The Soul Experience

Feels "Like Family"

2012-01-23T13:42:00.000-06:00

SO here is a conglomerate of things...videos, pictures and words from one of our sweet participants this week in Tanzania, Gil Batista. Enjoy!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOD6p7WPMYc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIu_9kIZIj0

There are not enough words to explain what I experience at our first Distribution site called "Neighbor Without Borders". This was an orphanage and these kids were older, anywhere from 16, 17 18 years of age. It was so cool interacting with them. We were greeted with hand shakes and hugs and for some reason I had them laughing every time I said, Jambo Jambo….which means Hello Hello. For some reason they thought it was really funny. We got a tour of the facility and then we distributed shoes. Katie was laughing at us because the whole distribution was a big mess….but we just hung in there and went with the flow…..We definitely learned what ”NOT” to do for tomorrow. Sasha had this great idea and she brought a Polaroid camera….this was a big hit!!! The kids loved Rick and for those of you that don’t know who Rick is…..well, he’s literally from The North Pole (look it up, one does exist in Alaska) and he has a beard white and long like Santa Clause. The kids loved him!! We sang Happy Birthday to Patty and the cool part…the kids sang Happy Birthday to Patty. I can just go on and on, but I didn’t see one S4S volunteer without a kid hanging from their shoulder. Karen made a great comment and she said, “We (Americans) often take joy for granted because we can give joy and receive joy all for FREE, but for some reason we (Americans) think that Joy comes at a cost”, these kids were truly joyful for just that fact that we came to there site to visit them and it was truly a joyful experience that I will take with me forever.

Now as we were getting ready to leave, the kids sang a song and we danced. The kids sang a song and a portion of the song had your name in it….when you here your name you go into the circle and dance…..man did they get a kick out of this!!! Everyone Danced and if you could only see the faces on these kid. As we got on the bus and we waved our goodbyes, we left a small piece of our hearts and we will cherish this memory forever. As Janae mentioned, In that moment in time we felt like ‘Family”!

Stay tuned, folks! More to come!!

En Route to Tanzania..

2012-01-19T08:36:00.002-06:00

Our Travel4Souls team left the states last night and made its first stop in Zurich, Switzerland. I can already tell they are having a great time; heres the video and pictures to prove it!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ja9FANO1gpk

Lake Zurich

Outlook over the city of Zurich

Just waltzing around the streets of Zurich!

Mmmmm! All part of the experience!

Pretty view, Pretty girls! :)

And our fearless leader freezes her tail off..but still manages to be stunning!

The Swiss Alps!

Going up...

Here is Gil, ready to seize the day!

The city at night, what a beautiful sight!

More scenery from a pretty city!

So, as you can tell, this team is experienceing a lot already...and its only day 1! Stay tuned for more pictures, videos and thoughts from Travel4Souls!!

Haiti Recap

2012-01-10T17:01:00.010-06:00

We were in Haiti for four days last week. But if you’re like me, you know that all the time needed to alter life permanently is just a moment. One phone call, one decision, one meeting, one look, and yes, even one pair of shoes can change life forever.

If you read Katie’s last post about our trip, you know the sort of thing I’m talking about. The moments in life where you’re not even sure if your heart is connected to your body anymore because it’s so broken, so wounded, so injured. I think everyone on my trip this week had many moments like that in Haiti.

Thousands of bodies lie in this mass grave in Port-au-Prince

For a lot of us, it came when we had to turn kids and adults alike away because we ran out of their size or couldn’t fit them for shoes. It came in that moment when they walked away with the same dirty feet, beaten up by everything life has thrown down on the ground in front of them...

The challenges that they walk over daily are probably what breaks my heart most. Yes, they stumble over rocks and thorns, dirt and glass, but far more painful is life without someone to care for you. Far more painful is when your loved ones die in an earthquake or from malnutrition and hunger and war. Far more painful is the feeling of complete worthlessness, abandonment, the feeling that you have been forgotten.

Sometimes all I want to say to the people we give shoes to is, “I see you.” I want to tell them that they are not forgotten. Not only do I care about them, and the group of volunteers I brought, but that God himself—the God of the universe, loves them.

You are not forgotten.

If and when you come on a trip—I hope your heart breaks, like mine does, like Katie’s does. I hope you shed tears for these people , for their tragedy; and for yourself and your tragedy. For all the wasted time you (and I) spend on ourselves.

But more than anything, I hope that when you look someone in the eyes after washing their feet, or holding their hand, or hearing their cry—that they don’t feel abandoned anymore. That they have hope because of that one interaction. That a moment of despair can change into a moment of triumph.

Hope. Triumph. Joy.

When our hearts are broken for these things, I think we are in the right place. Only in that place can we deliver hope.
-Emily

Haiti Day 1 -January 2012

2012-01-06T09:57:00.000-06:00

Good Morning everyone!! I received this little post recapping Day 1 in Haiti yesterday from Emily this morning. Hope you all enjoy!!

Hello from Haiti!

Today is the day that we are traveling back to Port. We will see the presidential palace and the iron market, and have some good Haitian lunch! After that we are visiting an orphanage with 50 kids aged 5 to 10. I am really excited to see the kids and to give them all the soccer balls that this group brought with them. Right now we are on the bus ride and everyone is really enjoying the sights of Haiti... The water the trees and the beautiful sunshine! 85 degrees isn't bad for January!

Yesterday we had an intense day of distributions. In the morning we fitted just under 200 infants and toddlers for sneakers and crocs. They were adorable! We had lunch at New Vision and got to see the kids again there. It is an orphanage of about 15 so we played with them and had a great meal.

After lunch we went to distribute to women ( a lot of the mothers and sisters from the morning distribution). We washed and fitted the feet of over 100 women.

Stay tuned for more about this week and all we are doing in Haiti. We are excited to meet up with CEO Wayne Elsey today in port.

Emily

She is already posting pictures of today and we will be adding those on the Travel4Souls facebook page and on our Travel4Souls Twitter Page . ALSO---we have had so many sign ups this week and are so excited--if you want to learn more about the trips please read about them on our webpage http://www.travel4souls.org/ !!

And I typically don't do this but for some reason I want to portray to whole picture. I know Emily did not write about this because I used to only blog about the overall of what we did, never the hiccups along the way. But everyone needs to understand what is happening and how it effects us and the teams. This was a message I got from Emily on my phone yesterday after I left work.

"So today was a little crazy. This morning was pretty typical but a little hectic at first because of sizes, but we were able to get crocs and flipflops which worked out well. Lunch was nice and everyone enjoyed New Vision and playing with the children. When we went to the 2nd distribution for teenage girls/women, we gave away to everyone we had planned and given tickets too, but there were at least 100 more that showed up wanting shoes. We could have probably given decent amount of shoes to them that we had from leftover sizes, but they were pushing and shoving and would not get in line. They were yelling at our partners so I made the decision to leave. I did not want the participants to feel unsafe or any of the Haitians to end up getting hurt. I told everyone why we were doing what we were doing and they understood and agreed. I tried so hard to be strong, but I don't know why but after I explained everything to them my eyes watered up. I know we gave shoes to everyone who was promised a pair of shoes and received a ticket, but my heart just hurts because I know we have no control over the crowds..the fact there are always going to be more people than shoes. Everyone here is in great spirits and understands that to be safe we have to do it this way, but I am just sad because I want to do more......."

As I was reading I started crying--because I know how she feels and I hate that she has to feel it too--but also, I am thankful. I told her it is okay to cry--As a leader we do have this feeling of "being strong" and really showing the participants that what they are doing is helping...but as a person--yes, we are helping in a huge way but it is heartbreaking because there will always be more. If she did not get upset--she would not be right for this job, because it is that passion and desire to do more that motivates us each day. We BEG people to sign up for trips because the more people that go means the more trips that occur which means more people getting shoes! The way we do it is safe--and at times I want to throw that out the window, but safety is important, just as teaching those that argue and fight to get their way will ruin what could be good for everyone.

I was telling someone yesterday that it is absolutely amazing to see all the good that is accomplished and so many happy and smiling faces and I wish so badly I could just take away all of their pain and poverty---but I don't know the solution to the world's problems. I do know that instead of being frustrated by it and giving up--I need to let it motivate me to do more. I know not everyone can go on a trip and see all of this first-hand, but I am being transparent with mine and Emily's hearts so that you might be able to see what we see when we are there--and have that motivate you. Seeing that one precious little boy jump up and down in his new shoes is the best feeling, now we just need to see more doing it. Help us do that in anyway that you can. There is ALWAYS something MORE you can be doing.

XOXO,

Katie Lentile

Encouraging words!!

2012-01-04T10:42:00.000-06:00

Look at this...another post--I know I am shocking myself!! These probably are not the best for promoting trips because they have been so honest and not glamorous at all. But then again--the only way I can do this is to be honest and open...I just want people to know that I am writing this to show my struggles, ask for prayer, be transparent, but also allow you to see how God is working in me and why I amazed and overwhelmed with joy on this journey.

Today Emily is leading a team to Haiti--and we will have posts, pictures, tweets, everything you can imagine of that. But I guess I am letting my blog be my little outlet again these days. :)

So--I leave for Africa in less than 2 weeks. I LOVE AFRICA. The people, the culture, the sunshine, the beauty, everything.. I love it! However, for some reason--every single time I look at this itinerary I get anxiety. I have led 3 long trips now and once we get to the destination location they are the same as the shorter trips..but with planning and travel and time changes to get there---it's exciting and fun but exhausting--there is more to remember, hotels to deal with, flights to catch, time away from home, and trying to keep it together and be bubbly while fighting jet lag--blaaaa. Not to worry--as participants--it's worth every single penny because not only are you getting to go and help--you get to go on a trip that you don't have to worry about a thing but dealing with jet lag.

So what is my itinerary and where are my words of encouragement?

Itinerary:
Nashville to NYC-Jan 16th (reunion dinners, meetings, and visiting friends.)
NYC to Zurich- Jan 18 (8 hour flight--leave at 6pm land at 8am)
Touring Day in Zurich- Jan 19th (stay at hotel -wake up at 5am on the 20th)--this is great because we get to experience another country on the way!!
Zurich to Dar es Salaam- Jan 20th (9:30 hour flight --leave at 9 am land in Dar at 9pm--and stopover in Kenya. Land in Dar--go to hotel and check in and..
Dar to Kigoma- Jan 21 --check out is at 4:15 am on the 21st to get on a plane to go to Mwanza and then get on another plane to go to Kigoma--and get there at 11:45 am---then distribution time!!
The next 5 days are pure bliss---worth every second--and makes my heart melt!!
Then coming back time.
Leave at lunch from Kigoma to Dar to Kenya to Zurich to NYC to Nashville!! all which will take 39 hours total.

Now every trip I have ever done (leading) like this turns me into a complete zombie/crazy person that can't think straight or make sense of anything for at least a week after I return. A pure joy to be around. Don't get me wrong--I love these trips--like LOVE THEM!! But the anxiety about my exhaustion and how I am going to deal with it has been bothering me a lot the past 2 days. But also in the last 2 days I have been reminded time and time again in very direct ways..God is in control. Some words from my devotional book today are great to remember:

"Sometimes the Lord leads us along these dark paths, where only a ray of light is seen, where the light casts a shadow of His presence within our view." -- I'm not depressed or in a dark path---This just shows--sometimes He allows us to travel hard, long routes to truly enjoy His blessings and presence when we arrive.

"--while the path is new and daunting to us, He never leads His sheep to place He has not already traveled. He is very much aware of the dangers. As a result, He is no longer out front leading the flock; He is beside them, assuring them of His protection and care. Remember, nothing concerns you, that does not concern Him." ----I will prepare and plan and everything will work out just fine just like always. I will get tired and have jet lag, but that part is fine----but I have been stressing myself out for something that has not even happened and letting my fears and anxiety ruin the excitement and joy I have about going and leading people to one of the most amazing places and playing with the most amazing children.

My prayer is that I allow myself to be in God's presence at all times, removing any anxiety that I might have.

I am praying for each of you that if you are stressed, worried, or even in a dark time in your life that you take these words and allow God to use them and comfort you.

Xoxo,

Katie Lentile

Cheers to 2012-a little personal update!

2012-01-02T15:52:00.000-06:00

So...I know, you are impressed--2 post in 5 days and neither while on trips. ;)

I know I have not been really open on the blog about my health since my little trip to the hospital in India. So here is the latest--and what I am doing and why. Get excited... I am becoming a health fanatic!!!

Since that trip my exhaustion has improved dramatically (credit to having Emily and the fact that I have the first year under my belt and know what to expect), but my digestive issues, nausea, headaches, and random other problems still linger. The doctors have ran lots of test, but cannot pinpoint what it is that is causing everything. I've been to the best of the best in holistic medicine, infectious disease, and GI specialist so I assure you all I am not being stubborn and not trying.

Good news is--it is nothing that they can pinpoint or figure out so that means there are a lot of things that I know I do not have. YIPEE!! So what could it be?? Here is a little background..

When I was little I had TONS of food allergies: sugar(processed), corn, wheat, oats, peanuts, cola products, green beans/peas, trout, and beets. I had allergy induced asthma(it also caused digestive issues) and well, you can just call me Tom Cruise if you want because I have been as close to death as he has in Mission Impossible..well maybe not that often, but I spent my fair amount of time at the hospital when I "accidentally" ate something I was not supposed to. I actually did not mind the "diet"--I'm sure my mom told me that only the cool kids got to eat carrots and celery while everyone else had cake and ice cream. But then again--I was not the one preparing the food, buying the groceries, and having to ask a billion questions every time I consumed anything--Love you mom for dealing with that all for me. Well, by 6th or 7th grade I grew out of my allergies..or so I thought.

So I went to the GI specialist and explained everything that was going on and he ran some more test and just looked confused because nothing came back positive. We kept talking and he kept researching and then said he believes it could one of two things..or a combination of both.

1. Stress -----HHAHAHA you don't say? Duh. We talked about options and he does not want to put me on an anti-depressent so he gave me some other kind of meds to take that will help with my tummy if I know I will be in a stressful situation, I just can't take them daily. (I've had more medicine and antibiotics in me this past year and will not be taking those things unless I feel like I did in India because I don't want to be popping pills all the time.) Also, I am starting yoga once a week. :) The last time I did yoga, my friend Carley and I almost got kicked out of the class for laughing...im double-jointed and can easily do the flexible poses--just not the "right" way-it's funny. But I promise to take this serious and use it as a time to exercise, pray and relax.

2. FOOD ALLERGIES--HAHAHA..going in and out of so many different places could possibly trigger my allergies/my body does not have enough time to adjust well and I just get sick. So he told me to cut out as much of the things I was allergic to and see if I felt better. I have been gluten, sugar, corn, peanut, cola, etc. etc. etc. free for 1 month. I have only gotten sick twice, (instead of daily) but the nausea and cramping still linger. --but then again I was on antibiotics for something else, so that could explain that. --ohh who knows?? I do know that I do feel healthier over all.

But on the flip side. I do not know how my mother did this when I was younger, and I sympathize with ANYONE who has food allergies. It sounds silly---all you need to do is watch what you eat right? I mean how hard can that be. But with how the world is today it is very hard. It takes the ease and enjoyment out of eating/socializing to some extent. I spend triple the amount of time at the grocery store than I normally would and have to pay a lot more to get fresh/organic everything. --That part I am starting to accept. Going out to eat has been more tricky--I can call ahead, and thought that would work..but every time I get to the restaurant they have miraculously realized that I can't eat anything they told me they had. I know in time I will learn more and it will become easier--until then I will just keep asking a billion questions and feel extremely annoying. The true frustration that I am having is how UNHEALTHY we are. I have always been semi-healthy and in good physical condition(minus a few semesters in college when my face looked like a swollen tomato and I realize anything called "chicken on a stick" was not the best thing for me to be eating before going to bed...and living in a sorority house with an ice cream machine did not help much either) but you get the picture--I have always been more healthy than not.

However, the more I am doing this allergy free lifestyle the more I realize---we sure do put a ton of junk in our bodies..even when we think we are being healthy. What I am basically doing is the Paleo diet--give or take away a few things. It is called the caveman diet--and you only eat things that a caveman would--grass fed-meats, fish, poultry, fruits, veggies, and I do have some dairy--even though on Paleo you would not. No sauces, no gluten, no bread, no pasta, no sugars, etc. and very careful about oils you use to cook. After realizing how much bad is in everything we eat--I am excited about this! It requires a lot of planning ahead and way more cooking and going to the grocery store more frequently. But it is worth it to make sure I am not filling my body with junk. Trips are going to be tricky, but in some countries a lot easier. But I am excited!! The more I research the more I want everyone to do it---because I want everyone to be healthy.

So since I don't really do New Years resolutions--I guess this is mine..even though it really does not count because I have to do it but still..if you don't have one yet and want a good one..do this with me. But remember this is not a diet--it is a lifestyle.

If anyone does know of good recipes, blogs, cookbooks, restaurants, etc. --basically anything that would help me with this please send it my way. It has been great to research and learn, but I want to somehow make it easier for people--some future project of mine when I have some free time. :)

I will keep you all updated on my health and everything else I learn. If you want to do Paleo/gluten free/sugar free ---and need some help--PLEASE feel free to email me.

HAPPY 2012!! We are going to Haiti on Wednesday so be ready to read some blog post from that trip!!

XOXO,

Katie Lentile

What a Year!

2011-12-30T13:44:00.000-06:00

Hi Everyone!! As 2011 is coming to an end, I think back on this past year and truly am overwhelmed with joy and love. Starting Travel4Souls in April of 2010 I had no clue what to expect for my future and the future of this program. I am forever grateful to those of you that have been a part of this journey with me and look forward to everything that 2012 will bring!

My travels (for work) in this past year included:

Honduras

India

Hong Kong, India, Haiti, Honduras, Haiti, Peru, Haiti, Haiti, Dubai, Tanzania, Costa Rica, Costa Rica, London, India, Haiti, Haiti, and Honduras.

Costa Rica

It has been an incredible journey that I could never have imagined in a million years. And to be honest 2011 was just that...a journey. The "newness" was over, the exhaustion building, and the long emotional battles and controversial opinions were heavy. Was what I was doing helping or hurting, are short-term trips positive or negative in long term impact, could we be giving more or was being safe and organized more important? Those are a few of the topics that I struggled with from April to November---and struggled hard. When I took the job I took it because I wanted to use my life to make a difference and had a passion to help others and enable those around me to help others too...the travel was an added bonus..and a huge one at that.

Tanzania Soccer

It is my dream job---Right now in my life I can not imagine wanting to do anything else. In this past year this is what I have learned--nothing of this world is perfect. There will always be people who disagree and question what you are doing, health issues that won't be solved, people who you let down, people who let you down, children that suffer, guilt and regret that prevent fearless futures. But I have also realized during all of this that Love brings JOY! I personally know that Jesus loved me and you so much that He would do anything for us to experience His love...and that love is what overflows from within each of us to care about others...we are not ever going to be able to "fix" this world, but we should all die trying..by sharing that love with those around the world and in your backyard that need it.

Everyone is different, and for that we should be thankful. If we all tried to do the same thing the same way--we would have no freedom or joy. People may say that what I am doing is hurting an economy or that short-term trips are just a way for Americans to feel good about themselves. They may tell me I am hurting myself by continuing to travel when I am sick or that I should not stress or worry so much...and I have realized..those people are probably right in many ways.

But I know that my stress and worry for those kids is why I'm okay with "dumping aide" so orphans and needy children can have protection for their feet that in other cases they would not have. That 83% of long term impact in developing nations(organizations, missionaries, micro-lending, etc. etc. etc.) started because of someone participating on a short-term trip. I know that Americans do feel good about themselves when they go--because they are sharing joy and love--and even if it is for one week or one second-it has the potential to make an impact that could change a life. And for all of these reasons that I get to see first-hand in person and then the ripple effect when I return...makes the exhaustion, illness, logistical frustrations worth every single second. Because I am able to give that joy that is overflowing from me to others and in return I receive more and more. I know I am where God has placed me for a reason, I know what Travel4Souls is doing is making a difference because I get to see the proof..and to me that is more important than to be fearful of all the mistakes I will make a long the way.

As we venture into 2012 I have no clue what to expect. I know that in 2011 Travel4Souls grew far greater than anyone imagined or was prepared for. Now we have Emily, who is also in the right place and when I say the PERFECT fit for this job..I mean it. She is passionate, motivated, hardworking, and the most kind person I have ever met. We hope to continue to grow and share joy with so many others.

Costa Rica

Reunion Dinner in San Fran

I am thankful for my family...who gives me unconditional love--yes, we are crazy and stubborn and it really is the most entertaining way to show love--but somehow it works and I love them more than anything! I am also thankful for my friends...so many support me in prayer, participating on trips, making me be social when I would rather sleep, treating me like a princess(which I assure you can be annoying) and so often just understanding and listening. Finally, I am thankful for my co-workers, partnering organizations, everyone who received shoes and of course trip participants. All who work incredibly hard and have so much passion to keep making a difference and spreading joy. My passion is not to just give shoes, it is to give joy so others will do the same--and because of all of these people I am able to fulfill the passion God has given me.

