#SpotlightSunday- Adrianne Gamester

Please join us in welcoming Adrianne Gamester to the Nadege team as both our new intern and restorer for our upcoming Restored Gala. She is currently attending IUK and working toward a double major in Psychology and Public Relations. Fun fact: she attended the University of Evansville for two years, which is the alma mater of one of our co-founders. Sit back and enjoy her #spotlightsunday post below:

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In three words describe yourself.

Passionate, Loyal, Genuine. 

What inspired you to help restore hope in Haiti?

I was first introduced to Nadege a few months ago, and the stories of the injustices facing women in Haiti broke my heart. After that initial encounter, God just let everything fall into place. Beginning the internship with Nadege has already changed my life, and my only desire is to help change lives in Haiti. 

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What does hope mean to you?

I believe hope is the light we see at the end of the tunnel. All of the obstacles, twists and turns along the way cause us to rely on hope. We know we will make it, and that is what keeps us hanging on. 

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Our theme for the Gala is Isaiah 61:3. How have you witnessed “beauty coming from ashes” in your own life or in the lives of others?

It is amazing that God's promises are greater than my past, failures, flaws, obstacles, and difficulties. I believe that in my past I was in a desert place, alone and afraid, and it has been in moments like these where I've learned to place my complete trust in Him. In the ashes is where I've discovered beauty- it comes from pain, but it ensures spiritual growth, healing, and ultimately trust in God that He will endure. 

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What is your hidden talent?

A hidden talent of mine is that I can play the alto saxophone. It was the first instrument I learned to play in 5th grade. I was unable to continue jazz band in high school due to swimming, but I still played on my own. I still remember how to play some songs by memory.

Adrianne and Brittany's before picture of their piece for the Restored Gala

#fivethingsfriday- All Things Restored

Your weekly five-point summary of what's new with Nadege. 

1. What's Coming:

The Restored Gala- exactly three months from today, we will be hosting our second annual Restored Gala. It is an event we believe God will use to build the safe house. Save the date for September 23, 2017 from 7-9pm at Oakbrook Church and invite your friends! Get your tickets and learn more about the Gala here.

2. Prayer Request:

Please join us in praying for every person involved in the Restored Gala. From the artists restoring items and raising money to the Gala committee members, ask God to pour His favor over the entire team and do above and beyond what we could ask or imagine. 

3. Photo/Video of the Week:

4. Thankful Thoughts:

We are so thankful for everyone who is making this Restored Gala happen. Today we want to especially thank all of the restorers who will not only be restoring an item but also raising $1,000 AND the generous donor who will be matching their efforts up to $25,000! 

5. Weekly Words:

"I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things." -Mother Teresa

#fivethingsfriday: Dreams Coming True

Your weekly five-point summary of what's new with Nadege. 

1. What's Coming:

Upon our return from a dreamy trip to Haiti, we are re-energized to take our next step of building the safe house. This means we will be hard at work all summer long raising funds toward that goal. From Hope Gatherings thrown by a few amazing #hopemultipliers to the Restored Gala that is quickly approaching (9.23.17), we believe God will close out the last phase of our capital campaign by the end of year!

2. Prayer Request:

Please join us in praying for survivors of sexual violence in Haiti. We were exposed to the darkness facing women in Haiti on a new level last week and were reminded that only God can provide the freedom and healing. Please lift up every woman who will walk through the doors of Nadege's safe house.

3. Photo/Video of the Week:

This picture reminds us of peering into a dream, which accurately depicts our feelings in that moment. #dreamscomingtrue

4. Thankful Thoughts

we are thankful for all of the things from our trip to Haiti. God showed up beyond what we could have imagined. There were divine alignments, a warm welcome from the local community, an impromptu meeting with a potential school for the future children of Nadege (literally within walking distance of our land) and beautiful footage captured by Mackenzie. It was a beautiful week, indeed.

5. Weekly Words 

"Then Jesus said to her, 'Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God." -John 11:40

#fivethingsfriday- Little by Little

Your weekly five-point summary of what's new with Nadege. 

1. What's Coming:

At the end of the month, we are heading to Haiti to snap a few photos, shoot some video, marvel at all of the progress and connect with future partners. We're excited to take nexts steps and once again, see Haiti through the eyes of Mackenzie Lee Photography.

