Life has
been an adventure for me as long as I can remember. I have been blessed to take
part in so many opportunities over the years such as short term missions,
summer camps, overseas internships, furthering my education, and my most recent
blessing: h.e.a.r.t. Institute.
In the fall of 2012 I spent a
semester at h.e.a.r.t. missionary training institute in order to further my
learning about overseas missions, working as a community, sustainable
agriculture, animal husbandry, and much, much more. At the start of this year I
was offered and accepted a staff position at h.e.a.r.t. as the food
technologies manager. Through this position I have the opportunity to pour into
students going through the same program I went through.
Our fall semester is about to begin
and we are excited for the new group of students we get to invest in. With this
new beginning comes more learning, sharing, and adventure. One such adventure
the students will take part in is an international field trip to Haiti for one
week in October. The purpose is to learn about the local people, their needs as
a whole, and how those committed to meeting the needs are currently doing so.
During my semester as a student we traveled to Honduras for the same purpose
and the experience was invaluable.
Being a staff member I have the
incredible opportunity to participate in this week of learning with the
students if I am able to raise my own financial support to cover the expense.
In order to do so I am participating in a Paddle of Champions canoe event on September
13-15. Myself along with my fellow staff member and more than 30 other people
will be paddling giant canoes down the St. John’s River 23 miles over two days.
This is a unique event in where I get to raise support for an organization
called “Removing the Barriers Initiative” (who is dedicated to removing the
barriers to great experiences for people with disabilities) while raising money
for the international field trip plus support for h.e.a.r.t.
In order to participate I must raise
a minimum of $500, which goes towards the event cost and R.T.B.I.. Anything I
raise above and beyond will go towards the field trip, future trips, and
h.e.a.r.t. needs. My personal goal is to raise at least $1,500. Here is how you
can help:
$1
per mile= $23 $5 per mile= $115
$10 per mile=230 $20 per mile= $460
$100 per mile= $2,300 or any amount desired
Together my staff will man a 10-person
canoe in hopes of raising $10,00 for our organization (h.e.a.r.t.) and $5,000
for R.T.B.I. The great thing is that there is no limit! You can give as little
or as much as you would like. Your help is needed for R.T.B.I., h.e.a.r.t., and
myself. The funds can be made out to h.e.a.r.t. Institute with Paddle Challenge
on the memo and mailed to 13895 Highway 27 Lake Wales, FL 33859 or you can
donate through PayPal at our website www.heartvillage.org. We will write one
big check to R.T.B.I. for their part.
I hope you’ll support myself and my
staff in this adventure just as you’ve supported me throughout my life. I pray
you feel how much I appreciate you. Please call me (405-406-4650) or email me
(Ashley.carter@heartvillage.org) if you want to know more, catch up, or just
chat! Thank you so much for everything!