Ruth and Rycksa- "joyful adoption tears"

There are so many highlights of my year from these trips and this blog is already getting so long..so I might do that next week, but for now that one piece of advice that I want to share with you is what Cecelia (Honduras November-- a 76 year old going on 19) told me when I asked her what the secret was to longevity. She said, "Just be yourself. Be proud of who you are and what you are doing and don't waste your time and energy trying to be something else."

Thank you all. Thank you for loving me the way I am. For being patience and loving me as I continue to learn and develop this program and myself. I told the trip participants in an email earlier this week: how thankful I am for everything..the big things and the little things. The success of this program is because of joy. The passion of so many people wanting to make a difference and sharing their joy with others. I appreciate each of you reading this and what you have done to promote what we are doing and sharing about it with those around you. Please continue to share joy this year as it truly does make the world a better place.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

XOXO,

Katie Lentile

Peru

Partner's thoughts on Peru Trip

2011-12-20T11:20:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone! I hope you guys are enjoying the season. Katie is off this week getting some much needed family time and rest! Its my turn next week. Yay!

As you know, I just returned from an awesome trip to Peru. Here is a moving blog from our partner at Peru Missions, Alleen about the week we spend with her serving the people of Trujillo, Peru:

http://lucillegoestoperu.blogspot.com/2011/12/soles4souls.html

This is Alleen's perspective. At Soles4Souls, we are not religiously affiliated, but we often partner with organizations like Peru Missions, that are. We love partnering with people like Alleen and orgs like Peru Mission because they are already on the ground and know how to best serve in these areas of great need. They provide us with saftey, knowledge, and allow us to establish long term relationships in these countries.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Soles4Souls

"Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him." John 13:5

The day begins with two chairs and a basin of water and a towel. As each participant comes in, the worker humbles himself and washes the feet of the recipient before placing the shoes on the feet. Here in Peru, many of the roads are dirt. People wear sandals just as in Jesus' time. We have some insight into what it means to wash another's feet. It is a powerful thing to see and participate in. This is how our week with Soles4Souls is spent.

A group of 8 energetic and inspiring team members joined us with their leader to give the gift of shoes and the gift of hope to many of our neighbors for a week. We had four donations in the neighborhoods where we work and at the orphanage we partner with. We served close to 1000 people over these few days. We are so thankful for Soles4Souls and their generosity, servant hearts, and the time and hope they gave the people of Trujillo. To read more about this trip, please visit the Soles4Souls blog.

Thanks for reading this. Katie and I hope you have a great holiday and get to enjoy rest and family. Merry Christmas!!

-Emily

What is Voluntourism and How Can I Do It?

2011-12-13T16:09:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone! Our social media guru at Soles4Souls did a blog post about the Travel4Souls department that we wanted to also share with you! Pretty awesome!!

Zip lining through a tropical rain forest. Skipping rope with kids at a local orphanage. Exploring a country for the first time. Experiencing a new culture and language. Buying fresh fruit from a Tanzanian market. Changing someone’s life.
These are all just tiny parts of voluntourism. Voluntourism is a pretty big deal right now. It’s nothing new, but the catchy term has recently caught on with people across the world. Soles4Souls Founder Wayne Elsey blogged about it and our Travel4Souls team lives it.

Meet Katie Lentile and Emily Prokopik. Katie is our Travel Manager and developed the program over the past year and a half. She is responsible for development, marketing, planning, logistics and even more various tasks that make each trip possible. Emily, the Travel Coordinator, joined our team in July and spends her time communicating with the participants and assisting Katie with leading the international trips. The program is a mere 18 months old, yet saw 16 trips in the first year, and 20-25 trips are scheduled for 2012. I guess you could say Katie and Emily spend most of their time abroad!

Meeting the locals, washing their feet and fitting them for new shoes is always on the agenda. But there is so much more to a trip than the itinerary. Katie says, “Our ultimate reason for creating and investing in Travel4Souls, is to give people the opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and help others around the world. We also exist to educate our participants of the needs around the world as well as in our backyards and help them make others more aware. We want to empower them to make a difference. We don’t want it to be a one week thing—Travel4Souls is a family and our mission is to empower people to help others. The ripple effect of changed lives is incredible.”

The team posts blog updates while they’re away and when they return from a trip. However, we always love reading what our participants write and how they document their experiences. One girl in particular captured her emotions upon returning home. You can read her full post here. Below is just an excerpt:

“My mind is flooded with thoughts. Completely inspired by this trip, we all thirst to do more. We handle it in different ways.
It’s been a few days and I still find myself bursting out in to tears at inopportune moments. At a busy toy store in Miami, I began to have a full-blown panic attack seeing all of the children pulling and pushing at their parents. Crying and wailing, they begged for plastic barrettes, Hello Kitty wallets, and the like. I kneeled down to inspect a set of hairpins that caught my eye. My curiosity quickly turned to introspection. My thoughts flew at warp speed. Visions of the little girls in La Carpio mobbing me as I ran out the locked gate to the school quickly flashed before my eyes. They weren’t mobbing me for the box of stickers and toys I was handing out. They weren’t squealing at me in Spanish with tears in their eyes. They were smiling and lining up to simply give me a hug and a kiss.

“Te Amo!!!!”, each of them belted at me before they stepped aside to let the next little one have their chance. Once I realized that all they wanted was a chance to show love and gratitude, I hugged one little girl longer. I will never forget what she looked like despite the throngs of children we met and she will never know how much she changed me.
It was on that last day in La Carpio when I realized something. I did not see these children nor any of the citizens of La Carpio as poor. When I use that word, I mean it in the sense of impoverished or with lack of money. I saw them as rich, even lucky, to be so full of love despite living lives which most Americans would find unacceptable.”In addition, we’ve documented trips via video. Here is just one recap:

We hope this has given you a glimpse into what it’s like to travel to a foreign country, immerse yourself in the culture and spend time investing in the lives of those who need it most. If you have any questions, check out the Travel4Souls Web site or feel free to ask on our Facebook and Twitter pages. (And please like and follow accordingly! We could use your help with that). Thank you and Katie and Emily can’t wait to meet you!

Thanks Rebecca for sharing about the Travel4Souls deparment and doing this post (with pictures and video) :) We LOVE our PR team!!

Peru 2011 - Part 1

2011-12-07T09:23:00.000-06:00

The last three days have been a whirl wind. Thanks to everyone at home who has been thinking and praying for us. I know my twitter and facebook updates have been spotty at times because my phone was in and out of service. Hopefully you are enjoying the pictures. When we get back, you will have a chance to see some really good footage and photos, because our new photographer and videographer, Brian, is with us on the trip. He is doing awesome and everyone loves him!

Brian took a break from taking pictures to wash some of the childrens' feet

In addition to Brian and myself, we have a pretty awesome team. It includes Christy and Quenten, friends from Tampa and Houston. "Q" keeps us laughing and is just great with the kiddos. They don't see too many tall guys around here, so they love him! Christy is a sweetie with a heart for giving.

We also have Maggie from New Jersey. She's not jersey shore girl though, she joked that there was an el paka farm by her house, not knowing that Peru loves the sacred animal. They were everywhere in Lima and so everyone had a good laugh at that. Maggies Spanish is probably best of any of the participants. She has been so great with the ninos and communicates great!

Vince, from Louisville is an old classmate and friend of mine. He has such a servants heart and came so ready to give this week. We are so lucky to have him with us!

Libby and Her New Friend!

Last but not least we have Kathy and Libby. Kathy is a spunky social worker from Bethlehem, PA. She has a way with kids and seems so fearless about everything. Libby Edelman, (yes the Libby of Sam and Libby shoes) is a treasured guest of ours on this trip as well. She and her husband have been generous donors to Soles4Souls since the beginning --donating over 23,000 shoes. She is just loving the kids and really adds such an amazing dynamic to this team. She knows and loves shoes, and wants to give back. Beautiful soul!

Its such a joy to have such a diverse group yet they all have something in their heart that is similar: they want to give hope.

They worked a long day today, pretty much from sun up to sun down, and loved every minute. I heard no complaints -- and that's amazing for a group of 8 to give away almost 600 pairs of shoes today at two community churches, Aregla and Milagro. Tomorrow brings another big distribution of similar size and a more intimate distribution to a local orphanage.

Can't wait to tell you all more about it. Stay tuned.

Blessings,

Emily

Guest Post Rachel Quade

2011-12-05T09:14:00.002-06:00

Hey Guys...Sorry it has been so long since I have posted! In Honduras we could only upload content from my phone, but hopefully we kept everyone informed enough via facebook and twitter. I do have some great stories to share from that trip. However, Rachel Quade, has written a fanstastic personal story that we wanted to share. Hope you all have a great week.

P.S. Emily is in Peru with a team this week and we will hopefully be posting stories each day from her!!

Thank you Rachel for sharing this with us!! I am so glad you were able to go and experience Africa last summer and to see how much that one trip has impacted so many others to DO MORE GOOD!!

A Moment Of Reflection December 1, 2011

So the shoe drive is over and things are settling down. Where to next? I have been asked to write a story about why I completed a shoe drive/collection and what motivated me?

I took my children the library in October 2010. The line to check out books was a little long and I questioned if my children could wait patiently. Perusing the books that were up on the counter my attention was directed to a book with a pair of red tennis shoes. All of my children had red shoes when they were little and I knew they could relate to the picture. The book was “New Old Shoes” by Charlotte Blessing. We read the story and something didn’t sit well with me.

I went home thinking about children that didn’t have shoes to wear, something we take for granted. Upon much thought, research, and brainstorming I decided I would like to go on a distribution trip with Soles4Souls. My choice was to go to Kigoma, Africa. Through generous donations from friends and family, I was able to raise and collect all the funds necessary and even had an airline ticket donated to me in order to meet up with the group leaving out of Kennedy airport.

I remember not really knowing anyone and meeting up in the evening before the trip for dinner with a few of the other participants going on the trip. The following day all 20 of us met at Kennedy airport for a 12.5 hour flight to Dubai, the first of several flights.

Words will never give adequate justice to the beauty I saw in Africa. I went to meet the people and I met them. I relied heavily on our guide Katie and Bernard and equally on the other 19 participants in the group. Many of the people I met spoke to me though we never said a word.

Mufia was one such person. She is a beautiful child that touched a place in my soul. She was a beautiful child.

I was in Africa for 5 days visiting at least two orphanages a day. For me, three hours of time at each orphanage and some shoes was simply not enough to give these children. I came home and could not get the picture out in my mind of one of the children at an orphanage handing me their bowl of what looked like oatmeal in exchange for the shoes that were brought to them. It may have been their only meal of the day. Instead, I asked if they could show me how to cook and let me cook for them. I could not stop seeing the children from the orphanages run with tears of joy in their eyes upon our arrival to greet us. Forget coming to Africa to go on a safari I was meeting the people in their everyday lives doing what they do. I was astounded at how little many had and yet the people were incredibly happy and joyful.

For two weeks after I came home from Kigoma I sat at our dinner table and huge tears would begin to swell in my eyes at how picky we all are about what we eat and don’t eat, what we wear, our hair; things that are trivial and yet we fret about them. I realized that I was sad and I had two choices, continue to be sad or get up and do something with all the energy I was using being sad.

As soon as I made that decision ideas began floating in my mind. How can I get back to see Mufia? What can I do now? Why isn’t there a warehouse closer to where I live? Why can’t I establish a warehouse where I live? I called the Souls4Souls main office and just blurted out all of my ideas. I’m sure I sounded like a crazy woman, but I could not contain the ideas I had any longer.

From there I began working with Nicole Langford. As clear as going on a distribution trip with Souls4Souls came to me so did the idea of trying to collect 50,000 pairs of shoes. One night at the dinner table I just said “50,000 that is what I’m going for and if I collect 5 pairs than it will matter to 5 people.”

I began contacting every person I knew- churches, schools, community centers and associations, local newspapers, and groups with which my children had involvement. I created a flyer and began putting shoe collection boxes up in every place that would allow me to place a box. I established a blog web page for others to track my progress as well. I collected the boxes whenever I got a call that they were full. People began calling me saying “we have 300 pairs of shoes, we have 1,000 shoes.” Every time I got a call for a pick-up for a large quantity of shoes I would just sit and cry knowing how much it would mean to so many others.

One day, I was at a public pool trying to figure out how I was going to store all of these shoes. The 80square foot space that had been donated was full with only 2,000 pairs of shoes. Delegate Shane E. Pendergrass from the Maryland House of Delegates was at the pool that day and she said hello to me. I told her I was perplexed about how I was going to store all these shoes and would love her input. Upon her advice I contacted Delegate Guy Guzzone also representing Howard County in the Maryland House of Delegates. Within a week of speaking up and asking for what I needed, and with their assistance, I stood in an 8,000 square foot warehouse donated by Sanford Management Company with tears in my eyes.

My daily existence became plotting what route to take to get as many shoes in a trip as possible. I created boundaries for myself by telling others within 24 hours of their call I would pick up the filled box. I learned that approximately 800 to 1,500 pairs of shoes can fit in my mini-van; however looking out the rearview mirror may not be an option!

As strange as things happen, my warehouse was next to the Tasty Shirt Company. Tasty Shirt Company had recently changed their logo and had more than two pallets full of new boxes that I could use to pack the donated shoes. Things like this would continually fall in my lap and when I needed something it was there. This was my motivation throughout the process of collecting 27,160 pairs of shoes. On days that I got tired I would tell myself, “It matters to Mufia.”

Wayne Elsey, the CEO of Soles4Souls was able to meet with me while he was in Maryland. Wayne asked me, “What can I do to help you in your shoe drive?” My response was to please come and talk to some of the kids in Columbia, MD. Wayne kept his word and came out and spoke at a local high school that brought in more than 3,000 pairs of shoes and at a community college. What I learned from spending the day with a big CEO was that they are human. Wayne helped me pick up shoes from a local elementary school during our travels between speaking engagements. Wayne has a great sense of humor and I live by humor many days. He also LOVES waffles!!!

Community Service has become a way of life for me. I was very relieved to know that in many high schools it is a requirement for graduation. Each weekend I would be at the warehouse with kids from various local high schools, scout groups, churches and just people in general helping me count and box up shoes. When I asked one boy, a tall senior, why he was helping his response was “It’s just the right thing to do.”

So, was the shoe drive/collection worth it? Yes. Will I do it again? I hope to have a shoe drive again in the near future. Ideas continue to flourish and I haven’t given up on establishing a permanent warehouse facility in the Baltimore Washington Metro area for Soles4Souls. I feel continually blessed for the drinkable water that comes out of my faucet, for being able to flush the toilet, and especially for the shoes on my feet. I have widened my circle of friends that want to make the world a better place one pair of shoes at a time and for that I am graciously thankful.

Thank you so much Rachel for sharing!!!

If anyone is interested in signing up for the Tanzania trip this summer, or any of our other trips--please go to http://www.travel4souls.org/

xoxo,

Katie Lentile

Honduras 2011: Day 1 in Pictures

2011-11-19T11:30:00.001-06:00

The 400+ kids at the orphanage all sang together!

So precious!

Beautiful view

They're so happy to get their new shoes!

Some of the team

These boys are patiently waiting for their shoes

Before getting new shoes, this child had sneakers with so many holes in them

Stop looking at yourself...

2011-11-14T14:09:00.002-06:00

Hey Guys!--Here is a quick guest post from me, Emily!

I’m a big fan of twitter for a couple reasons. Where else can you be updated whenever you want on whatever you want? Where else can 140 characters be so powerful, funny, honest or challenging? Where else can a short string of words inspire, change and motivate? A lot of people don’t like social media like facebook and twitter for obvious negative reasons, ‘self obsession’ probably at the top of the list. All I have to say is that social media is a tool just like anything else. It’s how you use it that counts. Just like a whistle can be annoying or life-saving…maybe more dramatically, so can social media.

All that said to say this: The other day I saw a tweet by a favorite author/preacher of mine. It quoted the last bit of 2 Chronicles 20:12. I wouldn’t have found this text if it wasn’t for his tweet. So I am thankful for him…and for twitter. This was the tweet:

“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.”

It was so simple; even shorter than the allotted 140 characters. But boy was it weighty.

I typically submit to the mantra, “Control the controllable” –but,

I am starting to think this is a bad move on my part. I can’t be sure where this axiom comes from (I don’t believe its source to be the bible), but for me in my life, it’s been kind of dangerous. It’s so…unfinished. “Control the controllable” THEN what?

What happens when discipline, hard work, and dedication don’t work? What happens when the formula fails? What happens when you do everything right and it all turns out wrong?

I think it’s that point in our lives where we finally turn to God and just cry out to him. “I don’t know what to do,” If you’re human and by default, imperfect…I know you have said those words at least once. It was refreshing (and comforting) to see that cry echoed in this scripture. There is a reason people say that book is timeless, ey?

Anyways, what was more comforting than the camaraderie I felt with the author of the subject of the sentence was the predicate he added, “BUT our eyes are upon you.”

Often times the most destructive thing you can do is to look at yourself. Stop looking there. Stop looking to fix yourself. Stop. Stop and look up.

Cast your eyes on the one who is really in control.

Working in humanitarian aid and international development is hard. Just ask Katie. There is always more to be done. There will always be more kids who need shoes, clean water, food, education, freedom…

Each story is heart wrenching. Each smile is beautiful. Nothing seems fair. Why was I born here? Why do I have plenty while they starve? I don’t know what to do…

I can’t control that, but I can look to the one who does. He alone can provide comfort to them, to us. May our eyes always be on Him.

Emily

P.S. Check your twitter for 140 character updates from Honduras. Katie, the team and I leave Thursday. Maybe our posts will stir up your heart and impact your life. I hope so.

Travel4Souls

2011-11-02T11:22:00.001-05:00

What makes Travel4Souls successful?

Recently, I've been asked this question a lot lately. All I can say is...

Passion.

I have worked for Soles4Souls for exactly a year and a half..and have learned a vast amount of knowledge about humanitarian work during that time. Obviously creating, planning, and working on the logistics has exposed me to learn things specific to this job and this job only. But the aspect that I have learned from the most is the emotional side. I don't mean the constant weight of seeing poverty--but more the constant weight of what we are doing about it. People have opinions. Some people feel that it is better to not travel and just send that money to developing nations to help more, some feel that the experience brings awareness and opens doors to help even more. I have my own opinions and at times find myself contradicting what I feel are the best methods to what I am actually practicing. However, the more I have seen, read, experienced, etc..the more I truly believe---if you are trying to do something for the greater good then in some way there will be a positive outcome.

I always tell our trip participants that are eager to do more....do it. As long as you are doing it out of love, research what you are wanting to do and how it can effect every aspect of all sides, and pray that it succeeds in the way that is best in the overall picture...it will succeed. Do I wish I could create some type of way to end world poverty, children feeling neglected, ensure everyone receives education, and do it in some way that each country could stand on its own without having to increase consumerism from the wealthy countries..YES! But until I find a way to do that, I am doing this---enabling others to go and learn and be changed for the better...and the thing I have realized--in doing this--I am actually able to make progression for the other.

Not everyone LOVES the trip as much as others..people are people and I would literally kill myself trying to please everyone--as I have finally realized. :) But, regardless of what I do, God is doing something in each person--His plan, His will. Grace is an amazing thing that I am extremely thankful for. Emily and I both work with passion that has been given to us by Christ--the passion that we don't want people to just go and come back and say..well, we hope that worked--hopefully now they go and do something. Our goal is that each person gives/receives love in some way so they are motivated to give/receive even more love once they return. So when I am asked the questions about our success--the answer is passion...we are invested in each person that comes on a trip because it is our passion that they give/receive love and then pass that on...we are not just invested in that one week...but love staying in communication often with each participant to make sure they are doing okay and hear about the ripple effect from their experience and how many more people have benefited from LOVE in their own backyards and around the world.

The success of Travel4Souls is nothing specific that we do...God loves, we love, our participants love, and kids love--a recipe for success.

Colossians 3:12-17

WE LOVE YALL!!! :)

If you want to keep up with more of our stories and pictures feel free to follow us on facebook! We only have a few more likes to go to hit our first goal. www.facebook.com/travel4souls

xoxo,

Katie Lentile

Boomer Keeping it Real for Travel4Souls

2011-11-01T08:47:00.002-05:00

In case anyone is bored today and wants to get a good laugh...well, here it is...

Sean Lewis, Soles4Souls Faith Engagement Manager/my office mate, decided to dress like a creepy looking man for Halloween. He also decided to keep this hellacious, handle bar mustache in efforts to annoy me and make me cringe all day yesterday..he succeded.