2. Prayer Request:

Please join us in praying for safety and divine appointments on our upcoming trip to Haiti as well as continued provision for the safe house through the Hope Multiplied Campaign.

3. Photo/Video of the Week:

4. Thankful Thoughts:

Little by little, this dream of hope is becoming a reality. The strategic plan is complete. The safe house development committee is being formed #bostonstyle. Thirty-five generous donors have signed up to give $40 a month. Parties are being hosted to multiply hope in Haiti. We have so much to be thankful for this month!

5. Weekly Words:

"Piti piti wazo fe nich li" | "Little by little, the bird builds its nest." - Haitian Proverb

#fivethingsfriday- Multiply HOPE

Your weekly five-point summary of what's new with Nadege. 

1. What's Coming:

The Nadege journey has been a story of taking the next right step and trusting God with the outcomes. With the security wall complete and the land cleared in Haiti, our next right step is to raise funds to build the safe house. One of the ways we believe God will provide is through a campaign called Hope Multiplied. Learn more here and consider becoming a multiplier of hope by giving a monthly contribution of $40. 

2. Prayer Request:

Please join us in praying for wisdom and discernment for our board of directors as they meet next week to create a 5-year strategic plan for Nadege.

3. Photo/Video of the Week:

4. Thankful Thought:

We are beyond words thankful for the passion and generosity of Southcreek Church in Kokomo, IN. Not only did they allow us to shine a light on slavery during their Freedom Sunday service, but they also took up a love offering for Nadege which placed us $1500 closer towards restoring hope in Haiti. 

5. Weekly Words:

"I think it's time that we celebrate women and not consume them. I think it's time that we empower women and not oppress them." -Benjamin Nolot 

#FiveThingsFriday- Walls of Hope

Your weekly five-point summary of what's new with Nadege. 

1. What's Coming:

Now that our security wall is receiving the finishing touches, we're looking ahead to the last phase of construction: our safe house. We have multiple events lined up this year to make restoring hope in Haiti possible. Our first will happen on February 26th at Dance Elite from 2-5pm. Mackenzie Lee Photography, one of our amazing partners, is hosting an event called Swap & Shop and has graciously allowed Nadege to receive a portion of the event proceeds. If you're in the Kokomo area and need to sell an old prom dress or purchase a new one, you won't want to miss it. 

2. Prayer Request:

Join us in praying for God's provision for the safe house as we enter into a season of capital campaigning. 

3. Photo/Video of the Week:

4. Thankful Thought:

Prior to the Restored Gala, we had zero funds raised for the security wall. Six months later, the wall is almost complete. We are thankful for every single person who made the Restored Gala a huge success. Because of YOU, a wall of hope surrounds our property in Haiti.

5. Weekly Words:

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you." -Matthew 7:7

#FiveThingsFriday- A Time for Rest

Your weekly five-point summary of what's new with Nadege. 

1. What's Coming:

After a busy season of event planning and before a new season of fundraising, a time of rest is coming.  The Nadege team is looking forward to a period of calm as we enjoy the holidays and celebrate all that God has been up to.

2. Prayer Request:

Join us in lifting up the nation of Haiti this season.  We're praying for a time of joy as many celebrate Christmas and remember all that Christ has done for us.

3. Photo/Video of the Week:

Take a look at one of our special Breakfast with Santa guests!

4. Thankful Thought:

The second annual Breakfast with Santa was a huge success! With nearly 400 attendees and $14,000 raised ($4K more than last year), we are one step closer to building our safe house. We are grateful for everyone who made the event possible, and for the opportunity to bring such a merry morning to the community.

5. Weekly Words:

"He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name's sake." -Psalm 23:2-3 (NIV)

#FiveThingsFriday- Security Wall Wonderland

Your weekly five-point summary of what's new with Nadege. 

1. What's Coming:

Phase one of construction on our safe house is underway! We've hired a Haitian company to build our security wall, and we're so excited to watch it come together. Check out the photo below!

2. Prayer Request:

As we've been mentioning, we've got our second annual Breakfast with Santa event coming up TOMORROW. This week, we're praying specifically for the fundraising aspect of it.  We're asking God to provide in BIG ways that will bring us closer to building our safe house, and for the wisdom to be good stewards of those funds.

