
2To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
3To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
4And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.
from Isaiah 58
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness [a] will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
"If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
1The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;
2To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;
3To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
4And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.
from Isaiah 58
7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry
and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—
when you see the naked, to clothe him,
and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness [a] will go before you,
and the glory of the LORD will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
"If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.
12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins
and will raise up the age-old foundations;
you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls,
Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.