When I walked into work this morning...this was what I saw--he clearly had a little too much time on his hands yesterday, but we LOVE the video and it is absolutely hysterical. He requested to be Travel4Souls mascot which will NEVER happen, but the video is great and even though this is not the demographics I particularly want going on trips--all are welcome.

http://youtu.be/33HfmXMY6vw

Hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Also, a side shout out...I have the honor of being part of an organization Linda's Hope, which raises funds and awareness for Pancreatic Cancer research. November is Pancreatic Cancer awareness month and the color to wear is purple!! If you live in the Nashville area and want to get involved check out the website. If you don't live here you can still show your support by sharing with others about the disease and wearing purple this month! Thanks! :)

Finally, if you have not had the chance to like Travel4Souls on facebook or twitter we would LOVE for you to do so. www.facebook.com/travel4souls
xoxo,

Katie Lentile

Happy Monday!! Haiti Video

2011-10-24T09:58:00.000-05:00

Happy Monday!! So what is going on in the world of Travel4Souls you ask? Well, fall is our slow season---we have revamped the program, added some new places, working on the summer schedule(yes, it is going to be a busy one!!!) and enjoyed having a little R&R time. There have been so many topics I have wanted to blog about in regards to everything I am learning through this job...but I will spare you all from Katie's soap box, and the main thing I have learned is ---let people help however they want to. There are 1000000 ways of doing things and everyone has their own opinions of what is the best way--but at the end of the day..it's about sharing love, hope and joy! This video reminds me of that.. (it also has some really great footage of Haiti). The gift of love is simple, and does not need to be complicated--so I encourage you to share a smile, hug, or any simple way of showing that you care about someone this week.

Haiti Video of Jackie and Brad

Also, (annoying I know) but we are working hard to build awareness through Facebook and Twitter. We would TRULY appreciate it if you could go and "like" us on facebook here: www.facebook.com/travel and on twitter under: Travel4Souls

Remember to celebrate the little things in life and share love wherever you are in the world!

xoxo,
Katie Lentile

Soles4Haitians

2011-10-18T10:41:00.000-05:00

William tells us again, eloquently how a hard day's work in Haiti can bring hope not only to Haitians, but Americans as well. Shoes, even when they don't fit on the first try...often bring smiles that give volunteers the fuel to keep giving and keep going.

A typical shoe distribution goes a little like this:

1. Measure Foot

2. Try Shoes

3. Repeat Until Fit is Achieved.

4. Repeat With Next Child.

The distribution at the mission a few miles down the road from New Vision Ministries was not quite so simply executed.

Steps don't change, from place to place, but our next distribution was a sight to behold. We are set up on the altar of a mission church with no markings to identify its denomination, and Your Author was far too preoccupied with the shoe-and-toy load-in to ask.

Suffice it to say that Stephen and Autumn Byxbe (like Bixby... Same family, different spelling) the young newlyweds responsible for NVM, have been here before and know what to expect: mothers want the best for their progeny, as well they should. Mothers (and occasionally fathers) were lined up with their children to receive their shoes, two of our team measured, then sent groups to fitting benches. Additional teammates called size and gender combinations to their designated runners, and shoes were delivered.

Steps 2 - 3 started playing on an endless loop, with children trying four pair each in some cases. Some mothers would accept anything, others? They did NOT want their little girl with size 4 feet wearing brown suede boots, or black leather boots with blue plastic inlaid lightning bolts.

Not everyone can be pleased, you see, but we did our best to find the right fit for every child. The smiles were worth is every time we dug a little deeper to find the right shoe.

Drained both of emotion and energy, we left for our hotel: It would be home for the remainder of our time together.

The sun sank to the west, the ocean stretched out to meet the burning autumn sunset. Above the distant silhouette of the Île de le Gonâve, familiar bolts of blue lightning seared through blue-black storm clouds.

There is suffering here, but there is beauty in great abundance. Look around.

Haitian Countryside: There Are Buses

2011-10-18T10:18:00.000-05:00

Here's a little insiders view of what its like to commute in Haiti from William's trip to Haiti last week.

Day three of our experience led us away from Port-au-Prince and onto the first paved road we had seen since arrival, and unless you have had the unique experience of bouncing violently inside a crowded bus (expertly driven, mind you), it is tremendous.

Pavement means speed, and speed means wind. Open windows, flowing breeze, fresh air. Moving toward towns and settlements, Eau du Charcoal (surely a failed Febreeze scent) fills the air. Car horns blast like wailing sirens, and Tap-Taps weave expertly, frighteningly, through crowds, around motorcycles and, well, us.

School Buses: Serene. Yellow. Motorized Pachyderms, benevolent guardians of the American Child. In Haiti? Folks, expect a scene from "Fast And Furious 6: Montrouis Drift". Moving at rates of landspeed defiant to their size, buses are overcrowded. Riders cling to ladders affixed to the rear more by sheer will than mechanical construction.

Men ride like perched gargoyles, vigilant over stacked plantains, while bodies cramped inside struggle for air free of added scent.

Outside, their sides are tattooed and painted with images of the Madonna, with artwork, sometimes colorful political statements; their eyes are threatening, flashing, multicolored lights. Joe Francis would be envious.

Suddenly, our destination is upon us, and when the gates open we find our oasis: New Vision Ministries' Orphanage in Montrouis.

The Haitiwood Hills

2011-10-13T09:17:00.000-05:00

William shares again what is going through his mind as he travels through Haiti...

Some people are wealthy, readers. There are people who have earned everything they have, and the further up the hills we travel, the more apparent this becomes.

There is poverty here, but there is prosperity too. Houses are protected by walls topped with razor-wire, isolated behind solid gates. The Israeli Consulate is of particular note, with signage in French, Arabic and English.

We dive down a short hill, our hulking vessel rocking dangerously close to the edge of the world. Then we are out, and we see life.

People are living and working, they farm hills of improbable slope, mopeds swerve at unthinkable speed along virtually vertical dirt roads. A flatbed truck bounds along, on a path that is anything but smooth.

We stop, and our driver exits the van abruptly. Apparently, the Cargo Truck is stuck. Annie is driving, and John, husband of the driver, leaps to her aid. Their two teenaged children, along with our driver, position themselves behind the Rusted Beast, and in a unified motion the Beast is free.

Our driver returns and we are next to move toward the entrance. Suddenly, our extended van, containing sophisticated fashion industry types, is transformed. We find ourselves cheering as the van lurches forward, more like a battleship than a land vehicle, its passengers shrieking children cheering the ensuing success.

The air is clean, here. Machetes work like surgical lasers, slicing through crops that are thrown into waiting baskets; solitary work, but so far removed from the chaos of lower Port-au-Prince, it is a welcome sight to these eyes.

You almost forget where you were so shortly before.

Almost.

William Vosseler

May the prosperity in Haiti be evident to all. Thanks for proclaiming this truth that so many fail to see, William.

Hope for Sale (Haiti Update)

2011-10-12T08:59:00.002-05:00

William Vosseler, Kenneth Cole Productions Floor Supervisor and (this week) a volunteer in Haiti with Travel4Souls shares a touching interaction with a not-so-shy orphan girl. His eloquent words connect her world with his, and how she gave him a gift he wasn't planning on recieving.

"We sell shoes.

The majority of us, here, sell for a living. We are expert talkers, and can add verbal (and oftentimes nonverbal) value to a physical item, which softens emotionally the financial burden on the Client. Some of us could quite literally sell shoes to someone without feet.

When orphaned Regina (whose name has been invented for this writing) approached the shoe fit area at Maison des Enfants de Dieu, what sat before us was not a coy, subservient orphan girl. Kay—her attendant—was face-to-face with Tina Turner.

This incarnation of Ms. Turner was six or seven, going on forty. Her off-the-shoulder sun dress wore like the best of Vera Wang, and when presented with shoes in her size, (a brand-new pair of pink Crocs), her nose had never whipped so quickly to the sky.

She was not irate, by any means, but she was firm. Any person who has ever sold anything in their lives knows this story: nothing we brought to her was good enough, girly enough. Laps around the table, with Maria Cuomo up to elbows in donated shoes, and agony on Your Author's face.

Five attempts later, Y.A. having reached the peak of polite anxiety, Maria produced the mate to a single shoe Y.A. had thought would go unmatched, and Tina Turner had her choice.

A simple pair of plastic-gemmed sandals that in her eyes might have been the last pair of limited-release Jimmy Choo pumps, presented to a wealthy socialite in Manhattan.

A shadow leaves her face, the Diva departs. What stands before Kay is a seven-year-old princess, with a grin so wide and warm it could be a caricature from an artist in a theme park.

Everything here seems bigger than life, the devastation, the poverty, the pain; the smiles, the love, and the hope.

We sell shoes. Today, the Children at Maison des Enfants de Dieu sold us hope."

William Vosseler

Thanks for sharing, William. Stay tuned readers, for more of William's thoughts and poetic words from his experiences this week in Haiti.

Kenneth Cole Team Trip to Haiti Day 1

2011-10-10T23:30:00.009-05:00

An American In Port-au-Prince written by William

There exists a land without McDonald's, a mythical place where people are truly free of the Frappuccino. The night sky is clear, wisps of gray-white feather adorn the moon. Families huddle closely together, warmth and love are boundless.

Stars burn here, too. Their light is cast down upon stone and wood, metal and plastic. The mystical land, as it happens, is not what it seems. There is love, there is dedication, there is pride unmatched by any Your Correspondent has seen in a lifetime. The neighborhoods are crowded, the air, fetid with the smell of rotting earth and garbage.

Port-au-Prince, once a jewel of the Caribbean, is in shambles. The landscape resembles Nero's Rome: twisted, burned wood piled with rubble and filth. Infrastructure is legend here, not fact. The worst of Chesterton's Anarchists could not have conceived such a place, and their dynamite would be nothing, compared to the wrath of Nature.

The Cité Soleil is a monument to failed policy. Life is a struggle not of the sensationalized kind, but one against a visceral terror. Rainwater here can kill. When a person sleeps on the ground, twenty yards from the ocean, sudden swells can mean sudden death. Men and their sons toil to bloody knuckles to erect ramshackle barricades to protect their skeletal homes from interlopers, while others direct traffic as civilians to earn five dollars per day. The new industry? Blenders attached to generators with frayed extension cords whirl to make fresh juices. Suspiciously-acquired solar panels are here for sale, next to quarter-inch guitar cable and cell phones in a glass-windowed case. If one did not know better, this city could be known as 'Digicel'.

Haitian Creole sayings are scrawled across walls and garage doors, the same message spelled three different ways. Fifty percent of the men and women here cannot read the sayings, though, no matter how many spellings are tried. Children without shoes are not admitted to school.

We are not here to solve this. Haitian need is greater than we can quantify. We are here to be illuminated. We come to illuminate.

Thanks William, for your creative words and giving spirit.
Be sure to follow us as we travel through Haiti this week on Twitter @Travel4Souls and on our new Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/travel4souls .

Haiti on the heart!

2011-10-06T12:08:00.000-05:00

Hey Guys...Emily and I are back in action at the office this week. My vacation to California was amazing--I loved being able to see so many trip participants from past trips! From everything I have heard, seen, and read the trip to Haiti last week was incredible!! I can tell Emily did a fantastic job leading her first trip!! Among some of the stories I have read about the trip (all are amazing--and we hope to post more), but I read Tanna's this morning....stories like this one just makes me smile. I love when people just "get it." This is Tanna's second trip with Travel4Souls and we hope she can continue to join us on more trips in the future!!

Instead of just posting her story on here I am just including her blog link so you can read all the stories she has shared!!
http://tannaclark.com/2011/10/perspective/

Thank you so much for allowing us to share this with others..these are the stories that motivate others to step out of the comfort zones and do something that can truly change their life for the better.

I am getting everything read for the trip to Haiti next week with Kenneth Cole and members of his company!! I will write more about that next week.

Hope everyone has a great day!!

Don't forget--if you can, please follow Travel4Souls on facebook and twitter. --You guys are the best!!

xoxo,

Katie Lentile

Haiti Day 3: Broken Hearts Inspire Change

2011-09-29T13:39:00.000-05:00

Day 3 was a great day for the team that's currently in Haiti! They experienced the grief and devastation that inhabits the city, toured a palace and met some great kids. Here's what Emily sent us:

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I'm sitting in the early morning sun, feeling its warmth and enjoying how it makes the earth and the sand and the water look.

Thinking about day 3 (yesterday) makes me smile. Maybe its the nerd in me, or maybe its the teacher... But I just love watching people "get it". The mind is such a complex thing, but anytime I am allowed the privilege of experiencing the learning process...I get a little giddy. Let me explain.

Yesterday we took the long and scenic drive into Port au Prince, Haiti. Anny did a great job all through out the tour, speaking into both haitis history and haitis post earthquake, current struggles and triumphs. We got out of the bus near the presidential palace, where we bought some authentic Haitian paintings and walked over to the museum of history and art.

After that we went to Pierre's orphanage and got to see lots of familiar faces. The trip participants didn't want to leave, as usual after we spent several hours. I spent most of my time with sara until she fell asleep...that precious girl is such a joy. I love her! Paul, our personal translator and body guard for the day, helped get the kids singing...which was a beautiful. They sang "How Great is our God" and "Open the Eyes of My Heart," "This is the Day that the Lord Has Made," and some others in Creole. Rycksa sat with me and her small voice was the most precious thing I have ever heard. Ruth, your daughter is beautiful.

(Rycksa)

In our team meeting there were a lot of broken hearts and tears for Haiti and these children who desperately need love and attention. However, the brokenness of the participants is something I love seeing, because we are getting closer to God when our heart breaks for the same things His heart breaks for. I truly believe that.

I told the participants that the answer is more. More prayer, more fasting, more research, and most definitely more giving of ourselves and our resources.

Off to the last distribution. Blessings.

Emily

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Day 2 in Haiti...hugs and love

2011-09-28T08:31:00.002-05:00

Good morning from San Fran..anyone who knows me knows...I am an early riser..and unfortunately no matter where I go I wake up (if not woken up by an alarm) at 7am CST at the latest..regardless of what time I went to bed...oh well, at least I don't waste the day..right?

Anyway..last night I met up with some past participants for dinner and it was AMAZING. We had Erin and Allison from Haiti July 2010-first trip I led, Erin also went to Tanzania june 2011, Kate from Haiti October2010, Karen from Honduras November 2010 and April 2011, Megan, Rose and danielle from costa rica July #2 trip 2011, and Katy from India august 2011....it was really so great to see everyone and catch up and I loved that they were able to meet and share with each other about their experiences and what is going on in their lives now.

Now on to miss Emily in Haiti. I have heard great things about the trip and this group! Emily sent me the blog post this morning and (as scary as it is..the more we work together...it truly is like she reads my mind) her post is right on point with a topic I was journaling about yesterday and talked about last time...the importance if short term missions. Instead of me going on my soap box I will just let Em's words speak for me...

==============================
Numbers can be impressive. Well over 200 shoes were distributed yesterday. Numbers can also be daunting and scary. Conservative estimates say that the BOP (bottom of the pyramid...people who live on less than $2 a day) is 4 billion strong.

Wow. The untrained eye may think that what we are doing is not making a dent, and therefore not worth it.

I would offer to be the voice that crushes and refutes that last statement, but I do not stand alone.

This group of trip participants is dedicated, not to shoes but to the hope that they provide. This group knows the power of a smile and a hug and spending time with an orphan who otherwise would not have anyone to play with.

You can see the love in Mark and Laura Howards faces when they are fitting a child with their new pair of shoes. I know its love in their faces because its the same look they have at dinner when they are telling me about their own children. Thank you, Mark and Laura, for loving these kids just like your own. That is beautiful.

Day 2 was wonderful. Tiffany tried her hardest to speak creole as she admitted each child for their shoes, and even though some of the girls didn't fit in the first, second, or third pair they tried on, each trip participant was faithful in trying the fourth or fifth every time. I am amazed at their patience and stamina! These guys are awesome.

We ended the day with a delicious meal and a ferocious thunder storm. Our team meeting, again, had to be at a shouting level(because of the loud storm), but it was a blessing to hear everyone's first impressions of the country, poverty, and the hope that lies between.

Today brings us a tour of Port-au-Prince, an authentic Iron Market experience and a visit to one of our favorite orphanages in Port.

hanks for all your support and prayers! Stay tuned.

Emily

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Great post Emily!!! I'm off to try to go back to sleep..doubtful, but it's worth a shot. Hope everyone has a great day!

Xoxo, Katie Lentile

Update from Haiti..day 1..it's short and sweet!

2011-09-27T07:29:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone!!! Emily emailed me the information on the status of their trip via blackberry so for those of you who like the short updates..get excited!! The team is safe and sound after dealing with the joys of airports and flying. Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers...I am so excited and proud of Emily. She ois doing a fabulous job and I know this trip is going to be great. I am actually sitting in nashville in the airport..heading to california on vacation!!! Tonight I will be eating dinner with all of the past trip participants that live in the San Fran area....I cannot wait to see everyone!!! Hope you have a great week..be sure to add travel4souls on Facebook and twitter...thank you all...here she is..miss Emily prokopik...

Today has been a long but really awesome day. Once we finally got to pap, We were greeted with big hugs from stephen, wes, autumn and annie. I felt like I was coming back to family and that little time had passed since I'd been gone.
On the bus ride from pap to montrouis, we had an awesome team meeting where everyone shared their reasons for coming to haiti. Each person inspired and impressed me as they spoke words that I know God specifically and purposefully put on their hearts. This is a beautiful group. This is going to be a great week.

Stay tuned.
Emily pro

Thanks for everything and all the support..we love you guys.

Xoxo, Katie

Costa Rica Experience!!

2011-09-20T15:49:00.001-05:00

Big thanks to Rebecca , our new social media guru, for creating this blog post! We have been super busy and I have another awesome story to write about soon, but have been wanting to share Ken's thoughts on Costa Rica for a while and this was the perfect time!!

Ken Bernhard joined the Travel4Souls team this past July on a trip to Costa Rica. He shared this encouraging letter with family and friends when he returned from the trip. And now, he wants to share it with you:

“My grandson Guthrie, aka “Gus”, aka “Mr. G”, and I collected approximately 1000 pairs of shoes to donate to Soles4Souls. We decided to follow the shoes and join Soles4Souls in Costa Rica to distribute them to people who are in need of the shoes that we take for granted. I would say that considering the logistics, the organization, the people, and the opportunity for Mr. G and me to share an adventure, our trip was as close to a “10” as possible. Everything went as planned and as hoped. After working for 4 days, we followed it up with another adventure of zip lining through 11 different stations in a tropical rain forest that had trees that were more than 200 feet high. We felt as if we were Tarzans.

What did we learn? First and foremost, we learned that many, many people in the world do not have the advantages and comforts that we have. It is hard to imagine living (as in sleeping, eating, dressing, cooking, etc) in a tin shack on a muddy pathway with no, or sporadic, running water or electricity. It is hard to imagine what these poor people endure: little food and limited medical care and struggling most days to live a normal life. Just receiving a new pair of shoes was an event and a blessing.
Second, we learned how generous some people can be with their time and energy. We met a lady in Costa Rica who has dedicated her life to helping the poor people in the shanty towns. Through her efforts one community has access to a medical clinic, opportunities to create small businesses, help in raising children, and advice on nutrition. When she was younger, she hadn’t intended to spend her life this way, but when she saw the situation and the need for someone to help, she stepped forward. With her help, hundreds of families are a little better off than they would have been otherwise.

Third, we learned how volunteers can make a difference. The fourteen volunteers we travelled with were from all over the United States and they had left the comfort of their homes and families to help the local people, if only for a few days. They had volunteered their time to raise money from friends and now wanted to help in the hard work. It was obvious that without volunteers, Soles4Souls could not function. The same is true of all the other wonderful organizations we hear about from the Red Cross to the Humane Society. Volunteers are the heart and soul of efforts to help people.

Lastly, we confirmed that people in other countries are exactly the same as we are and that we are all in this world together. At the end of our visit, everyone was asked to comment on the experience. My observation was that the world is like a space ship and that we need to take care of our environment and to help our fellow passengers if we are all to survive.

My wish for you is that after you do all the right things to prepare yourself for a successful life, you have the time to share in the rich world of volunteering for something you care about.”

Also, here is a video of Ken on the trip talking about his experience..check it out!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SptIDKiKy0o

Thank you Ken for sharing about your experience. I truly enjoyed meeting you and loved watching you share the trip with your grandson!! You definitely motivate so many others to do more for others!

To everyone else..have a great Tuesday! I am really going to try to blog again before the end of the week so check back in soon!!

xoxo,

Katie Lentile

"I am going to be your mommy"

2011-09-14T15:13:00.004-05:00

I just want to say thank you! Thanks to everyone who is patient, understanding, and praying for me. I have so much to blog and catch you up on, but for now I know you will enjoy this story!

Ruth and Rickza playing in August 2010

Ruth Kerr traveled with us to Haiti last August (2010). She is one of those people that "glows." Ruth is sincere, positive, loving, and passionate about helping others. I have an incredible amount of respect for Ruth and my life has been blessed by having to opportunity to know her. She checks in on me and her emails, cards, and messages always seem to be perfect timing of when I need a word of encouragement. Thank you Ruth!

During Ruth's first trip we visited an orphanage for the first time. An orphanage that we have visited on every trip since and those children have stolen the hearts of many participants. Ruth connected with one little girl, Rickza. They played together for hours, and Rickza introduced Ruth to her younger sister, Ericka. I have NEVER seen a child cling to someone as much as Rickza did to Ruth...the jump roped, did cartwheels, played with bubbles, and so much more! My least favorite part of trips is telling the participants it is time to leave the orphanage. As you can imagine I am not well liked in that moment and it absolutely breaks my heart. Ruth left that day and I knew those two little girls had touched her heart in a special way.