3. Photo/Video of the Week:

The security wall around our property will keep our land safe as we build the safe house, and then it will keep the women and children who live there secure.

4. Thankful Thought:

We're feeling extra thankful for every step that brought us to phase one of construction being underway. The Restored Gala, generous donors, a successful trip to hire a construction company- little by little, we made it to this milestone.  Next, we'll be building a safe house!

5. Weekly Words:

"I lift my eyes to the mountains- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth." -Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)

#FiveThingsFriday- HO, HO, HOPE!

Your weekly five-point summary of what's new with Nadege. 

1. What's Coming:

With Breakfast with Santa comes lots of Christmas goodies! If you're joining us on December 10, be sure to stop by our Haitian Market.  There will be plenty of Haitian Christmas gifts including ornaments, metal decor, and coffee. Bonus: all of the profits from the Market go directly toward building our safe house in Haiti!

2. Prayer Request:

As Breakfast with Santa gets closer and closer, we're lifting up all who will be attending the event! We're so excited to see all of YOU there- celebrating the season and restoring HOPE in Haiti.  Still need to get your tickets? You can do that here!

3. Photo/Video of the Week:

Check out some of the fun and festive items available at our Haitian Market!

4. Thankful Thought:

Breakfast with Santa is a big event, and it would not be possible for us to host it without our incredible team.  We are so very grateful for each person who has volunteered their time, energy, and/or resources to make this magical morning possible!

5. Weekly Words:

"Even when I cannot see him,I can hear the beautiful gallop of God's heartbeat for humanity ." -Christine Caine

#FiveThingsFriday- Hurrying

Your weekly five-point summary of what's new with Nadege. 

1. What's Coming:

Lots of festive fun is coming! This year at Breakfast with Santa, we've got pictures with Santa and a visit from his reindeer, along with plenty of other activities. These include: face painting, ornament creating, cookie decorating, build-a-beard, nail painting, and snow cone making.  Each additional activity is $2 and is sure to be a merry time!

2. Prayer Request:

As we gear up for a morning of festive fun, we can't help but think of why we're hosting this event: TO RESTORE HOPE. Join us in lifting up the survivors of sexual violence in Haiti, some of whom will one day inhabit Nadege's safe house

3. Photo/Video of the Week:

4. Thankful Thought:

We are thrilled and so thankful to welcome two new board members to the Nadege team! Natalie Hedde and Reba Harris bring a new level of knowledge, experience, and depth to our board. Join us in celebrating them and covering them in prayer!

5. Weekly Words:

"God never hurries. There are no dealines against which He must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves." -A.W. Tozer

#FiveThingsFriday- Festive Fun (and Fundraising)

Your weekly five-point summary of what's new with Nadege. This week even more than most, we've got Haiti in our heads!

1. What's Coming:

Ho, ho, hope is coming! Breakfast with Santa tickets are on sale now. We are so looking forward to pictures with Santa, a visit from the Grinch, and a lot more festive fun! Don't miss your chance to join in on a morning of merriment.

2. Prayer Request:

Our Restore Hope fundraising campaign is the driving financial force behind our safe house being built. Please pray as we continue to seek wisdom and guidance as God uses this campaign to provide a home for women who've survived sexual violence in Haiti.

3. Photo/Video of the Week:

Breakfast with Santa gets closer everyday, and that gets two thumbs up from us!

4. Thankful Thought:

You may remember we mentioned in last week's #FiveThingsFriday that Guy, our friend and chair of our Haitian board, was struggling with typhoid. We are so thankful to report that he's made a full recovery and is back to 100%!

5. Weekly Words:

"It is one thing to be awakened to injustice and quite another to be willing to be inconvenienced and interrupted to do something about it." -Christine Caine

#FiveThingsFriday- Home

Your weekly five-point summary of what's new with Nadege. This week even more than most, we've got Haiti in our heads!

1. What's Coming:

After a successful trip to Haiti and meetings with different contractors, we are making moves toward building the security enclosure around our property. Those walls will initially protect our construction site, and later keep the women of Nadege safe in their home.

2. Prayer Request:

Our dear friend and chair of our Haitian board, Guy, is recovering from typhoid. Please join us in praying for his restored health.

