If you’ve been around for Busy Being Jennifer for a while, then you might know that when I was 16 I went to Romania for 2 months. That trip changed me in more ways than I could ever express. The biggest thing I walked away with… IT (life) is not just about me!
When I made some changes and kickstarted Homespun Happiness back in October, I knew that I wanted it to be about more than just me and the things that I created. I wanted it to help, to support, to make a difference. Now before you start thinking I’m just another blogger with another pet charity/project, you should know that I’ve been praying about a way that I could help make a difference in Romania for 13 years.
A little less than a year ago I saw this video about Iana. I watched it 4 times, sobbing. I’ve been to that country, I’ve seen the desperation, and I want to make a difference.
Please note that there a few graphic dramatizations in this clip.
When I was in Romania, we did a lot of out reach in orphanages and gypsy camps. I had a man walk up to me and try to sell me his 7 week old daughter for $50 american dollars. I was more than tempted to fork over the cash and save that child.
There was a a child that followed us around when we did dramas in the main part of town. We thought it was a little girl… until the interpreter introduced us to George. This little boys father, forced him to dress as a girl and beg from tourists. Little girls get more money than little boys.
There was story after story of children abandoned at the orphanage, unwanted, tossed away like garbage. Children who remembered that they had a sister that had been sold to “A man” and taken away screaming.
When I left Romania, I left a huge chunk of my heart. That country has never been far from my mind, or my prayers. Now I feel the time is right and that I have an opportunity to make a difference.
I am committing to support Iana and her ministry. 25% of every sale from Homespun Happiness will be going to make a difference in the lives of these young girls sold into slavery, abandoned and forgotten.
I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I will one day return to Romania and help make a difference in person. For now, I know that supporting Iana in prayer and financially is what I am called to do.
So when you purchase from Homespun Happiness you’re not just getting a fabulous handmade item, you’re making a difference in the life of a woman in Romania.
To get the ball rolling, I’m offering 35% off everything in the store for the next week or so. Use Code “HelpIana” to claim your discount.
If you’d like to read more about Iana’s Story or support her directly, please visit the Hope Narative.
hayleigh clarkson says
This is a fantastic idea, good on you for getting out there and doing something to make a difference x
adriannesurian says
I am torn whether to feel awful for the conditions n other parts of the world, or happy that you are contributing. I guess both. Thanks so much for sharing.
Gale says
I've added your link to my guide to "Shopping to Fight Slavery" here: http://www.squidoo.com/shop2fightslavery
(Saw your post on Texan's Who Blog)
JenniferJayne13 says
Thats so awesome Gale! Thanks so much! I've been able to donate almost $100 since I started 🙂 I'm going to be posting about it in the next week or 2 🙂