About 2 months after the trip Ruth told me that she was considering adopting the two girls..I shrilled with excitement but knew I had to keep it a secret until the process became more finalized. Well...without going into to much depth on adoption in Haiti, Ruth has been approved! She still does not know how long until the girls get to come home, but she was able to tell Rickza that she was "going to be her mommy." I have NEVER in my entire life seen someone so happy in a specific moment. Rickza fell to the ground, smiling as wide as her little mouth could smile and just could not believe what she was hearing or let go of Ruth's legs.

Ruth and Rickza after Ruth told her she was going to be her mommy. (I can't get the picture to rotate)

Rickza was crying, Ruth was crying and I was crying..but thankfully, I was able to capture the moment! So many participants go on our trips without any expectations and come away with a variety of emotions. Many times people become frustrated because they want to do more. I took this job and role because I am passionate about helping others. There are ups and downs to make sure we are always helping in the "right" ways, but these moments, Ruth and Rickza moments are what makes me know that it is not anything that I am doing or have ultimate control over. For that I am thankful and encouraged and hope that everyone that participates on trips is as well. Focus small, think long-term, research, follow your heart and pray! That is my game plan in helping others!!

You might not be able to adopt a child right now, but you can do something, anything..and I encourage you and MYSELF to do it! Thank you Ruth for EVERYTHING that you do. I love you and those girls and know you are going to be a fabulous mom and I cannot wait to come visit!!!!

Precious..mommy and daughter!!

Hope you all have a wonderful day. :) If you are interested in traveling with us on a distribution trip you can learn more at http://www.travel4souls.org/

XOXO,

Katie Lentile

Happy Haiti birthday, Sandy!

2011-09-01T18:59:00.003-05:00

Hello, guest blogger Brad here again, for the final report for this trip to Haiti. Many thanks to those who have told me I'm doing a good job, and many apologies to those of you on the trip whom I left out the first night. (Sorry, Cali BFFs Malissa and Rachel! You are both awesome!!)

Today, we had an extra reason to celebrate as Sandy, from the Longmont, Colo., area, turned, uh, 59 again.

But Sandy and her friend, Michele, gave out the presents. Sandy and Michele brought 175 dresses from the Bear Creek Evangelical Presbyterian Church. And the girls at the church we visited today? They squealed, smiled, clapped, shopped, traded, and generally went bananas when they got beautiful new dresses with their new shoes. Just like ladies anywhere in the world!

That was awesome to see, and it was equally great when the kids at the New Visions Ministries all signed a birthday card for Ms. Sandy.

"Thank you for making my 68th birthday my best one ever!" Sandy said, as a rooster walked around to crow about how awesome Sandy is. (For real, there was a rooster walking around cleaning up what we dropped at lunch.)

The distribution this morning was powerful, as more than 150 kids greeted us with songs and clapping.

Our main Haiti guide, John Chew, the most interesting man in the Western hemisphere, kept putting stickers on the kids -- and the Americans passing out the shoes.

Ruth, Beth, Todd, Malissa were ANIMALS fitting all those kids, while teen Rachel took pics and adult Rachel measured feet like her name was Kenneth Cole.

Becky brought about 40 pounds of toys for the kids (no kidding), and it provided tons of joy -- and several hernia strains for the guys who brought in the toys.-

And Kevin, the S4S CFO, aka "Kev-Dawg", ran around like a dawg, fetching shoes like a champ. Great guy and a good roommate, even though Kevin made fun of my snoring. (In his defense, it IS loud.)

This was staffer Emily's first time to totally run the show and everyone thought she did an awesome job, except Katie, who got a little jealous, I think. JK.

As we were driving back to the resort, I was thinking back on the trip. We saw lots of intense stuff -- massive earthquake damage, heart-breaking poverty in seemingly endless tent cities, hundreds of children whose parents abandoned them for whatever reasons.

Yet, here is a bus full of happy Americans, united in the desire to do something, anything to make a difference.

The desire to help wasn't dampened at all by what we saw and experienced.

Among the desolation were bunches of smiles, many "merci!"s, some hugs and lots of good food. Hellooooo, mangoes!!

Then I realized it was hope that keeps the group going, hope that there will be some relief for the poor Haitians, hope that one pair of shoes will make a difference, hope that a hug today will be remembered tomorrow, hope that showing kindness will show that someone from the outside cares.

We leave knowing that even if a child had a bright spot only in the moment they got shoes and a hug, that was one more bright spot than they had the day before.

And I leave grateful for those moments.

Haiti Day 3

2011-08-31T20:49:00.001-05:00

Here is Christine with two beautiful girls at the orphanage, House of the Children of God, which provided the most powerful moments of our trip so far.

One of the returners, Ruth, came to this very orphanage a year ago, and she fell in love with two of the children, ages, 8 and 3. She couldn't stop thinking about those girls, and within months, Ruth began the adoption process.

That process likely will take several more months, but Ruth got to be reunited with today with those girls, Ricksa and Ericka.

"When I saw her, Ericka, I showed her the picture of us from a year ago, and she lit up and said, 'Ericka'! Then she grabbed my hand and we played," Ruth said smiling.

When the older girl, Ricksa, saw Ruth, she lit up.

"I said, 'Do you recognize me?' And she said 'Yes!' and jumped up and then sat in my lap and played with me the rest of the day."

Ruth told Ricksa she was going to adopt her, and Ricksa gave her a hug and buried her face in Ruth's lap. "It was great," Ruth said.

The rest of us played and hugged every kid we could find. Some of us teared up as we gave 'em back.

Adult Rachel juggled three babies and a toddler, while her California BFF Malissa held two babies, lulling one to sleep. Todd bounced several toddlers on his knee while bouncing 20 rubber balls around the playroom.

13-year-old Rachel found baby Valentino, so named because she was born on Valentine's Day.

All awesome.

The rest of the day was spent touring earthquake-devastated Port-Au-Prince, which was tough in spots, seeing thousands into tent cities in squalor, buckets of waste being poured into the streets, teens walking up to every tourist to ask for money.

We also spent some time in a market where a local named Jean-Michelle attached himself to Todd, trying to get him to buy, well, anything -- including a not-so-appropriate statue involving a man's bouncing body part.

Todd said he already had one.

One last, moving stop before we got back to the resort -- guide John wanted to show us the spot of a mass burial site for anywhere from 60,000 to 300,000 earthquake victims.

The site was marked by a couple of larger wooden crosses and hundreds of smaller brown ones.

A slight breeze blowing through the remote hillside site made the moment even more solemn and serene.

Shoes, glorious shoes!

2011-08-31T08:10:00.001-05:00

Hello, newcomer Brad here again for day 2, and Katie just told us we have seven minutes, so I gotta move it!!

As promised, we jumped right into shoe distribution on day 2, arriving at a cement block open-air school called the Hope Institute.

Our guides told us that tickets for shoes were distributed by fishermen, the poorest/least desired of Haiti occupations. More than 100 kids came clutching tickets, and they and their parents gathered beforehand to sing. The song itself was beautiful, and the joy in the faces of the singing children.... It was moving, to say the least.

We had six "stations" where we would wash feet, attempt to chat with the kids and put them in new sneakers or sandals. I know I said "Comment ca va?", "How are you?" in French to several kids and got back blank stares. Then one older boy looked right at me and said in perfect, unaccented English: "Great! How are you doing, buddy?"

There were moments of connection with the kids, but it really was almost factory-like in distribution. The room also was, um, how to say, hotter than the very core of Hades itself. My brother Todd reports that he sweat so much that he has only peed three times in two days. (Is that possible??)

Afterward we headed to New Vision Ministry, a mission home for children -- and that's where feelings started to flow.

Beth, Becky, Ruth and Melissa had children in their arms in about 4.3 seconds. Sandy had a child in her lap for about five hours.

Michele turned into a distribution machine! Amazing. Jackie was galloping around with children on her back for a couple of hours.

Christine started interviewing team members for her video reports -- and most of us teared up on camera, talking about purpose, love, giving, service, and kids.

"Did you cry during your interview?" "After about one minute." "Are you kdding? I was waterworks factory."

A woman sold all sorts of Haitian arts and crafts out front, and guide John negotiated that I buy two conch-shell bracelets for $10. About five minutes later, 13-year-old Rachel bought THREE bracelets for $10.

She has been taunting me ever since, flashing the number three at me and sticking out her tongues. She is soooooo adorable.

After a couple of hours, the children had to be pried from the arms of most team members, and we headed back to the resort.

We were told that last year, Haiti team members were often hungry. This year, I have gained 17 pounds with all the resort buffets and the awesome lunches.

Today, we're off to tour Haiti and Port-au-Prince. I'm gonna see if I can out-negotiate Rachel. I will not be schooled by a pre-teen girl again!

A love-Haiti relationship

2011-08-30T20:26:00.001-05:00

BRADDDDDD is going to blog tonight!! YIPEE!! This is a recap of day 1..tomorrow morning we will post Day 2. Hope everyone is having a wonderful day!!

Hello, I'm special guest blogger Brad, writing today because Katie -- while super adorable and efficient -- is just tuckered out. Probably still a little weak from all of her stomach problems drama from her trip to India, I'm guessing. (If you don't know what I'm talking about, go read that trip blog. Warning: Don't read it if you've just eaten.)

Anyway, I'm a first-time Soles4Souls traveler, going in with no expectations, so here are my experiences from day one.

We all wore matching S4S powder-blue shirts and tentatively met in the Miami airport with slightly awkward introductions like, "Wow, I like your T-shirt!"

When approaching Haiti, things turned more serious: The airport looked like something out of a 1940s Indiana Jones movie, with lots of cracked concrete walls guarded by rifle-toting men in beige uniforms.

The two-hour ride to our resort (we're staying at a resort??) left me feeling unsettled. Shanty towns and tent villages lined the road as crowds of Haiti's poor wandered the streets. Each vehicle overflowed with Haitians, and several jumped onto the white school bus that carried us to Club Indigo. (We stopped a couple of times while our guides shooed off the extra passengers.)

At one point, we saw hundreds of kids playing soccer on several makeshift fields while several armed soldiers sat atop a white UN tank. The roads were more like gravel paths, often riddled with potholes.

That was a tough ride, but apparently not too upsetting: I fell asleep after the first hour.

We arrived at a beautiful resort, complete with buffet restaurant, two in-ground pools, ocean swimming and a Miss Pacman video game in the lounge. Just a litttttttle bit different from what we'd just seen.

"Projectile" Katie (again, see prior blog) gathered us in a cirlce on the beach where we introduced ourselves.

We are Beth, an inner-city school teacher, Stephanie, a fund-raiser for Catholic charities, her precocious/adorable 13-year-old daughter, Rachel, who collected more than 11000 pairs of shoes.

We are Ruth, a return visitor to Haiti who is in the process of adopting two little girls (sisters) from here, Jackie, a record label publicist, and Sandy, whose friend initially wanted to go to a weight-loss clinic, but they came to Haiti instead.

Then there's Michele, another repeat customer who has collected more than 40,000 shoes, Becky, a repeat customer and somewhat sassy medical tech, Christine, who just went on the Costa Rica trip and will be gathering video stories, your humble storyteller, Brad, a freelance writer from Nashville, and my twin brother, Todd, the most amazing brother in the world, dragged here by his dumb brother who's bumping around on some sort of random search for spirituality.

Also, on the trip are a few of the Soles4Souls staff members including Kevin, Emily and Katie.

We ended with the promise that the next day would be all hands on feet.

Thanks Brad..can't wait to read what you write tomorrow (love having a writer on the trip.. ;) )

XOXO,

Katie Lentile

Haiti..en route ..video!!!

2011-08-29T09:28:00.002-05:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TMcuMQrquM

Go to the link above and watch the you tube video..still trying to work out kinks..but hopefully it worked.

We are super excited!!!! Plane is about to board, but we will be updating you guys regularly on the trip!!

Xoxo, Katie lentile

My trip to an Indian Hospital

2011-08-17T12:42:00.003-05:00

As promised, I am going to blog about my little trip to the hospital last week in INDIA. Yes, it is okay if you laugh...while it was not funny at the time, now looking back and thinking about this situation--all I can do is laugh.

So a little background: Traveling all the time can get exhausting. Traveling internationally can be more exhausting. Traveling while building a department from the ground up can be even more exhausting.. (pity party please) When I took the job I knew it would be a crazy ride...a bundle of emotions..and a WHOLE lot of learning as I go....and it has been....way more than I could have ever been prepared for. But with all the craziness, the experience and outcome from the work is worth every single second. I started getting sick(digestive issues, no energy) around November, had my gallbladder removed in January, in March still having problems + I had NO energy so I went back to the doctor--took antibiotic that worked for a week or two, went to a holistic doctor in April and those pills helped-but still not healing, June/July- lots of dr visits in between trips + more antibiotics, August-India hospital/finally got an appointment at the infectious disease doctor at Vanderbilt.

I am sure some of you are saying..Katie, duh it is a parasite--you travel to 3rd world countries..you could do this, or this, or this and be healed. Yes, I might should have stopped traveling so much--but I went to the doctor and the recommendations were pretty vague. I will have a good bit of downtime this fall, and promised if I made it through the India trip I would really push to find out what was wrong. To be honest, it has all just been confusing because no one will tell me exactly what I need to be doing or what is wrong with me. So I AM going to the specialist tomorrow(might as well be meeting the Pope with everything it has taken to get this appointment) and hopefully we will have some better answers. :)

So here is the part you all have been waiting for..

I have pretty much had trips non stop since March. July consisted of 2 Costa Rica trips. On the second trip Philip and I stayed and went to the beach for a few days and I was able to get some much needed R&R..unfortunately, despite tons of sleep-it was not enough. Three days later I went to my sister's since I was departing from Atlanta and continued to sleep..a lot. However, during the trip--the jet lag hit and for some reason I could not sleep AT ALL. About 3 hours each night for almost a week--no fun! I was honest with the team about my health and they were more than understanding and helpful. Wednesday night I woke up around 3 am and my stomach was KILLING me! I decided to take a shower to see if that made me feel any better..nope. Right after I put on my clothes I walked to the bathroom door and YUUUCKKYYY--projectile vomit across the entire bathroom(sorry for being gross). This is the only time I will be thankful for "wet bathrooms" which is a bathroom with no separation for a shower...there is a toilet and shower head..so cleanup (which typically makes me more sick) was super easy. The vomiting did not stop for about 4 minutes straight. I called my mommy, and thought it was over..but not so much. My poor mother --who knows what she was thinking as she listened to me across the globe. Once that little episode was over I decided (well actually Philip "suggested")it was best to wake someone up and just let them know. I had been sick before and usually it involves a lot of vomiting, but not like this. I woke up Catherine and she was so sweet. She helped me find some salt tablets to prevent me from becoming dehydrated. I tried to go back to sleep, but continued to be sick the rest of the night. (Big thanks to my friends and co-workers who were praying for me.) I don't like to make big deals out of being sick, but I was a little freaked out after this and called a few people to ask for prayers. (2 being Todd and Kevin to figure out a contingency plan if I did need to fly home early). Before I knew it ALL of my friends were texting and calling to check on me and tell me that they were praying for me--they really are the best friends ever! I continued being sick and once the team woke up around 8am, Pastor Jay--our host at ICMC, told me that he would get me an appointment at the hospital.

Now let me just tell you what I told Todd(our lawyer) before I got off the phone with him. "It is too expensive for me to change my flights and come home early, plus I would rather just stick it out here and come back with the team than try to do all of that travel (6 hour train ride, 11 hour flight, 10 hour flight) by myself. (mainly I just did not want to get on that train by myself if I was puking everywhere.) I promise I will not let them touch me with any needles."

Laughable. I was finally able to go to the hospital around 12pm. Beth was so sweet and stayed with me that morning as I continued to be sick and she made sure I was resting and drinking plenty of fluids. And Here are the pictures.

Yes, when our bus stopped on this road and the girls told me to get out. I prayed.

Here is the front of the hospital..still praying.

The waiting room.."it could be worse, it could be worse."

Me talking to the doc..Conversation below.

Ok so I will explain what had happened until this point..We came, waited, they called me back and it went a little like this:

Doc: You vomit? You stomach upset? You not feel well?

Katie: Yes Sir, Yes Sir, No Sir, I don't feel well.

Doc: Hmmm, okay go in that room.

Katie(my thoughts): I am about to die, stop being dramatic---think about the kids dying in Africa from the famine..you are very blessed, I am about to die, God is in control, I am about to die.

So I went into this other room (small room with a medical bed and 3 nurses--no big deal) and they told me to lie on the bed. So I did. Doc came in and checked my blood pressure with something that looked like it was made in 1940, listened to my heart and pushed on my stomach asking me if it hurt..DUHHH, yes it hurts!

Then he told the nurses something in Tamil and walked out of the room. Before I even knew what was going on...they had me up on my said and OUCH, shot on the left side of my butt. FREAK OUT MODE..I begged them to let me see the needle and they just laughed and turned me onto my other side. I was a little hesitant so they basically turned me over on their own and BAMM second shot..and they laughed because I was begging them to at least tell me what they were injecting me with. That was that and I walked back into the Doc's office as he was writing something down and told them to get the IV.. HECK NO, 2 needles was more than enough for the day..I had enough salt packets for a week and decided I would rather make sure I was hydrated without more needles in me. More convo:

Nurses: No, Auntie you really need IV.

Katie: No, this is just different than America, you did not even ask me if I was allergic to anything.

Doctor: That is because we are not in America, and American doctors are scared you will sue them, you will not sue me.

Katie: OHH Greattt!! Thank you doctor..

I did not fill out any paper work, and paid around 20 bucks. However, did ask the doctor to write down whatever it was they injected me with and took a picture of his name..

Well, thankfully--whatever he gave me worked. My stomach still hurt, but no more being sick or projectile vomit for 2 days!! Just enough time to get me back to my beloved America.

Overall, it was an interesting experience and yes, for the first time on a trip I was actually scared. Since I have been home I have been ordered by everyone I know to sleep, sleep, sleep and not even think about work until after I go to the doctor tomorrow and find out what is wrong with me. I am still sick, but it is manageable and I am drinking TONS of water and poweraide. I have slept more in the past 4 days than I have in the past month.. :) :) :)

To anyone traveling with us or thinking about it..don't worry we do have insurance that covers medical-evacuation via helicopter. Or you can just go to the ole doc like me. :) In over 19 trips the only person that has had to go to the doc is me..so hopefully, it stays that way.

I really cannot thank everyone enough for the encouragement and prayers. I struggle with "feeling sick" and not knowing my limit because I compare my situation to others that are going through serious illnesses. I am thankful for this time now--time to rest and get better without having to miss the trips. I will try to keep everyone updated on what the doc says. In the meantime, if you ever have stomach issues I recommend getting on a plane and going to see my Indian doc, because he has stuff that works and is not afraid to give it to you.

Hope everyone has a great week!

XOXO,

Katie Lentile

India...here ya go!

2011-08-15T09:42:00.005-05:00

Hey guys..sorry about the delay in the post...I ended up getting sick so had a few guest bloggers on this trip..I'll be blogging later about my really interesting hospital visit in India. For now, I am at the Drs office and will be resting all week, bosses orders. This trip was amazing, and wish I could have blogged about it..below Garrett Bruster wrote about one of our days...

"We awoke on the morning of August 10th and met for our customary breakfast, consisting of staple Indian foods supplemented with generous amounts of curry. We were told that we would be distributing shoes at Eden Garden, a home for orphaned Indian boys, and St. Patrick's church, a planted Christian church on the outskirts of Salem.

We loaded several boxes of shoes into our cargo truck and loaded ourselves into a ten-seat bus that served as our primary transportation. Our bouncing, rocking journey through the city of Salem smoothed into long stretches of highway lined by palm trees and after about 45 minutes we arrived.

As we pulled up to Eden Garden, the boys who live there could be seen awaiting us, seated in neat rows. We unloaded and began to set up our various stations for the shoe distribution, excitement building amongst the rows of boys. They maintained an air of discipline but their glee in seeing us smile and wave could not be contained completely; their energy was contagious. After Pastor J introduced us and said a few words, my father gave a succinct and well-spoken message, punctuated by translation from Pastor J. We then began washing the boys' feet and giving them new shoes. The faces of the children, as with previous distributions, ranged from solemn to ecstatic, but all dutifully said thank you and shook our hands. It was clear that strangers from a distant land taking the time to carefully wash and dress the feet of these orphans (considered untouchables in Indian culture) had a gigantic impact on them. The joy I personally received from helping these children and giving them shoes was also gigantic and difficult to explain. After giving the boys shoes we played several lively rounds of cricket and soccer and loaded back up into the van.

After lunch back at the House of Peace, we embarked for St. Patrick's church, about an hour's drive distant. We left the chaotic urban environment for the sweeping highways as before, but then our drive took us into dense jungle and we began to feel truly removed from modern civilization. We arrived at St. Patrick's as the sun began to set behind the mountains and found children from the nearby village, along with their parents, seated patiently on the bare floor of the church waiting for us. We unloaded our supplies and I stepped down among the villagers to say hello. The people sitting cross-legged there were looking at me in a way I have never been looked at before - as a completely foreign creature. It took a minute for me to remember that these people were it - truly isolated, truly destitute - and had rarely if ever seen a white person, much less a 6-foot 3-inch one. The looks in the eyes of both children and adults was one of genuine wonder, hard to interpret and even harder to explain. We gave them shoes, which they gracefully accepted, and they left, fanning out past the church doors to their homes, new treasures either clutched in hand or worn proudly on feet. It was an exhausting day, to be sure, but I have had few in my life that were more rewarding."