3. Photo/Video of the Week:

The Haitian contractors measured the perimeter of our land this week as they prepare to build the security enclosure. One day, this will be the view from our safe house!

4. Thankful Thought:

Safety, meaningful connections in the community, and progress in phase one of construction...our team's most recent trip to Haiti has given us a lot to be thankful for! We're also feeling so grateful for those of you who joined us in lifting our team up before and during their journey.

5. Weekly Words:

"My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest." -Isaiah 32:18 (NIV)

#FiveThingsFriday- Heading to Haiti

Your weekly five-point summary of what's new with Nadege. This week even more than most, we've got Haiti in our heads!

1. What's Coming:

On the 26th, two of our board members will be Haiti-bound! We're looking forward to hearing their updates and gaining a clearer picture on the next steps of constructing the security enclosure around our land.

2. Prayer Request:

As our team prepares for their trip, we're covering them in prayer. Specifically, we're praying for safe travels, wisdom and discernment as they make decisions, and a trip full of divine appointments!

3. Photo/Video of the Week:

Our team gets to fly right into the daily hustle of Port-au-Prince.

4. Thankful Thought:

As our team gets ready to head to the site where our safe house will someday reside, we are filled with renewed gratitude for that land. Located in a safe place, nestled in a cozy community, it is truly a place of beauty, abundance and HOPE. What a blessing!

5. Weekly Words:

"Life is too short, the world is too big, and God's love is too great to live ordinary." -Christine Caine

#FiveThingsFriday- Christmas and Giftedness

Your weekly five-point summary of what's new with Nadege. 

1. What's Coming:

It may only be October, but our Breakfast with Santa team is in go-mode! Watch the video below or click here for more details about this fun and festive event.

2. Prayer Request:

The storm may've passed, but Haiti is still dealing with massive amounts of destruction. This week, we're continuing to lift them up. We're praying for wisdom and discernment for the government and other organizations as they make decisions regarding best practices for recovery. 

3. Photo/Video of the Week:

4. Thankful Thought:

We've encountered many deeply gifted and generous people through our work in Nadege. So many of them have directed their time and talents toward making this organization stronger and restoring hope to survivors of sexual violence in Haiti. For all of those people who have given of themselves, we are so grateful.

5. Weekly Words:

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." -1 Peter 4:10 (NIV)

#FiveThingsFriday- After the Storm

Your weekly five-point summary of what's new with Nadege. 

1. What's Coming:

Although Hurricane Matthew has done some serious damage in Haiti, our team is still going at the end of the month as planned. They'll be assessing any damage done in the community and evaluating best next steps toward constructing our security enclosure.

2. Prayer Request:

Many parts of Haiti have been terribly affected by Hurricane Matthew. Damage on a scale like this creates whole new obstacles for already-vulnerable populations.  Join us in lifting up all of Haiti, but especially women who may've been displaced by the storm and seeking shelter.  We're praying that they have safe options that allow them to look after themselves and their families. 

3. Photo/Video of the Week:

We love this picture because it reminds to find peace in the calm after the storm.

4. Thankful Thought:

Last Saturday evening, we enjoyed a lovely time at the Watanabe estate for the Giving Circle event. We're thankful for the opportunity to share our story and raise some funds, bringing us one step closer to building our safe house.

5. Weekly Words:

"God moves in a mysterious way. His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea and rides upon the storm" -William Cowper

#FiveThingsFriday- Circle Up

Your weekly five-point summary of what's new with Nadege. 

1. What's Coming:

It's tomorrow! We are so looking forward to a beautiful evening of restoring hope at the Giving Circle tomorrow.  It's not too late to join us: RSVP here.

2. Prayer Request:

We have a team taking off for Haiti on October 27th to get the ball rolling on construction. Join us in lifting them up this week. We're praying for safety as they travel, and wisdom to make choices that align our next steps with God's plan.

3. Photo/Video of the Week:

4. Thankful Thought:

Some unforeseen circumstances with our Breakfast with Santa partners in Indianapolis have led to the cancellation of our on-the-road event.  We believe that this is God's way of gently telling us to wait to expand this event.  We are thankful for a God who sees everything and for the opportunity to focus our time and talents on the Kokomo event.

5. Weekly Words:

"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done." - Proverbs 19:17 (NIV)

#FiveThingsFriday- Phase One

Your weekly five-point summary of what's new with Nadege. 