Thanks Garrett!!! The last day..my favorite from last time, the team distributed shoes to the lepers and then had the farewell ceremony at the promise land. I'll have more blogs about this trip in the coming weeks..hopefully.

Thanks so much for your understanding, prayers, and support....but I'm really going to spend this week not being stubborn and actually resting and getting better.

Xoxoxo,

Katie Lentile

Day 2 of distribution!!!!!

2011-08-09T21:00:00.001-05:00

GOOD MORNING!! Well, actually it is night time for you all....and I actually am posting this at night..your morning, but will not publish it in the morning..so you don't get two post in one day..clever, I know. Haha..As I mentioned earlier, we ended up having our free day today since tomorrow the kids will not be in school which means...more time to play with them!! Since I have had some trouble sleeping, and still getting sick every now and then..I decided to say here and catch up on work and spend some personal time processing the last few weeks while the rest of the group went up to the mountains. Since I do not assume many of you care to hear about how I was answering emails or journaling all day, I have asked trip participant Katy McKay to write the post and she was MORE THAN WILLING..she is my roomie too which makes her extra special..;) kidding, but seriously..she is a really cool, laid back-and kid loving lady...glad to have her on this trip. :)

Katy's thoughts from the trip!

Today after breakfast we headed up the mountain outside of Salem. On the way up, we stopped and fed cookies to the monkeys (some with babies hanging from their mamas’ bellies). Finally, after a steep road and 20 death-defying hairpin turns, we arrived at the top of the mountain to Salem Heights. From there we were able to witness the beauty of the lush valley below. We visited a boys’ boarding school with a gorgeous campus, and afterwards ate a decadent Asian fusion lunch with a breathtaking view of the forest and coffee plantations. After lunch, we spiraled back down the mountain, struggling to hold onto our lunch!

The evening was spent distributing shoes to children and adults in a church on the outskirts of Salem. Wow, was that an experience! Hundreds of children wanted to shake our hands and tell us their names, with huge smiles all around! I myself couldn’t wipe the grin off my face. The happiness in their eyes was inspiring and contagious. After distributing the shoes, we challenged the children to a match of arm wrestling and shared pictures of our own families to the mothers and their children in the church. From the sound of the cheers, you would have thought we were having a WWF match rather than simply arm wrestling! I really enjoyed meeting fellow mothers, holding their precious babies, and being reminded of my own babies back at home – though the Indian and American women are a world apart in distance, we have so much in common: we are all caring mothers who cherish our children and want to give them the best that we are capable of providing. One of the little girls asked if she could have a picture of my daughter, so now I will be content to know that someone far across the seas will be thinking of my daughter when she looks at that photo. Finally, we had to say our farewells and headed back to the House of Peace, where we were greeted by a delicious meal of chicken, rice, vegetable curry, tapioca naan, and bananas. Now we’ll go reboot our systems to prepare for another busy day tomorrow!

WELL kids..its 11:11pm and I determined to sleep tonight!! Thanks for all the prayers and encouragement...Hopefully, I will have some really cool pics tomorrow of us playing with the kids.

XOXO,

Katie Lentile

2nd Day in Salem

2011-08-09T00:42:00.001-05:00

Rise and shine..updates from India.

Yesterday morning we woke up and ate breakfast before heading to the St. Basil school for an opening ceremony preformed by the children. They are absolutely adorable. We all sang songs and then were able to pass out little goodies to each of the children. Also, while we were there Dr. Jay explained to us about all the different schools and colleges under ICMC. He took us to the roof top and we were able to see out over the entire city of Salem.

After our visit at st. Basil we came back to the House of Peace to load up the shoe boxes and grad a bite to eat before heading to the Promise Land for the 1st distribution.

Once we arrived at the Promise Land, I set up the shoes while the team went and toured the colleges with Dr. Jay. Once the team was done they returned and helped me complete the set up of the shoes....and then the kids started coming!! And came for about 4 hours.

We distributed to almost the entire campus at the Promise Land which is around 600 children that were fitted with shoes..by far the most shoes distributed during one distribution. Our team did great and we were even able to distributed combs, tooth brushes and paste, and cookies to each child.

This took up the remainder of the day and it was sooo good to hear the children say..Auntie, Auntie, Auntie..2nd time in India Auntie katie..it is incredible how well they remembered me and Brett from our visit in January. They loved their shoes!!

Once we returned back to the House of Peace we ate dinner and everyone went to bed...or tried to..haha Jet lag is really fun!! ;)

This group mastered the distributions and really clicked with these children. Because of a holiday tomorrow we have decided to have our "free day" today. The team just headed up to the mountains to see monkeys and experience a little different side of India and Dr. Jay is leading them. I am staying at the House of Peace this morning to catch up on some work and just walk around Salem with one of the girls here once I get done with work.

Tonight we will distributed to some children at a church in the local villages!! The videos are not working, but now that I know I can get pictures up from my Ipad I will definitely take more to show you guys everything!!

Thanks so much for all the prayers and support. I actually just met a girl who came with her brother this morning to ask to enroll in the orphanage. They had been abandoned by their father and their mother has no way to support them...As Dr. Jay was telling us her situation you could see the hurt in her eyes and then tears...my heart is breaking for her right now. I am so thankful to know she will be accepted at ICMC and continue to be given an education and food. Hopefully, I will see her again and be able to spend some time with her and turn those tears into smiles. :)

XOXO,

Katie Lentile

India!!! (Faith of a Traveler)

2011-08-07T17:41:00.002-05:00

WELL HELLO EVERYONE! :)

It is 3:31am here in SALEM!! YES, WE MADE IT!! My body is still adjusting to the time change and since I am wide awake I thought it would be a perfect time to blog. So here I sit, eating nutella by the spoon full--A big thanks to my nephews for letting me have their nutella and goldfish ---Sam was a little hesitant about the goldfish but in the end he gave them up with pleasure. ;)

So I want to keep this post short and recap what we have done so far and then shed a little light on something I've realized lately --delirious insight..should be entertaining! First, I want to say thank you to every single person that is praying for our team, me and the kids at the orphanage. After several back to back trips, I am pretty wiped out and ready to be back home. However, at the same time..I love these trips, the participants, the cultures, the kids, etc...and sometimes just need some extra prayers--so THANKS BIG TIME. God is working and His strength is my grace--I really am excited to see how this week goes and all the lives, participants and children's that will be changed in a positive way..mine too!

Ok recap time..so the last time I posted was the night in London..well the next day we woke up and headed to the airport after eating breakfast. London--I will be back to see you, not just to stop through. Our flight was at 1:00pm so we all ate some lunch and then headed on the plane. Brett and his family got bumped to first class, and as happy as the rest of the team was for them...and as much as we tried to convince ourselves that we were not jealous... we were. ;) However, this flight was 10 hours and most of the team was finally able to get a substantial about of sleep..6 hours for me and it was wonderful. When we landed in Chennai it was 3:30am we got our luggage and then were greeted outside of the airport by Bright, Herbert and some other staff members of ICMC. It was so great to see them, and I loved watching the team's initial reaction to the hustle and bustle of India that early in the morning. It is crazy!! We arrived at the hotel around 5:30am and some snoozed for a few hours. We were to be up and ready to go by 10:30am. The train ride was originally planned to be that morning, but the staff (at some point) decided it was better to go on the afternoon train which allowed us a chance to see some of Chennai. We went to the beach..which is the 2nd widest beach in the world, and was impacted by the tsunami in 2004. Interesting fact: no one wears bathing suits..they just get in the ocean with their clothes on. It was really cool to see the locals playing in the ocean and to see the beach..but boy oh boy---IT WAS HOT(and for me to say that means something)! After the beach we headed to the tomb of St. Thomas and then back to the hotel for lunch. OHH LUNCH..so my taste buds are very sensitive to spicy foods...and I ordered my meal NON -SPICY..knowing it would still have some kick to it...I looked like I had been at a funeral. I was crying so much as I was eating..but the food was SOOOOO good!! Real Indian food compared to American Indian food is very different in my opinion..I LOVE THE FOOD HERE!!

After lunch we loaded up the bus and headed to the train station..I will get to this a little later on..we ended up having to hurry (sprint) to get on the train and all of our luggage..it happens every time. ;) I really think it is the staffs way of letting us truly experience India and the madness of trains. (side note: ughh the ants are trying to attack the nutella jar) Anyway, we got on the train at 3:30pm and arrived in Salem at 8:45pm. We were greeted by Dr. Jay, the orphanage director, and then got in buses and came to the House of Peace where we will be sleeping during the next week. We ate dinner, and listened to Dr. Jay tell how the orphanage was started...as he was once an orphan himself. Then it was bed time. This was all around midnight.

Tomorrow we will get up around 8:30am --in 4 hours, and then, haha, as I have learned in some of the countries we visit, my itinerary will be thrown out the window and we will just go with it. This is what I mean by "faith of a traveler." When I first started this job I was so adamant that we had to do things a certain way and go by the strict schedule of events....but I really think the 3rd world mentality of time is rubbing off on me. Don't worry, inside I am just as anal as the A-type participants, and sometimes can kick things up a bit and make sure we are getting everything done, but for the most part--I have learned to trust our partnering organization's guides. They are aware of what needs to be done and how much time it takes to get somewhere...so I trust them. I'm sure my trust in them might appear to some of the participants that I am not on top of my job and being too relaxed, but the experience of even a year has given me enough faith to trust others in their countries..As long as the kids get shoes and the participants get to interact with the children and experience the culture..everything will work out. So tomorrow--Dr. Jay will probably inform me of our new itinerary and we will negotiate until everyone is happy----and I will fill you in then!

I know everyone wants pictures..but it is hard to connect cameras and cards and upload pictures when the internet is terribly slow anyway..so just keep checking my facebook and I will add them on there.

I think I am going to go back to my bed and try to get a few ZZZZzzzZZZZzzz before the sun comes up. Really, THANKS TO EVERYONE!! I AM SO BLESSED TO HAVE SO MANY AMAZING PEOPLE IN MY LIFE THAT ARE ENCOURAGING AND PRAYING FOR OUR TEAM!!

xoxo,

Katie Lentile

Well well here we go..en route to India

2011-08-05T16:59:00.003-05:00

Hey from London!... My new favorite city (well that isn't in a 3rd world country or "home") so.. I have 30 min to use the internet and my food just came and I haven't eaten all day (time change always just confuses my appetite) but now I'm really hungry ..so good news for those that always say the post should be shorter...it is going to be.

Yesterday my sister and her two youngsters, Sam and jack, dropped me off at the Atlanta airport. Exhaustion hit pretty bad when I got to Athens the day before and I cannot thank everyone enough for all of your prayers. They are helping for sure!!!

Once she dropped me off I went to ticket counter to check in and the majority of the team was in line waiting. We have Brett Bruster, who traveled with us before in January on this trip, and his wafe Jan, and two sons garrett and Travis. Also, 3 more people from Texas came as well, Catherine, Charlie and Bo. It was nice seeing all of them and once we got our boarding passes we headed to the gate. At the gate we met Zeke from PA, Katy from the Bay area and then Beth and Sarah from Phoenix.

We loaded up on the plane and started the journey to London. I will be completely honest...I thought my life was going to be over during that flight. There was a thunder storm and we had really bad turbulence the entire time...I probably just assumed it was worse than it was bc anything that wakes me up...I am a little dramatic about. The flight was only 8 hours and it really felt like we were only in the air for around 4. Thankfully, I was able to sleep during most of the flight.

Once we landed we got our luggage and then took cabs to our hotel..it was around 10am here..and my plan was to sleep for an hour then get up, shower and go see LONDON!! Well my plan worked for everyone else except me. I slept until 4 hahah then I got up and managed to get myself to the train station and then around the city...much easier than when we were in hong kong..probably because I could actually read the signs. I took a typical tourist bus tour..I recommend these if you have a short period in a city or always on your first day. They allow you to see a little bit of everything and help you become familiar with the city. The tour took around 3 hours and the train to and from the actually city took an hour each so pretty much filled up what was left of my day. I am determined to come back and spend a good bit of time in London! I love the people, the accents, the history, the architecture...ahh just everything..I'm a wee bit obsessed.. And let's face it.. My name is Catherine with a c and Katie is with a k..just like Kate Middleton..obviously a sign I am meant to be a princess.

In was able to see big Ben, the London bridge, House of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, basically everything..just not long enough.

Side note..my friend Sari, who went to Haiti in March (and I got to visit with in NYC before the Africa trip)..her parents live here and she had to have another hip surgery..she had a bad fall and has been dealing with that. We thought we were going to be able to meet up, but with me sleeping the day away and her on crutches it wasn't able to happen...however, she knows I'm coming back! But please keep her in your prayers... I can't imagine how much pain she is dealing with right now.

So tomorrow-- I probably won't have time to blog sorry...we will be leaving London at 1pm and land in Chennai at 5 am..then hotel for about 3 hours then off to the train...ohh the train ride to Salem. Haha it is quite the experience. Hopefully I will have service in Salem and can blog then..if not I might be texting Emily info and letting her blog my texts on here.

So far everything has gone really well...most of the team is back and already in bed. I hope you have all had a great day and really thank you, thank you, thank you so much for the prayers.. This team is very laid back and by the time we get to India I will have slept..a lot..and be rested and ready to go!!!!

Check my fb for pics..can't get any on here right now.

Xoxo, Katie lentile

yippy skippy

2011-08-02T14:41:00.003-05:00

As for the title--who knows? Just go with it..I am having a Katie moment. I returned from Costa Rica on Sunday night after staying in for a weekend vacation/adventure (the team left on Friday). With only 2 days before leaving for India I came to work and have been doing as much as I can while I am here. (I appreciate everyone's patience with me in regards to my delay in responses to special requests or questions).

This past trip was once again ...AMAZING. At the end of each trip I have the team go around and share their favorite "moment" or "thoughts" from the trip. For those that have been on trips before..you understand. For those that haven't....you have probably experienced something in life like this before. Just an experience that impacts your life in a meaningful way. Participants leave these trips feeling different things---it is hard for me to even try to write about this and express the feelings in words..which makes me understand even more how hard it would be for our volunteers to share with their peers. I have them share with each other so that when they do return they have a support group within each other.

I share my story (linked is a short post of when I wrote it before a while back) on some of the trips and completely understand what people are going through when they get back. I have recently had A LOT of participants reach out to me and ask more questions because they are searching and wanting to do more for others. So I thought I might as well go ahead and blog about it! :) Here is my response:

Everyone's situation is different--if you are going on these trips you already have the desire to "do more" so it is expected that you return with a fueled desire. My main personal advice is to pray--God will hear you and He knows how to best use your life if you are seeking Him first. Also, get involved--for so long I just said--I want to learn about non profits--I want an amazing job that is helping people---the only way you are going to really know what you want to do is by doing it, and thankfully in non profits you can do that easily by volunteering. Also, if you are searching for purpose and get a feeling of satisfaction by helping others--then just help others. People in your local communities need love too--everyone around you does! Now that I have this job I realize how much opportunity to share love I had at my previous job. Even every day now--yes, I have the ability and means to get shoes on kids feet and open Americans eyes to poverty...but there is so much more I could be doing..that each of us could be doing. But the key is to do what you can do, start small and do it well, and never give up/forget feeling this way or lose hope. I personally believe that we were made for Heaven and will always be searching for something more until we are standing beside Christ...and until then my life's goal is to do as much as I can here to share His love. :) Overall, don't let your desire turn to frustration or anger--just make others aware of what you saw and experienced, and continue to help others in as many ways as possible.

On this past trip Mandy said something I absolutely loved. "Live simply so that others can simply live."

I am headed to Georgia tomorrow as we fly out for India on Thursday from ATL! I hope everyone has a great week and give a hug to someone!!

Have a great day!!

XOXO,

Katie Lentile

Costa Rica Day 4!!

2011-07-30T14:14:00.004-05:00

Thursday was our final day to distribute shoes. We started the morning with another home-cooked meal of eggs, sausage and fried plantains (a local favorite!) by the wonderful staff at Cedcas. Then we loaded the bus to head over to La Caprio, where we loaded all the remaining boxes of shoes into the bus to transfer to a local school where we were going to distribute for the day. The team, once again, worked really well together and loading and set up was a breeze - we had our system DOWN! :) The school has 2 sessions; a morning session and an afternoon session. The morning started off fast paced with each a.m. class coming in one at a time to get fitted for their new shoes. Some of the classes sang for us in Spanish and we returned the favor by singing songs like "Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes" and "Row Row Row Your Boat" (done in a round!). The kids in the afternoon session were coming in about 2 hours before class so that they could be sure to get their shoes. Since there was a little down time between the time we finished up all the morning session classrooms and when the afternoon kids were going to start showing up, some of the team went around to the classrooms to pass out stickers and say hi to the kids. It was a really rewarding experience talking with them and getting lots of love and hugs from the kids - some of them even latched onto us not wanting us to go, which made it that much harder to leave! Their eagerness to give love really solidified the reason we were there - not only to give them a pair of shoes, but also to shower them with *kindness, love, and hope*.
Some of the older kids began trickling in but we soon found out there was a strike going on which resulted in the closure of many of the roads and bridges which made it difficult for some of the people to get to the school, so we didn't have the rushes of people we had earlier. It also made it difficult for our bus driver to get back to pick us up! Even though the rest of the morning was a little more slow paced than it began, we ended up giving away about 200 pairs of shoes for the day! We packed up the boxes so we were as ready as we could be when the bus got there. So while waiting for the bus to get through the strike mess, Gail gave us another tour of the La Caprio neighborhood and introduced us to a group of high school volunteers that came to Costa Rica for 3 weeks to build bunk beds for the families (it's not uncommon for a family to all sleep on the floor or a mattress in a small single room home). About an hour after schedule, our bus driver finally made it to us and we quickly began our "Souls Train" to load the busses with the shoes and began the 2 hour drive to the San Ramon region of the country to go zip lining through the rainforest! Zip lining was SO MUCH FUN!!! We even got to do a "Tarzan" swing, which was really fun…especially when the guides spun you (well, it was for me anyway!) :) The views were incredible from way up there! It was pretty hot and humid, but we lucked out with no rain (in fact, we lucked out the whole trip with not much rain - the few times it did rain, we were either already inside and it stopped before we had to leave or had just gotten to where we needed to be. BLESSING!).

We got back to Cedcas, ate dinner, debriefed, and then all shared our favorite moment(s) of the trip and what we got out of it. It was really cool listening to these 18 (our guide Yeison, best guide ever by the way, participated too) other people, whom 3 days ago were complete strangers and now all share this unique bond and friendship with, recount their memories of the trip.

Over the course of the 3 days, we were able to wash the feet of and give shoes to about 700 children, women, and men of La Caprio. To be able to give people something tangible that they need for every day life is awesome, but to know that with those shoes came a multitude of intangible gifts as well, is what is truly remarkable to me. I think I can pretty confidently speak on behalf of the whole group by saying that even though we all had our own reasons for coming on this trip and have gotten different things out of it, we are all leaving wanting to make even more of a difference in the world, whether it's going on a future distribution trip or becoming more active volunteering and serving our own local communities…or both. I'm excited to continue giving and to encourage others I know to give of themselves as well; after all, the simplest things can make a world of difference to others. It really is an indescribable feeling.

I don't want to leave Costa Rica, but I'm heading back home with a happy heart and thankful beyond belief for all the blessings we had while on this trip and the new friendships made. Pura Vida!

Costa Rica Day 3!!

2011-07-28T07:44:00.003-05:00

Good Morning!! I just woke up the team members and they are all getting ready for the day ahead.

Yesterday was a busy day as usual. We woke up and had breakfast (cereal and fruit) and then headed to the Poas Volcano. The volcano is located about 1.5 hours away from San Jose and the views along the way are absolutely beautiful. Miles and miles of coffee plantations and the most beautiful flowers..the hydrangeas are so big here--if only I could find a way to ship them home! Jason explained the history of the coffee plantation and its impact on the economy and way of life in Costa Rica. Once we got to the volcano the team hiked up to the crater and then to the lagoon. We took some great pictures (unfortunately, I do not have time to post on here but will try to get them on facebook-- so feel free to add me on there to see them). The hike was great for the team to see the rain forest and get some fresh air in our lungs. The weather was perfect! Once we finished our little hike we loaded back on the bus and headed back down. We stopped at one of the local coffee plantations on the way back down so everyone could purchase some beans to take home and get a few pictures while the bus was not moving. Once we loaded the bus I passed out our lunches and off we went back down to La Carpio for the distribution.

We arrived at La Carpio and were told that the children that were supposed to receive shoes that day were not going to be able to leave school..panic mode for yours truly. However, Gail the director came after we set up the distribution and explained that she scheduled the soccer teams at the high school to receive shoes that day and that most of them would be able to come---yippeeee! Lots and lots of high school boys came in to receive shoes...they are fun to work with, and sizing their feet can be somewhat of a smelly job. However, it is fun to watch their reactions when they realize I am going to touch their feet and the person after me is actually going to wash them. They just smirk and act like normal teenage boys. We also were able to distribute shoes to some families in the community that were not able to receive them the day before.

Near the end of the distribution it started to pour down rain!! We boxed the shoes back up in preparation for today and sorted all of our toys into separate bags (so we can give those to the teachers of the classes that will receive shoes today). Once we were done we loaded back up on the bus and headed back to Cedcas. We all had a little downtime before heading to dinner at a local Italian restaurant. This team is so much fun..dinner was a blast and it just makes me so happy when everyone becomes one big happy family!

Today is going to be BUSY! Since we only distributed around 150 pairs yesterday we will make up for that today and I assume we will distribute 350-400 pairs.

Off to go finish reading before breakfast. Thanks for all the prayers...God is amazing!!

My sister Morgan had gallbladder surgery yesterday..(yes, we are both blaming my dad for such great genes in that area) I just wanted to ask if everyone could keep her in your prayers..she did well but as I remember the next couple of days were no fun..I am super excited I get to see her and my favorite 2 boys in the entire world next week before I leave for India.

Have a wonderful day!!!!

xoxo, Katie Lentile

Costa Rica Day 2!!!

2011-07-27T00:18:00.004-05:00

Hola!! We had an amazing day in Costa Rica on our first distribution day. It has been non-stop the entire day and already were able to distribute over 270 pairs of shoes! I will give you a brief summary of our day and as promised..I even have a video--hopefully it works!

First, I woke everyone up at 6:30 and we all had a delicious breakfast of eggs, beans, rice, and bread. After we were done eating I explained how the distributions work and we loaded up the bus and headed to La Carpio. It took around 30 minutes to get there and once we were there we unloaded the boxes of shoes and set up the distribution. Before we knew it the kids were coming in and did not stop until we were finished. They were absolutely adorable!! I sized during this first distribution so I did not get to see much action with washing and fitting the shoes. However, I was able to see the kids go in to recieve their shoes nervous and scared, and then come back by smiling and giggling over their new shoes!! I have to say that this team did an amazing job!! I really do have to brag on them...in less than 3.5 hours we were able to give shoes to over 270 children..we went fast because it was extremely hot and some of the children had walked 45 minutes from their school to get shoes! During the distribution one little boy latched on me and wanted to sit in my lap..a little hinderence while trying to size. However, he was so cute I had to postpone my duties for a minute and just play with him...in the end that is really what the trips are about..showing love to these children. After the distribution we had lunch at the school and Gail (the director) gave us a presentation of her organization´s work in La Carpio.

After lunch we headed to visit the children around the streets of the community and pass out some toys and play for a bit. It really is a unique experience to see the conditions that these people live in each and every day. We loaded back on the bus and then headed to tour downtown San Jose and learn all about the culture and way of life. We stopped at the National Theatre and then walked a few blocks to the open markets for the team to buy some souvenirs. By this time it was around 4:30 and we wanted to make one more stop before dinner. We rode to the oldest church in the region that we are staying and got out to look around and see the every day life in the parks as we walked to dinner. Our dinner was at a local Carribean restaurant and it was YUMMY!! Chicken, beans and rice(of course), fried plantains, and salad. Jason wanted everyone to get a taste of ice cream so we walked to an icecream shop before loading back up on the bus one last time to head home.

Below is a video of Shelley´s birthday!! Since she is spending her bday away from home we decided to sing to her as much as possible and even managed pulling off getting a cake! Also, I am adding some pictures of the distribution.

Hope everyone at home is having a wonderful week so far!! I truly appreciate all of the prayers you all are sending our way..the trip is AWESOME and it is only day 2...looking forward to tomorrow!

xoxo, katie lentile

Hola..arrived in Costa Rica!!

2011-07-25T22:06:00.003-05:00

Hey from Costa Rica!!

Today the team met in Miami around noon before our 2:00 flight from to San Jose. There are 18 people total in this group: Mandy, Sheila, and Stephen from Texas, Mary Sue from Florida, Jean from West Virginia, Jamie, Verla, and Gene from Seattle, Trenton from Hawaii, Danielle, Meghane, and Rose from California, Bernadette from the D.C. area, Shelley and Katie from Nashville, Anne from Oregon(trip participant from January India 2011), and Philip from Birmingham(trip participant from August Haiti 2010)!! YAY! Bernadette actually had to take a later flight and is about to arrive at the guest home now. I am really excited to get to meet her.

Once we arrived in Costa Rica we picked up our luggage, met Jason(our guide for the week), loaded the buses and headed to Cedcas where we will be staying this week. Once the team unpacked we were able to all sit down and eat a delicious Costa Rican meal prepared by the local cooks that work for Cedcas. It consisted of rice, beans, veggies, salad, talapia and icecream and brownies!! After we ate dinner everyone introduced themselves and then I went over some basic background information about Soles4Souls. I loved hearing everyone´s responses about why they decided to join this trip...such great people with incredible hearts--this is going to be a good one!!

After dinner we all played a couple rounds of spoons. This team is slightly competitive--don´t worry, we all still have our fingers...barely!

The weather is nice--a little humid, but the entire team is so eager for tomorrow and the distribution. Check back tomorrow for more updates and pictures..and fingers crossed, a video blog.

Thank you all for your prayers and support---these kids are going to be in some wonderful hands tomorrow and feel lots of love.

xoxo,

Katie Lentile

Oh Happy Day!!

2011-07-20T17:23:00.002-05:00

Happy Hump Day!!

I feel like all summer I have not had the opportunity to write any post other than trip days and recaps(which is a good thing)! Lots of trips = lots of people getting to make a difference in children's lives = lots of kiddies getting shoes!!

Deep post---eeek sorry! One night last week in Costa Rica I realized that I had a lot of built up frustration. Around March I was on a trip with some very intelligent women..It was one of the best trips, but these women asked questions, hard-deep-really made you think questions. Each one was at a different stage in life, different beliefs, different everything-and we all got along like we were long lost best friends(so in no way am I saying this was a hard trip--these women mean so much to me..and I could not be more thankful for them). But I returned from that trip eager to learn and understand more to become better at my job and with helping others in general.

Since March I have read numerous books, watched lectures, etc. on international aide and humanitarian work. After research and learning I have had a feeling of responsibility to teach others about what I have learned and have even applied it to our trips. I am very thankful to have learned all of this information, but also realized that it has made me even more passionate about doing things the "right way." Everyone that goes on these trips have hearts of helping others. It is truly fascinating. Many times we share conversations and they ask me questions and my advice on ways to help. In reality, I become frustrated because I do not have all the answers..or even a few of them..but I want to know. I have literally allowed this frustration to exhaust me so much that I have hindered myself from truly being able to help others. Regardless in how people want to help...if I agree or disagree..I fully believe that if someone has the right intentions about wanting to do good and I am prayerful in each decision I make in assisting them, then God's love will be shared. And in the end that is all that matters.

I do apologize to each of you for being frustrated. I am going to work on being okay with not knowing the "right answer." My goal for this year(other than to become a better blogger) is to help people help others--using my knowledge, contacts, and TIME.

God has blessed me with this incredible opportunity and I need to take full advantage of being surrounded by so many amazing people who ARE willing to help others. Regardless if it is on a trip with S4S, buying a newspaper from a local homeless man, donating a pair of shoes, mentoring children each and every day, supporting an orphanage with water, etc. etc. etc. This job provides me the opportunity to connect people and share God's love. YIPEE!!

In other news...Emily and I are working hard to finalize details on the remaining fall trips before I head off to Costa Rica next MONDAY!! YAY!!!! :) :)

Jeremy, just posted pictures from the last trip on facebook..check them out on the S4S facebook page!! Thanks Jeremy--our social media guru!!

Have a great day!!

xoxo,

katie lentile

Day 3 costa rica...and home!

2011-07-15T17:57:00.001-05:00

Yay..can you really believe this? I (technically)blogged every day...today's is a little late..but still..I am pretty proud of myself. Baby steps..Now I have to just get back to being descriptive, writing in complete sentences-haha yea right, ---let's face it..I just need to find a way to make sure I can video blog. What happened to my wonderful writing skills? Social media..that is who I will blame.

Ok I am rambling..I've been in the airport for 6 hours now..only 4 more to go! To be honest, I can't complain. This time allows me to catch up on emails and just sit and relax a little before getting back home. So now for what you are waiting for..

This was our first trip to costa rica and as always I will make a few changes here and there with the itinerary, but overall this trip was amazing.

Day 3.. We woke up and ate breakfast and then headed to the distribution. When we arrived there were no children, but by the time we set up they started coming in. A local costa rican news station came and covered some of the distribution! Like most trips, by day 3 the team had everything down perfectly..organization makes me happy! So many kids getting shoes..I struggle with writing about this because it is just an experience that you have to see for yourself to understand..kids come in so scared..and leave smiling, giggling and so proud of their new shoes. Not only shoes..but stickers, sunglasses, bracelets, notebooks..but even more than that- they were able to be treated like little princes and princesses for about 4-5 minutes. They have someone who spent their vacation time, money, etc..washing their feet, tickling their toes, fitting them with shoes, taking pictures with them, and huge of hope..In the midst of so much "bad" (poverty and living conditions) I am encouraged and inspired that there are people in this world that do care. They are sharing the gift of love so that one day those children will be able to pass the same love on to someone else who may be in need.

We ended up distributing around 700 pairs of shoes.

After the distribution we headed back for a quick, and I mean quick lunch. Drill Sargent Katie..haha I was told we had to be somewhere by 2, it was 2 hours away and it was noon when we started eating..I really am still shocked no one got sick, but I appreciate the entire team eating a full lunch and dessert in less than 10 minutes.. We headed up the mountain to go ZIP LINNING!!!

I am so proud of this team...there were two different areas of the zip lines and the entire team participated in the first part! It was raining so we could not see as much as if it were sunny..but it was absolutely gorgeous. I am hoping that next week when I go back I can get some footage on the flip cam. The second part, we climbed really tall towers and then went down 3 different lines..haha we all were soaked by the end, but everyone loved every second of the day. We loaded back on thenbus and headed back to San Jose. Thankfully, we were able to pick up dinner and take it back to cedcas and all talked about the trip while we ate dinner. Then it was bed time..because.....

4am wake up to get to the airport for our flight..great decision by yours truly.

I am tired..let's be honest..I think all of us are, but I am full of energy after this trip with the inspiration from all of the participants. 18ppl. Complete strangers...ended up all getting along..the entire trip...not only did everyone get along..but really became one big happy family. All because they have one common goal..to better the lives of others.

Thanks to each of you..i hope you are all able to come on another trip..maybe a reunion trip..or just come to visit us in Nashville!

I'll be heading back to costa rica with another team in a week...get excited..I'm determined to find a way to get the video blogs to work.

Xoxoxoxo, Katie lentile

Costa Rica Day 2

2011-07-14T07:56:00.001-05:00

Rise and Shine!!! Good Morning...I accidentally just woke up some people with my glorious singing skills and then realized they could have slept for 30 more minutes..it was Jenny and Jessie so thankfully they just gave me looks, and to be honest Jenny is pretty used to this when I am in Nashville. Saturday morning wake up calls around 7am---she loves them. oops!!

So yesterday..wow lots of stuff to recap:

We woke up and had a quick breakfast of cereal, fruit and yummy-local-Costa Rican coffee. :) Then loaded up the bus, met Edwardo-our guide for the volacano tour, and headed up to see the volcano. It took about two hours to get there and we learned tons of interesting information about Costa Rica on the way up. Once we got to the top we all put on our rain gear and started the hike to see the crater and lagoon. It was absolutely beautiful!! The hike was through a cloud forest that had lush vegetation--it was very peaceful and we were all able to take a few pictures at each stop. Once we were done with the hike we headed back down the mountain and stopped at a local coffee shop right beside the coffee plantation. We had packed lunches so we took those in and had lunch with some coffee to get everyone reenergized.

Once we were completely back down the mountain we headed to the distribution. Kids were already linned up and ready to get their NEW SHOES!! We quickly set up the distribution and started bringing in the kids. This team has done a great job with the distributions and I have loved hearing each of their stories about a specific child. Since it had been raining all the children´s feet were extra muddy so they were even more excited to get their feet washed before receiving their brand new shoes!! After a few hours of hard work we had distributed over 200 pairs of shoes to the children and had given tons of hugs, toys, and taken their pictures. It was around 4:30pm so we loaded back on the bus and came back to Cedcas to wash up for dinner. We had dinner at a local Italian restaurant--it is so nice to try so many different types of cuisine here in Costa Rica. The day was a huge success and we are now ready for DAY 3 :) I will try to blog tonight since tomorrow morning is going to be extra early, but if not -I will have plenty of time in the airport tomorrow.

Thanks for following, the prayers, and all of the support. Below are a few pictures from yesterday..

also, please remember to check out our new trips coming up http://www.travel4souls.org/

xoxo, katie lentile

costa rica day 1

2011-07-13T07:29:00.001-05:00

Good Morning everyone!! Well..the ipad is not connecting here so no video or pictures for now. :( I am going to spend some time tonight trying to figure everything out and hopefully get some fun stuff on here, but for now I will just do a short recap of day 1.

First off, I wanted to let everyone know that one of our participants Jamiee could not make the trip because she had a brain anurism prior to the trip. I spoke to her dad and told him we would be keeping her in our prayers.

Our team landed on Monday night around 10:00pm (mountain time) we had a bit of plane delay, but all in all we are here safely. We are staying at Cedcas, which is a nonprofit here in costa rica that serves as a medical clinic. They have guest rooms and have helped us facilitate most of the distributions. Everyone in Costa Rica is SOOOOO nice and welcoming. Our guide on this trip is Ana, and like all of our guides on every trip--is a wealth of knowledge. It is so great to have someone that has grown up here be able to inform us of anything we would want to know. We woke up on Tuesday morning to a breakfast of beans, rice, eggs, and fruit!! Yummy--and then headed to the distribution. The distribution was located about 15 miles from where we are staying in a very poor area of Costa Rica. The kids were, as always, absolutely precious and these children were so thankful for their shoes. The team really enjoyed spending time with each child and since we had all morning (a long morning) for the distribution--we were in no hurry so there was plenty of time for pictures, hugs and love.

After the distribution around 1:00 we ate lunch, and everyone for the first time introduced themselves to the group and shared how they heard about Soles4Souls and why they decided to come on this trip..there are some remarkable people on this trip and there were lots of smiles and a few tears of joy! This group is really great..everyone works really hard and gets along great. :)

When we finished lunch we headed back to the guest home for a bit and then headed downtown to see some of the histroical landmarks and go shopping in the local markets. It is rainy season right now..and there was lots of rain. We were able to get out of the bus to shop and Ana did a great job of showing us everything and explaining what it was. I looked back at one point and everyone was dozing off..haha a little sleepy. After our tour we came back to the house to get ready for dinner and have a little down time. We went to a local Carribean restaurant and ate some incredible food.

Today --in a few minutes I will be waking the team up and we are going to grab a quick bite of breakfast before starting our day again.

I appreciate all of the prayers. Hopefully, we will get some pictures up here soon.

Have a great day!! xoxoxo

Katie Lentile

Off to Costa Rica!!

2011-07-11T09:06:00.002-05:00

HAPPY MONDAY!!!!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. The weather here was PERFECT (for me..HOT weather is my fav)! I have had 3 weeks here in Nashville and they have been wonderful, but of course I am BEYOND excited to be going to Costa Rica today!!

We have 19 people going on this trip, and the represent all regions of our country! Carolyn from Knoxville and Kelley H. and Christine from Nashville. Kelly R, Callie, Theira, and Monica all from the Houston area. RETURNEE from November Honduras trip-Kady Hillman from the D.C. area! Ken (grandfather) and Guthrie(grandson) from Connecticut. Gwen and Jeanne from Ohio, Kristen (mother) and Elyse (daughter) from Illinois, Carrie from Virginia, Jaimee from California, and last but not least Jessie and Jenny (and myself). Jenny is one of my best friends from Nashville and decided to join the trip and then her friend Jessie joined too! I am so thankful to have friends that not only support me, but have giving hearts and use their time and money to go and share love with other kids!! On this trip we have Christine(from nashville) and she is a news anchor and is actually going to make some short stories to share in each of the participants home towns when they return! I am thrilled about this idea and excited that so many stories will be shared which means MORE ripple effect and more kids getting shoes!!

Our flight tonight does not leave until around 7:30. This is a little different, because I am usually already on my way to Miami now to meet the teams for our early noon departures. However, I am not complaining at all.. :) My friend Anna has been living in East Asia for a year and returned this week, and I am going to get to spend a little bit of time with her this morning before heading to the airport. :)

I am about to go and charge the flip cams and hopefully we will have internet service while we are there and I can make video blogs for you guys! :)

Oh yea, we posted new 2012 trips..check em out!! www.soles4souls.org/travel

Thanks for all the prayers! This is going to be an awesome trip.

XOXO,

Katie Lentile

YAY!! WELCOME EMILY!!!

2011-07-06T15:51:00.001-05:00

Hey Everyone!! Hope you have had a great week and enjoyed the 4th! Things have been super busy around here as we prepare to announce the first quarter 2012 trips..TOMORROW. Also, I am heading to Costa Rica next week -- it will be our first trip there and I am VERY excited.

I am even more excited to introduce to you all ....the Travel4Souls coordinator!! Yes, we are expanding--we will be hosting at least 21 trips this next fiscal year(which started last Friday) so we have hired someone to help me plan and lead the trips! It is so incredible to see this program grow so fast and I am thankful for EACH OF YOU--because without you guys this would not be possible!! I am so thankful and excited to introduce EMILY!! Here is a little info about her. (p.s. she is the sweetest, hardworking, motivated, energetic person and I am so thankful to have her working with me)!!

Hey guys!

Thanks Katie, for the blog intro. I am so excited to be a part of the S4S team, and equally excited about my role as Travel4Souls Coordinator. When I was in middle school and starting the process of exploring what I might want to do when I grew up, I can remember saying, “I just want to make a difference.” Some ten years later, I am blown away at how that dream of mine has come to fruition and at the opportunity I have infront of me to do exactly what I have always wanted … and more. I’m sure everyone reading this can identify with my desire and passion to feed the hungry, care for the poor, and clothe the naked. My heart breaks for these people—so I can’t wait to hand deliver hope to their souls and shoes to their feet.

A little bit more about me and my story: I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as a soccer junkie and the baby of the family. I guess the travel bug has been in me for quite some time because after graduating high school, I packed my bags for warmer weather in Louisville, Kentucky—to play D1 soccer at UofL and to study marketing, entrepreneurship, and international business. I loved my time in Louisville, and spending summers at home in the ‘City of Champions’. In addition to playing soccer and studying, I also worked with some amazing non-profits like World Vision and Edge Outreach. These jobs helped me to develop irreplaceable skills in business and marketing, but more importantly helped me understand and SEE first-hand how business and good deeds really can work together beautifully.

I’ll stop blabbing before I get ahead of myself because believe me, I am long winded when it comes to the type of non-profit, humanitarian work we are doing at S4S. But just know I am SO EXCITED to work hard, travel light, deliver hope, and attach YOU to our cause. Thanks for reading, I hope I get the chance to meet you all on one of our future trips.

In shoes,

Emily Pro

Well kids, we have lots of work to do--but please check the website on Friday to see all the new trips!!

XOXO,

Katie Lentile

Daniela's Thoughts on the Africa trip

2011-06-28T12:39:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday!! I hope everyone had a great week and guess what..I just posted pictures from the trip to facebook!! Check them out when you get a chance..Here is one of my favorite--During the trips I typically spend time meeting with the directors of the orphanage/school after the distribution. However, playing with the kids is one of my favorite parts and this picture just makes me smile..all the little boys have on their new shoes and smiling...and of course, they are kicking my tail in soccer.

Personal note: I thought I would have had a little bit more time to reflect on this trip than I have--but I have 4 back to back trips coming up and really wanted to spend last week/weekend catching up with my friends. They have been great this entire year and even though I am sure the friendships might feel one sided(since I am always gone) I appreciate how well they keep up with me when I am here and gone..I am one very blessed girl. :)

As for the blog today--Daniela wrote a post for the XCVI blog and is letting me use it to share with you guys. XCVI is a clothing company that donates product to us for Clothes4Souls. Daniela and her boyfriend Ben joined me on the trip to Tanzania earlier this month. Even though I have not had time to really think and process this trip(and let's be honest--that might be a good thing) Her words in the blog is exactly how I feel. Over and over again I am saddened by the poverty and feeling of hopelessness in these countries--personally wanting to DO MORE. But at the end of the day---the human connection..hugs, laughter, and smiles is really what matters. Thanks Daniela for this awesome post!!

Beautiful Tanzania

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn life around.” Leo Buscaglia

When I decided to go on a Soles4Souls humanitarian trip to Tanzania, I didn’t expect nail polish and glitter to be at the top of my packing list. After all, I was going to be assisting in the distribution of shoes to extremely destitute children in Tanzanian schools and orphanages – kids who lack the very basic human needs, such as water, food, clothing, and at times even shelter.
Part of my personal motivation of participating in this trip was my experience working in the fashion industry, where excess and waste have become a part of the norm. I felt a certain affinity to the organization whose mission is dedicated to apportioning this excess (of both shoes and clothes) among the neediest communities around the world.
But when we arrived in one of the first orphanages in Kigoma, Tanzania, I was somewhat discouraged and overwhelmed: there was so much more to be done than giving shoes. And when one of my fellow volunteers suggested we gift the kids with stickers, glitter and nail-polish, I was apprehensive. Do they really need these superficial items when they don’t even have food to eat?