1. What's Coming:

We've been talking to a few people in the know in terms of construction in Haiti. We've got a small team planning their trip to Haiti next month. So, what's coming? Phase one of construction- the security wall!

2. Prayer Request:

As we sift through the work of restoring hope to survivors of sexual violence, we recognize that our safe house will be treating a symptom of a larger problem: a cultural undervaluing of women in Haiti. Women are seen as inferior to men, and poorly mistreated as a result.  Join us this week in praying for a change, both in the culture as a whole and in the hearts of individual Haitian men.

3. Photo/Video of the Week:

4. Thankful Thought:

Our hearts swell with gratitude when people take the time to share a word of encouragement or support with us.  This week, we've gotten an extra dose of love and support, and we are feeling so thankful. Knowing the community is behind us is a wonderful feeling!

5. Weekly Words:

"He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness for the prisoners." - Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)

#FiveThingsFriday- Who Runs the World?

Your weekly five-point summary of what's new with Nadege. 

1. What's Coming:

The Giving Circle Event is just two weeks away! A generous team in Indianapolis has graciously offered to host this elegant evening of estate tours, wine and cheese, and a chance to tell the Nadege story.  If you're interested in learning more, or would like to RSVP, you can do so here.

2. Prayer Request:

This week, join us in praying for wisdom.  As we take steps toward building the safe house and welcoming women into the home, we want each move to be thought-out, intentional, and in line with God's plan.  Pray for our leadership as they make decisions to take those next steps!

3. Photo/Video of the Week:

Does this woman just exude girl power or what? We love how she's wearing her strength!

4. Thankful Thought:

It's no secret that we are all about empowering women here at Nadege.  This week, we're feeling extra thankful for all of the strong women we've encountered throughout our journey.  From our interactions in Haiti to the mentors and partners we've found stateside, we're blown away with gratitude for the awesome females in our lives!

5. Weekly Words:

"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.  She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue." - Proverbs 31:25-26 (NIV)

#FiveThingsFriday- Rain and Corn

Your weekly five-point summary of what's new with Nadege. 

1. What's Coming:

At the end of next month, we're sending a team to Haiti! They'll make moves to get construction underway for our security wall, as well as take steps to connect more deeply with our surrounding community.  We can't wait to hear their stories!

2. Prayer Request:

Join us in interceding on behalf of the women of Haiti; that they would find safety and peace in their day, and find their worth in their Father.  We love these women because they are God's daughters, and we are honored to lift them up in prayer.

3. Photo/Video of the Week:

Being headquartered in Indiana, we're very familiar with corn. On our last trip, seeing these ears piled up in the Haitian market reminded us of home!

4. Thankful Thought:

Through the process of getting Nadege started, of purchasing land, of raising funds, we've experienced some rain.  We've had set backs and struggles.  However, we are so, so thankful for those showers and storms.  Through each set back, God has given us not a only a clearer vision for Nadege, but also a clearer picture of who He is.  So today, we're taking time to think thankfully about the times we hit road bumps.

5. Weekly Words:

"Sonje lapli ki leve mayi ou." - Haitian Proverb meaning, "Remember the rain that made your corn grow".

#FiveThingsFriday-FriYAY!

Your weekly five-point summary of what's new with Nadege. 

1. What's Coming:

The Giving Circle, a community in Indianapolis, has graciously invited us to be the featured organization at their event on October 1st.  An elegant evening of wine & cheese, estate tours, and restoring hope will be taking place at the Watanabe home.  Find details and RSVP here.

2. Prayer Request:

In the midst of everyday administration, we've been dreaming about the future safe house. Join us in lifting up this home - please pray it will be a place of true restoration and healing for survivors of gender-based violence.  We're submitting this home to God and asking Him to use it to further His Kingdom!

3. Photo/Video of the Week:

We love this peek into the hustle of Haiti, captured by our dear friend Mackenzie Fugett (Mackenzie Lee Photography).

4. Thankful Thought:

We've been given the chance to be a part of a restoration story for women over 1,700 miles away, and we are truly humbled to be given this opportunity. We're feeling thankful for the fact that God connects people and stories in such creative and beautiful ways!

5. Weekly Words:

"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies." - Mother Teresa