I quickly learned that these items may seem superficial to me, but they can in fact have a profound effect. Because the very act of gifting these items, and more importantly our playing with the kids, made them feel cared for. The stickers, and nail polish, and the sparkly sun glasses made them feel special and beautiful. Our guide Bernard solidified this by telling us that “most people come to Africa to see the animals. Not too many people come here to meet the people.”

We weren’t going to “fix poverty” by painting these children’s nails. We were not going to repair the world’s disparities by giving a small number of children a new pair of shoes. But, we were going to affect positive change by having a loving, human interaction with the people who live in these destitute communities. And through that exchange, we would learn that the experience doesn’t have to stop there. I know that all of us plan to continue our relationship with Tanzania in the long-run.

While it is important to address the immediate human needs of these communities, what was most impressive to me was their own ability to look beyond those needs and to work toward long-term sustainable solutions. One way to do that was through vocational training – many of the students we visited were being taught applicable professional skills in farming, carpentry, and sewing. Some of them are even able to sell their works through micro-business programs. I must say, some of the works were really inspirational – it certainly fulfilled my shopping fix.

I believe that the ripple effect of this trip will be long-lasting, both for our group and for the communities we visited. The experience was truly inspiring, and I am sure will lead to many more adventures to come. You can see more pics from our trip on the Soles4Souls website.

Thanks everyone for their continued support and prayers. The new 2012 trips will be added by the end of next week. AND I will be introducing my assistant!! God is so good!

XOXO,

Katie

whewwwww

2011-06-20T12:59:00.001-05:00

okay..so I did a good job blogging the majority of the trip, and then of course the last two days(not including the fun trip home) I did not have great internet service ~~and was a wee bit tired at night~~ so I was unable to blog. Oh yea..please take note that I just got back to Nashville last night after going to a friends wedding in Jackson, MS when I flew in from Africa--so I am pretty sure I did not allow jet lag to kick in until full force until last night..just keep that in mind when you read this because I can guarantee my thoughts will be all over the place. :)

So in short this is what happened:
Tuesday(our "adventure day"): We went on a chimp trek in Gombe Forrest National Park. The only way to get to the park is by boat so we took a 2 hour boat ride there and then split into groups and started hiking into the mountains. By this time our group (as usual) had become one big happy family. The boat ride was amazing and the views were breathtaking. The hike was so good..we had all eaten TONS of carbs so being able to sweat from true exercise was a great feeling. The main rule during the trek is NO FLASH. We had been walking for about two minutes when a chimp came walking RIGHT BESIDE US!! Go figure..I took out my camera and FLASH! Thankfully, nothing happened..but the team LOVED the fact that I had been the one to break the rules..oops. I learned so much and we ever got to see where Jan Goodal set up camp..I still cannot imagine living 10 years in the forest to study animals..but the information she gathered is incredible and these animals are fascinating. We decided to hike to the waterfall and the entire group happened to go up there at the same time. I looked at Kacy and said..hmm why not? Let's just do it..and she replied by immediately dragging me under the water fall and Liz joined us. Don't worry there is video of this! It was such a great experience. We hiked back down and headed to lunch before the boat ride home....

Now, I typically would never blog about this, but Todd will use is as blackmail against me so I might as well tell all (he has it on video so I have no choice.) ...

About 30 min into the boat ride home I needed to use the restroom. Trying not to be a pain I attempted to forget about it and try to wait until we got back. FAILED. I walked to the back of the boat(yes, it's all on video-SO EMBARRASSING!) and asked our guide how much longer until we were back. He replied an hour--there was NO way I could wait. I ATTEMPTED to explain to him that I needed to pull over on the beach so I could use the "toilet" as they say..AKA- anywhere and you are lucky if there is privacy(the joys of Africa). He was SO confused so then I asked if we could stop the boat--still no success. I then looked at the captain and said..toilet and pointed to the water..he started laughing hysterically and nodded. He stopped the boat(not the motor) and I jumped in. Right when I jumped in I realized that EVERYONE was watching me and all of the African men were yelling at me to get back in the boat, and Todd(creeper) was taking pictures because he knew how priceless the evidence would be. The men were yelling because obviously no one had done that before and they had not turned off the motor and my legs were mighty close to it. They kept trying to pull me in, but I had not even been able to actually go due to all of the commotion. They grabbed me and pulled me in..all of that for nothing. 5 minutes later another participant asked if I still had to go, still being in shock I said no..but then I realized almost everyone else needed to go to. She went and asked the captain to pull over at the beach and don't worry EVERYONE but 2 people got off to go to the "toilet." It is all about the experience..and unfortunately, this is one I know I will never live down. Great. We had all fully embraced Africa!

The next day we woke up and had two more distributions. First, we went to a school for street children and then to children at a community development organization. ***I have not had time to process this trip..planning on catching up on a lot of work this week and then go through everything at the end of the week. But that is why I am not really writing about these places yet.** I could just go ahead and think about all of it right now, but this post is already too long and I would end up writing a book with all of my thoughts. After the distributions we were able to meet the owner of the lodges and who also works with us as part of our micro business--through that connection was how all of this was possible. He is extremely successful and it is incredible to see how he cares so much about those around him. He is truly working to better the lives of those in Africa. We are very thankful he and his team did so much in helping to pull this trip off...it could not have gone any better! Our night ended with our farewell dinner on the beach.

The next day we started our FUN trip home.. Harriet timed it..from the time we left Kigoma to the time we landed in Nashville was around 43 hours. NOT FUN..but well worth it.

A few people have asked me if I am having the same feelings as I did the first time I went to Africa...my answer is yes and no. I am not depressed, but have a huge desire to do more in a different way than how I might have wanted to a year ago. This year has opened my eyes and heart to understanding the importance of economic and community development by sustainability --and the human connection. My prayer is that God will continue to provide me these opportunities to learn and show others what I have been able to see so that they might be able to help in ways that truly will make a difference. For those that have asked me what my future plans are....haha, if I knew them they would probably not be future plans but reality. ;) Right now I am just soaking in all of the information and praying that God will be able to use me in the best way. A book that I do suggest everyone to read is The Blue Sweater. It will better help you understand my thoughts and views of helping others in need...internationally and here in the States.

I will be posting more this week--hopefully some pictures and videos!!

Have a great week..thanks for all the prayers!! You guys are the best!

XOXO,

katie Lentile

Recap of day 6

2011-06-14T00:09:00.001-05:00

Day 6

Whew..finally got the pictures to upload..the link is below but try to read this post first! I am posting this in the morning before we leave to go hang out with some chimps and hike..gonna get a good work out in-yay, but I know I won't end up having time to blog about today in the morning so I am writing now..posting in the morning..the reason I am explaining that is because this post might not make too much sense bc I'm falling asleep as I am typing..nut I will try my best..just don't be mad if it is w little shorter..

This morning was our third day of distribution and we had 3 planned. The first place we went was a school that was started by the same family that owns the lodges we are staying..and all the mbali mbali lodges. This school was extremely impressive...stocked science and computer labs were two of the main things that I saw and have never seen at a school in any of the developing nations I have visited. These children could speak English really well. 3/4 of the children are sponsored and could not afford to go to school there if there was no one funding them...however, now they are able to go to am incredible shoes and have hope of dreaming as big as they want. We took a tour of the school and then headed to the primary school for the distribution. We were able to give out around 50 pairs of shows. The majority of the children we were planning to distribute actually were taking their exams...I have decided whatever shoes are left over we will divide them between all the places we have visited and give the remaining shoes to them.
The distribution went really fast and before we knew it we were done. We sang song with the children and some of us even played soccer. I'm pretty sure we are still panting for breathe after running around trying to get the ball from each other. It was well worth it!

Ok..I fell asleep last night so I'm going to finish up really quickly before we leave..I'll write about these more later if I have time or once I get back to the states.

After the first distribution we headed out to the second one with a small stop along the way. When we arrived at the second school we were all in shock. We were only scheduled to distribute to 100 students but around 250 kids were there...I panicked a little thinking about the logistics of the shoes we had. However, Bernard and I spoke and we decided to go ahead and give all of these children shoes since they clearly needed them. The distribution ran smooth..at the end the village children heard about the shoes and tons of people arrived.. We finished at the school...sang songs with the children and then headed to our 3rd stop.

It was a school of about 50 children that are all living on the streets. The school was started by an American couple and a lady from kigoma..they have several programs that are mainly focused on micro businesses for the mothers of these children..our team wS inspired and purchased a lot of their made goods. The children sang and we played with them. I spoke with the director saying we would drop off any remaining shoes we do not use Thursday and we would definitely be returning next year..I will upload a video of these kids singing later...cutest kids ever.

After that distribution it was around four so went to some local markets to purchase gifts and see the daily routine of these people. Then returned for dinner, team meeting nd bed.

I posted Facebook pics and will try to include the link below..if it is not here then just look on my Facebook.

Xoxoxo,
Katie lentile
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Recap of day 5

2011-06-13T13:11:00.001-05:00

Day 5
Ok here we go... I am still unable to load the videos on here, but I think I will be able to add the pictures I have taken on my iPad to Facebook and then just include that link on here for all of you to see.

Yesterday, woke up in the middle of the night to a thunder storm...and lightening struck the ground right outside our rooms and a fire started. Thankfully, the hotel staff was able to beat the fire down..after 4 hours..they did an amazing job and it is really nice to know we are able relax and know we are in safe hands at all times.

When we woke up we ate breakfast and then headed to our first distribution. It was to an orphanage of about 125 students..after the distribution we were able to spend time playing with the children...they loved soccer, bubbles, stickers, glitter, fingernail polish, etc. etc. It was so much fun. On the way to the second distribution we had a little breakdown with the van on way to lunch. Within no time at all, Bernard had vans arrive offering alternative transportation. We had box lunches and headed to the lake to eat before going to the second distribution. The second distribution was a school and we distributed shoes to around 75 kids..I actually let Todd take the lead on this one and spent time playing with the kids...that's when I took all of the pictures of me and kids making different faces. They sang and danced for us, and once again we played, played and played some more...these kids are so thankful for the shoes and us coming to spend time with them..words really cannot explain how much this time has meant for the kids and for our group. After the distribution we came back to the hotel and had dinner, caught up on some work and went to bed!

I will post the pictures on Facebook and put them in the post about today that I will add tomorrow morning.

Thanks for all the prayers..xoxoxoxo,
Katie

Update

2011-06-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

Didn't not get much service last night. I posted some pictures on Facebook and twitter...we ate about to head out for three distributions but I will try to blog about both days tonight..hopefully I can just give short updates and figure out how to post a lot of pictures..this trip is amazing! Thanks for all the prayers!!! The group is safe and the distributions are so much fun.

Xoxo, Katie lentile

We are in Kigoma!!!

2011-06-11T14:14:00.001-05:00

We made it to kigoma..yay! Today has been another long one, but it has been amazing!

First, we woke up in dar, ate breakfast and the group headed to the airport. Todd and Stacie took some time while we were eating breakfast to go look at some of our micro-businesses. We arrived at the airport to see our little planes that we would be riding on for five hours...once stop on the way for gas and restroom breaks. 12 ppl per plane...and I made both pilots promise me that they would get us here safely.

I was the co-pilot in one plane..pictures to come. The views were absolutely breathtaking. I will admit I was a bit nervous..and so scared to even think about moving in fear that I would accidentally hit a button. A few of the passengers had to use the barf bags..haha ohh the experience..they are all feeling fine now.

Once we landed we were greeted by the mbali mblai(our partnering organization) tour guide, Bernard. He is a wealth of knowledge about Tanzania and is so helpful with everything. We immediately drove to the site of our first distribution and ate lunch on the way. The first distribution was at an orphanage/school. A lot of the children had already left for their short vacation, but there were still around 40 kids that waited to receive shoes. The orphanage is small, but they are extremely developed for only being established within the last 10 years. They teach the kids how to farm(plants and livestock), sew, carpentry, etc. etc. So they are able to live on their own after they finish with school. Once we finished the distribution the kids sang and danced for us, and even had us dance with them...ahhh I love Africa..the people here are so loving and appreciate the smallest things. It was hard to say good bye to them when we left.

After the distribution we headed to the kigoma hilltop hotel where we will be staying for the rest of the trip. This place is amazing!!! There are monkeys and zebras everywhere within this compound. The hotel overlooks the lake and the views are fantastic. This is by far the nicest accommodations we have ever stayed and appreciate all that mbali mbali is doing to help us in organizing this trip...my advice if you are ever wanting to come to Africa for any reason: safari, vacation, humanitarian work..you should stay at one of their lodges!

When we returned we had dinner and a short meeting about tomorrow's activities. Today reminded me so much of why I love Africa. Tanzania is beautiful..not only the land and animals..but the people---are soooo loving and happy! They are beyond grateful for having Americans come and visit.

Well it's time for bed...tomorrow will be full of shoes, shoes, shoes!!!

I really cannot thank everyone enough for their prayers.

Xoxo, Katie lentile

Day 2 flight to Dar es Salaam

2011-06-10T15:19:00.001-05:00

Yay..Internet for 30 minutes means this is going to be a shorter post...bc I need to answer as many emails as possible.

It is 11pm here in dar es salaam, the capital of Tanzania. And...I can't sleep. It might have had to do with the fact I slept 4 out of the 5 hours on the flight today dar.

Our day was not too interesting. We woke up, loaded the vans, headed the airport,checked in with ease, went to the gate, a few hours later we got on the plane...and then waited...and waited, and waited. The flight was delayed about an hour. Once we took off I fell fast asleep. I woke up to eat lunch and watch a few episodes of gossip girl(yes, emirates had 3 episodes of season 3), and then fell back asleep and before you knew it we had landed.

It took a good bit of time to get our luggage, but Isaac, one of our partnering organization's employees came to help with everything. We loaded the bus and headed to the hotel. Our group is now 24 people! I checked everyone in, which was fairly easy considering we have so many people and then everyone was able to go freshen up before dinner. We ate here at the hotel, and then had our team meeting. After dinner a few of us went up to the hotel's roof top bar to see some of the sights of the city..it is crazy..we are in Africa!

The best thing about today was the bus ride from the airport to the hotel. Emmanuel our driver taught us some of the common phrases used in Swahili..he got a good laugh listening to some of us trying to say the words correctly.

Tomorrow we have another early morning and flight to kigoma. It is another 5 hours..boo! But we are so excited..we are taking chartered plans so hopefully we will be flying low enough to see some animals along the way. Once we land we will head straight to the first distribution.

I am so ready to see the kids and give them their new shoes!!

Thanks for all the prayers...everyone is doing well!

Xoxo, Katie lentile

Hi from Dubai !!!

2011-06-10T00:08:00.004-05:00

Hi from Dubai!!

Hopefully the Internet will start working by the time I finish writing this and I will be able to post it while we are actually still in Dubai.

As you can imagine writing about days and times when so many time zones have been crossed can be a bit confusing. Here is a little guide: Dubai is 8 hours ahead of nashville, 7 of NYC. I believe when we get to Tanzania we will be 7 hours ahead of Nashville, 6 of NYC. So that might help make sense of it all because I am going to write about the exact times as I was in them.

The group of 23 met at JFK on wednesday morning for our 11 am flight. One of the participants, Jess, was not able to attend because her child is really sick and she thought it would be best to stay home...we miss her, but totally understand. Please keep her kids in your prayers!

In the group there are 20 females and 3 males..we will also add Stacie to the group once we get to dar es salaam tomorrow.

In the group we have: Michele (3rd trip repeater) and her friend Wanda from Colorado. Erin (2nd trip repeater) from Wisconsin and her friend Jenna from Oregon. Mary and Tracy (2nd trip repeaters from new jersey) along with tracy's son Tyler. Kat (2nd trip repeater from Georgia), Rachel from Maryland, Ben and Daniela from California, Linda and brenda from california, Paula from Hawaii, brandy from Missouri, Torri, Meghan, kacy- my friend from college that is from bham but lives in d.c. now, and Alyson-from good ole nashville! ..hmm who else am I forgetting...jk of course Todd (2nd trip participant and s4s general counsel), and his mom Harriet and niece Liz.....and me!

So we all met at the gate Wednesday morning and took off for Dubai..final destination is kigoma(a city in tanzania)! I believe the flight was 13 hours...and we landed around 8 am this morning. It is usually wise to sleep during those flights, but for some reason I couldn't....it may or may not have had anything to do with the fact I was super excited to watch 7 movies that I have been wanting to see...obviously, the top one was the Justin bieber movie! We flew Emirates, and I must say..it was the best international flight(over 7 hours) I have ever been on..I highly recommend the airline.

And ..before I knew it we were in Dubai!!! We have a full 24 hours in Dubai and the team is free to go and do whatever they would like to do. When we landed everyone went through customs and immigration with ease..I of course looking oddly suspicious was sent to go through the extra special security scanners..passed with flying colors! Next on the agenda was to get everyone checked in the hotel so they could start exploring the city. I booked our rooms at this specific hotel because I was informed that it was located at the airport..hahah, first obstacle : being told it was 20 min. away from the airport and getting 23 people and their luggage in the cabs and explain the the drivers (who have a little difficulty with understanding my accent) where to go. First obstacle: defeated! It took a while to get everyone checked in, but the team was patient and everything worked out just right.

Now..as for what I did today (besides holding my eyes open-literally). Michele, Wanda, tracy, tyler, kacy, Alyson, Mary and myself loaded in a cab to go see the burj khalifa -the world's tallest building. In Dubai the rules of the cabs state that only 7 ppl are supposed to be allowed to ride at one time. Our poor cab driver...with the large majority of the people in the car being past trip participants, they have learned my way or better yet..they(Mary and Tracy) are the ones that probably taught me how to get "stuff" -my way- done in other countries. Needless to say Mary ended up telling the cab if she sat on the floor the police would never see her and he would be fine..haha she's a trooper!

We landed and walked around the bottom of the building which is actually the Dubai mall...incredible! The majority of us took the elevator up to see the sights...the architecture of this city is truly fascinating. I posted a picture of the view on twitter if you want to see...I can't post pictures right now on here. After we did that tour Michele, Wanda and myself walked around the mall..which might as well have been a city in a city. It still has no comparison on the shopping in hong kong, but it went on forever and ever and ever. We were going to get a city tour, but that did not work out so we just hopped in a cab and went to see everything we had on our "to see" list. First, we went to the local spice markets and were able to taste so many different things...I love cooking, so this was so much fun. I bought a few things and then we were on our way...rewind-I had the pleasure of getting to use the bathroom in a squatty toilet...I would have taken a picture of them so you could see, but if you've seen one, you've seen them all..and if you haven't seen one..be glad.

After the spice market we went to the palm island and the Atlantis hotel...incredible! If you have a chance read up on these things ....pretty interesting stuff here! We passed the mall where you can ski inside, and were able to get some really good closeup pictures of the hotel shaped like a sail boat. -sorry, it is called the burj something..but cut me some slack..I'm going on two hours of sleep in 24 hours.

Dubai is such an interesting city...the architecture is what sticks out the most in my mind..the people are really nice, there was hardly ever any traffic, it reminded me a lot various cities in America..and of course every American restaurant you could ever want to eat is here....oh and it is HOT!

A few members of the group are spending their evening at a desert camp..riding camels, eating dinner, experience the desert. It sounded extremely fun..and I have always wanted to ride a camel..but that dream will have to wait. I have learned when my body needs sleep and to be hydrated and that is exactly what I am doing. It is almost 8, which means I can allow myself to go to bed in one hour! Yay...tomorrow is another day full of flying as we head to dar es salaam...and will be spending the night there too.

I really hope I am able to find an Internet connection so you all can read these updates! If not, be ready to see them all at once when I get home! Also, please forgive me with my grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors ..I am writing this from the iPad and it has a mind of its own.

Thanks for all the prayers..We are blessed..please continue to pray for us and for the children that will be receiving the shoes....thank you so much!

Xoxo, Katie lentile

OFF TO AFRICA!!!

2011-06-06T16:07:00.001-05:00

Well kids--WE DID IT!! One year = 16 trips...and I am still alive...well actually, we have one more to go to reach the 16 mark, but I am going ahead and counting it since I leave tomorrow..en route to TANZANIA!!

My friend Brittany and I were talking this weekend and she was laughing telling me that when I say I am leaving this week to go to Africa it is the equivilent to any of our other friends saying they are going to Memphis...It is interesting to realize how much the "new" wears off so fast, and crazy to think about everywhere I have been in one single year. Thankfully, the job will never be boring. Each trip is so different in so many ways. Mainly --each trip has different participants with different personalities--however, everyone has one common goal--to give to others in need. I have been so blessed with this opportunity and even though I do see a lot of bad, sad, and hurt in the world--I have been able to meet the most amazing people that truly care about others--it is incredible. This year has been eventful to say the least, and I have had a breakdown a time or two--or twenty...but I love my job. I am SO thankful for each person in my life. So..as hard as this is going to be I am making a promise--I promise to do a better job blogging this year. I know for some of my friends and past participants my blog is the only way to hear about these trips and learn about other cultures. There are two reasons this will be able to happen: 1. This past year took a lot of time to set up the departure, but now I am pretty sure I have it set up pretty well...and 2. When I get back from Africa I will be introducing the new "travel4souls coodinator" aka "mini katie"- thanks to Todd. I am so excited and thrilled to watch the program expand and I will be reducing the number of trips I travel on from 16 to around 13--and having someone to do the admin work while I am gone allows me to focus on things like the blog that have sadly been neglected.

Our trip to Africa includes: 25 participants. 22 are females. HAHAHAHAHA It should be interesting and entertaining to say the least. Todd (our lawyer) will be assisting me on this trip. Anyway, here is our flight itinerary so you are able to keep track of where we are--I really hope that the flip cam will work and I can upload videos to the post.

Tuesday: Just me--Nashville to D.C. to New York (and I get to see Sari(Haiti March trip--YAY!)
Wednesday: Team from NYC to Dubai
Thursday: Land in Dubai in the morning..being tourist for the day and spending the night in Dubai
Friday: Leaving from Dubai to Dar es Salaam -spening the night in Dar
Saturday:Leaving from Dar to Kigoma--where we will be distributing!!
Somewhere in between Saturday and Thursday we will being going to Gombe to see some animals!
Thursday(actually who knows what day it is here or there..so excited about time zone changes!): Kigoma to Dar to Dubai to NYC--landing at JFK on
Friday: 7:45am BACK IN AMERICA!!

It's going to be absolutely crazy--but I am so excited!!!!

I read this quote today and absolutely love it(thanks becky):

"To minister, you have to be where the pain is... Where there is pain, there is healing. Where there is mourning, there is dancing. Where there is poverty, there is kingdom... We are sent to wherever there is poverty, loneliness, and suffering to have the courage to be with people. Trust that by throwing yourself into that place of pain you will find the joy of Jesus." Henri Nouwen

Happy Monday!!

XOXO,

Katie

Guest Post--Beautiful Story

2011-06-02T11:06:00.001-05:00

Happy Thursday!! Since we have moved into the new headquarters building a year ago, I have moved offices 5 times. Typically, I am out of the country more than everyone else, so as we continue to grow--I return from a trip and my office home has been changed. After our recent expansion I was moved into an office with a window (YAY FOR SUNSHINE!), and my new office-mate is Tiffany! Tiffany is over our Outreach department. This means she is the contact person to find homes for all the shoes. People call all the time requesting shoes, and she makes sure they receive them. I love hearing all of the conversations and ways we are able to help others every single day. This morning she received a phone call, and I could tell immediately it was going to make us both start crying--and it did. Tiffany wrote a little blog post about it, and I wanted to share the story with all of you.

I am getting everything ready for Africa next week--so it is a bit busy around here! I am SO EXCITED about this trip..and yes, fingers crossed the Internet connection will work while I am there so I can keep everyone updated.

A Beautiful Beginning

I love it when my day starts like this. I just got a phone call from a lady in the Southeast that reached out to us a few weeks ago in need of a pair of shoes. We try to fulfill individual requests when we can, although it is not always possible. This precious woman is in Cardiac Rehab, and was in dire need of a pair of athletic shoes to continue her therapy by walking on the treadmill.

I sent the shoes to the Cardiac Rehab Dept. in care of her nurse, and they came back…so we resent them and the hospital even called, unsure of where to deliver them. Each setback I was able to intercept… (Providence is indeed a lovely thing) and today, she called me…

The lightness of her voice, her excitement as she told me of how well they fit, and how she was able to begin walking on the treadmill was absolutely “golden”. She just exuded joy…and was so grateful, so thankful, that she had new shoes to continue her therapy in. She also promised me a photo of her on the treadmill.

I ended the call with two assignments for her: to continue to strengthen her heart to get better, and to PAY IT FORWARD (Little did she know she JUST DID by calling me). And she laughed excitedly and promised she would.

All of this was from a simple pair of shoes. Or, better yet, from the fact that this person felt loved and cared about, and the tangible gift of a pair of shoes communicated to her that she IS loved and valued…and from that, JOY AND HOPE was heard in her voice. And felt in my heart.These are the stories that make me realize how much something as simple as shoes really can make a difference in others lives. I also love the fact that I have co-workers like Tiffany with BIG hearts that work EXTREMELY hard and show love at all times, dealing with all types of people. :)

And last but certainly not least...a big shout out to MICHELE JAMES!! She won the Travel4Soles challenge and collected over 38,000 pairs of shoes. She and a friend won a trip for 2 on any Travel4Souls trips this year. She has been on two already and will be going with me to Africa next week so I could not be more pleased with these results. She is so inspiring and her volunteer work amazes me!!

XOXO,

Katie Lentile

AMAZING RECAP OF HAITI and Announcement

2011-05-25T10:48:00.001-05:00

Happy Hump Day!!

I know I posted the recaps of the trip from last week on Monday, but Jenny wrote a post about her thoughts and reflections on the trip and I just had to share it with everyone. I absolutely LOVE what she has written and appreciate her and the entire Zodiak USA team for going on this trip and experiencing Haiti via Soles4Souls....Thanks Jenny!! (I encourage everyone to read this entire post--it is worth it!)

Amidst the scattered rubble, tragic devastation, and widespread poverty is a quiet dignity among the Haitian people. You can see it in their walk; you can see it in their dress; you can see it in their kindness.

My trip to Haiti was an incredible experience.

One of our Brown Shoe brands, Zodiac USA, partners closely with the footwear charity, Soles4Souls. Its mission is simple: to procure shoes and get them to those in need. And during our 4-day trip in Port-au-Prince, that's exactly what we did.

Our group of 14 distributed over 800 pairs of shoes to children of all ages at a school near (and founded by) Mountain Top Ministries, as well as at an orphanage in one of the poorest parts of town. Kids would line up, we would measure their feet, wash them in water basins, and put their shoes on for them. The younger ones were shy – not speaking a word and barely changing their expressions as they sat, awaiting their turns. They were sweethearts, and it was incredibly humbling to see many of them take off their new shoes immediately to save them, to keep them clean; they cherished them. The older ones were more bold; some tested out their English with us, and like teenagers in all parts of the world, many were picky about their shoes.

I really connected with one of the kids. After our first shoe distribution, we started our hike back from the school to get to where we were staying (a ministry two mountains over). A group of students accompanied us during our 40 minute trek in the heat, and I was lucky to be able to spend quality time with a 12-year-old nicknamed Kurtrich. He spoke beautiful English, albeit very quietly, and had a wonderful spirit. He was the only one of four siblings to attend school, and had aspirations to become a doctor or engineer when he was older. It was heartbreaking to think the chances of that happening were very slim; to get into college in Haiti (much less a medical program), you absolutely have to know someone, and test scores really don't make a difference. Still, he sang along with us to Rihanna, knew about Facebook, and taught me both Creole and French while asking how to say various phrases in Chinese. He was clearly a bright kid, soaking up information eagerly and proclaiming several times, "I want to speak English like you."

The entire group of students was extremely considerate; compared to them, we were an out-of-shape bunch as we huffed and puffed our way up the mountain, stopping multiple times for much needed breaks. Some of the students put their notebooks over our heads to help shield us from the oppressive sun. Others led us to the little shade that they found for us to rest. Without a doubt, we prolonged their walk home, but they voluntarily accompanied us without complaint or objection. This trek home was definitely the highlight of my trip, and I'm so glad I was able to get a glimpse into Kurtrich's life.

Beyond our time spent passing out shoes, we also saw the destruction from the earthquake first-hand. There were collapsed buildings street after street, tent cities absolutely everywhere, and shacks no bigger than my cubicle housing 10 or more people each night. Haiti is extremely mountainous, and it was distressing to learn that after big storms and hurricanes, many of the shanty towns would wash away and have to be rebuilt time and time again. As citizens of the poorest country in the Western hemisphere, 80% of Haitians live in poverty, and many wake up each day just struggling to survive.

The one thing I just can't wrap my head around is how a nation so close by – just a two-hour flight from Miami – and in the same time period and era as us can be so completely behind our civilization. We have the medicines, the know-how, and the resources to help them with so many of their issues, whether its illnesses for which we've found cures, infrastructures we've figured out how to build well, or good business practices we've developed over the years. Yet this wealth of knowledge gets lost somewhere in the 550 miles that separates our nations. And it's difficult to just "donate to Haiti" – theirs was a government full of greed and corruption for decades (though hopefully changing with the recent inauguration of the new president), and it's hard to see where the money goes.

But still, their culture is an amazing one. They are a resourceful people, solving complex problems with simple solutions that a culture like ours is sometimes too jaded to see. They are a kind people, sharing food, water, and basic necessities even when they don't have enough for themselves. They are a dignified people, standing straight and proud with amazing postures, neatly combed hair, and clean, tucked-in clothing as they go about their day-to-day business. There is a strength among the Haitians that is pure and that is admirable.

My time in Haiti served as a great reminder for me to appreciate how fortunate I am in all aspects of my life. It has taught me to shrug off the little things, as so many of my "problems" are trivial compared to theirs. It has inspired me to truly examine how I want to make a difference, since I can, and since I will. Like others before me who have had the privilege to volunteer in Haiti, I am changed. It was a short trip, but an emotionally-charged journey. I will always remember Haiti and the Haitian people, and forever be in awe of their steely resolve for survival. And the underlying current of hope.

THANKS SO MUCH JENNY!!

P.S. to everyone who is interested..The travel program is officially being branded!! YAY! It is now TRAVEL4SOULS!! :) :) And we are announcing an expansion! I am in the process of interviewing people so this program can grow even more...which means..MORE TRIPS, MORE SHOES, MORE PEOPLE, and a little more time to get back to writing better blog post. :) I cannot thank you all enough for the support, encouragement, and GOING ON THESE TRIPS...so even more people learn about other cultures and more kiddos get shoes!

THANKS SO MUCH!!

XOXO,

Katie Lentile

Day 2 and 3 in Haiti

2011-05-23T13:47:00.001-05:00

We are back from Haiti and I have recaps from day 2 and 3 to post...a little behind on the blog...anyway, susanne and Melissa wrote the recaps for these days.. This trip was incredible and the team was awesome! We had a lot of fun and a lot of unexpected circumstances in dealing with rain, flat tires, traffic, etc. And they were laid back through it all.

Here is Melissa's recap from day 2...

We woke up to the sound of roosters, dogs, and singing voices across the mountainside. Some of us can't decide which woke them up more: the sounds of The Haitian countryside or the snoring from sleeping in a room with 6 others....After a morning workout of loading the truck with over 2k shoes, we piled in the back of the trucks and headed to the church and school that our host family have dedicated themselves to building and supporting for over 700 students.

We started our time at the school with the pre school students. Washing their feet and seeing the smiles on their faces when they got their new shoes is something that I think all of us will carry with us for a long time to come.

Like all teenagers, the high school students were a bit tougher to please. just like any 16 year old they wanted something cool and thanks to all the amazing shoes from @zodiac USA @underarmour and @umbro amongst many others think we were able to keep the majority happy and stylish.

At the end of the day we decided to walk back to the house we are staying at and with some of the teenage boys we had met that day. The 20 minute walk up and down the rugged mountainside really showed us the sweet side of the haitians that we all need to remember and promote. These children have dream goals and likes just like us and wanted to talk about becoming computer programers and doctors, being friend on Facebook and sing @Rhianna and @Akon songs.

One thing we all have in common regardless of the language we speak is music and ambition. These people want something more but at the same time show us how happy you can be with almost nothing. @melissadiner

And here is susanne's from day 3.."we are standing in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." that's an Oscar Wilde quote that really sums up the experience we had with the Haitian people today. As we toured down town Port Au Prince it was hard not to notice the number of people standing in the gutters as It's such a populous place. This feels intimidating at first, as a foreigner you stick out, and everyone wants to look at you. With a smile and a wave you are suddenly surrounded by friendly faces. While the surroundings in downtown port Au prince are depressing - tent cities, rubble and run down buildings, the people are definitely looking at the stars - they retain a spirit of happiness, and are definitely not defeated.

   seeing the downtown area was hard. Going to the orphanage in the afternoon was as well, but it was also uplifting. As soon as you walk through the door of the orphanage you are greeted by the open arms of children, all of them so eager to be held. For me this was the most rewarding part of our Haitian trip - the chance to spend time with these children.
   Haiti is a place of extremes. The beautiful country side, the depressed city center, the poverty and loss, and the happiness and resilience, all of these things are a part of It. The best part though is the people. The memories of them are what I will bring back home with me.
   Thanks to both of you for sharing about your experiences!

Hope everyone has a great week..I'm off to finish booking flights to costa rica and lots of other fun stuff.

Xoxo Katie lentile

Day 1 and 2

2011-05-16T19:17:00.002-05:00

Hey from Haiti...tonight Todd, one of our trip participants, is going to blog on the past two days..here he is...I'm peacing out to walk up the street with some of the other team members ..woohoo
Sak passé? Map boule! That means "what's up?" "I'm on fire!". We were taught that today by an energetic group of high schoolers-but more on that later.

We arrived in Haiti yesterday afternoon- I'm not sure what I was expecting, but as we landed at the only airport on the island, I was instantly reminded that even though it has been a year and 4 months since the earthquake, this was a country still recovering from both physical and political turmoil. The ocean, greenery, mountains and island setting were counterbalanced by the sheer magnitude of what we would encounter as we left the airport. We were greeted by a mob of baggage handlers all working for our business! We loaded (or squeezed) into 2 vehicles to begin our 45 minute trek thru the city and up the mountain. We passed tent cities, crazy traffic, every where we looked there were people. We passed buildings that had been flattened, staircases to nowhere rubble being pulled from buildings and the remains of people's homes and businesses that had not yet been touched.

We finally arrived at mountaintop ministries set behind gates in the township of thomassin. Our hosts for this trip are a local minister and his family. They have started a church and school for the is part of the mountain. They started the school 11 years ago, and will have their first graduating class next year. They have over 700 students at this school and 700 students at another school in the valley.
Their school is on the other side of the mountain (we can see it on the mountainside across from us). It is almost a scene out of a movie, the mountaintop, hillside with terraced homes and planting. We are 4k feet above the sea, the clouds and mist hover around the hills.
After a great meal of turkey and rice, we set about to get to know the people in the on the Soles4Souls trip. Stay tuned for tomorrow's blog (which will be posted in the morning as a recap of today's shoe distribution) and tune in periodically for our " unplugged and uncut " after dark stories of the rat, ghost stories, Haitian baths and trying to sleep with roosters, dogs, and a lot of snoring strangers. - Todd

On the way to Haiti

2011-05-15T12:54:00.003-05:00

Good morning! I'm typing this as I am en route to Miami to meet the team before we get on the next flight to Haiti. Per request from my dad and Kev-dawg, I promise to only write happy blog post this week....I think the one I wrote last week was a little too much---sorry. I did not mean to make anyone sad, but just wanted to share the reality..however, my main point in that post was to share how even when it is hard and sad--it is important to focus on the good and the small things we can do. It is just always important to learn from everything we experience...and yes, I am talking to myself. Over the past couple of weeks it has been hard to see the good...I spent the first two weeks after returning from the last of the 4 back to back trips trying to block everything out, but I know I cannot do that forever or it will continue to weigh on me..and it did. These past two weeks I have spent a lot of time praying, reading, and spending time thinking through everything. This is not always fun and I even felt like a crazy person one day...but it really did allow me to process my thoughts and realize HOW MANY AMAZING THINGS ARE BEING DONE, and how blessed I am for this job.

One book that I am reading is The Blue Sweater.. I have only read half of it, but I love it. I am able to relate to her stories-emotionally, physically and mentally..I am eager to finish the book and learn what she has accomplished and is doing now. Most everyone's fear (or maybe just mine) in life is the unknown and to know if my life is making a difference...I admit I have no control over the first and should not stress about that.. in time I have tried to learn and practice faith in knowing that if I am seeking Christ first then my life will be used in the ways He desires. ----side note- I was told the other day that one of the trip participants that reads my blog, but went on the trip when I could not go, mentioned to someone that my blog was a little too religious since s4s is not a religious based organization. I just wanted to explain that I would never mean to offend anyone..I actually love learning about different religions and why people believe the things they do...I write about my relationship with Christ and if asked will share with others because it is a huge part of my life, so please, please do not ever think I am trying to trying to offend you. This is my personal blog and I love that each of you read it for different reasons. :) ---but back to what I have learned...I know I am where I am right now for a reason..and even if the job can be exhausting....I have to pinch myself at times to remember that I have the opportunity to go anywhere in the world I plan to give shoes, hugs, and love to kids..but more importantly, the travel program allows so many people the opportunity to learn and help more by traveling out of their comfort zones. It truly is amazing, and I am so blessed for this opportunity.

So back to the trip...we have a group of 14 going..and we are headed up to the mountains to stay until Wednesday. I will post each night about what we did for that day...and yes, Angela is on this trip. She's convinced herself she is going to get a parasite and she could probably feed the entire group for the entire time we are there with the amount of food she's packed..(the food we will be eating in Haiti is better than I would eat in america) ...my goal for the week is to get her to eat what they prepare and not live off of peanut butter and crackers...it will more than likely be my hardest challenge of the week.

Thanks for all the encouragement, support, and love...I am thankful for each one of you for caring enough about me to even read this.

Xoxo,

Katie Lentile

The heart struggle

2011-05-12T11:15:00.000-05:00

If you have not noticed--I personally have not written a post in a while. I still am just sitting here typing not knowing exactly what I want to write...but as always I want to be transparent and honest--I do ask that if you do read this one..you read the entire post.

4 trips in 6 weeks during March and April was not the best idea I have ever had, and to be honest it was exhausting on all levels. It has been hard to blog because I am still sorting through all of my thoughts from those trips and the entire year--and I am still learning so many things and forming my own opinions in regards to non-profits, aid, and international work. Being on this side of helping--organizing and working on the logistics of giving product has opened my eyes to understanding why things might be done the way that they are--but at times it hurts my heart.

For those that have not been on a trip with us--there is a lot of work on the logistics of shoes before we are actually there to distribute. We do this for many reasons. Some examples are: to make sure that our teams are safe, the economy in these countries are not hurt because of our free product, those in the most need are receiving the shoes, to prevent riots, etc. etc. When I first started--I always wanted to just take the shoes and ride down the road and give them to people--our hearts want to do as much as possible, and even if we feel like it would be helping them more--in the bigger pictures that is not always the case.

First, I will explain a little about how we work on these logistics. It is different for each country--but you will get the main idea. I work with partnering in-country organizations. I ask them to get me the number of people that we will distribute to and try to get me the estimated sizes and gender. These are usually EXTREMELY rough estimates-(when sending 1500-2000 pairs you have to send in bulk and it has to be estimated numbers-but we all work hard to make sure we have the right shoes for each person. The organization will give tickets to people (usually children at their schools and orphanages, or community members that they know need the shoes). We will either ship the shoes by container months before the trip--or purchase shoes in country if possible(to boost their economy). When we get to the distribution location we set up for the distribution and hope that we have the correct sizes--and I always send more shoes than the number of people we expect to give them to in efforts to prevent not having enough.
(The extra shoes are typically stored in country until our next trip unless they are needed before we return.)

All sounds dandy--until...we get to a distribution-- a mom comes in with 5 kids but she was only given 3 tickets, we give shoes to an entire school of 600 children--but there are 10 older kids outside begging for the shoes, a teenager gets upset because she wanted sandals but all we had in her size were tennis shoes, 100 more people show up to the distribution because they have heard about the distribution, etc. etc. etc. These examples are endless--and these people have every right to want the shoes and yell, beg, plead, and even cuss at me when they do not get them. This is when my heart breaks. My heart is telling me to give them the shoes--but my head tells me that I have to be strict in staying with our plan in order to ensure that those promised shoes will receive them, and to trust the partnering organizations selection for who is to receive the shoes. ---If I allow the participants to give 6 pairs to the mom with 5 kids--then I feel the need to give to the 10 older kids outside of the school(that I will later learn--are supposed to be attending school but have chosen not to go)--then I feel the need to give to the 100 people who have heard about the distribution..yet we are able to give 50 of them shoes before we start running out of sizes and riots start and people could potentially be hurt. We as the volunteers think okay, okay, I can give just this one--and then after we leave our partnering organizations have to deal with the consequences.

I am still struggling in this area--I feel like an evil monster when a participant asks, "please can we give just this one person a pair to take home. Her husband could not make it but she says he desperately needs shoes" and I have to say "no" ....This is such a small matter in the grand scheme on their lives, but we are there to offer them hope and love. --It is so frustrating and we all want to do more and give more--but in order for some things to work really well they need to be done correctly. The shoe situation is a big struggle for me--because it is the way I can be helping others and I am extremely passionate about it, but overall this is more or less of an analogy to how I am looking at everything lately, and it truly is causing me to think through things.

After reading this I am sure some people might assume I am frustrated, depressed, etc--not happy. However, after these trips and the past year--I am just so thankful for being in these situations to learn, and be able to have the opportunity to think and become more knowledgeable. I personally am able to trust God and know that He has a plan. I have been encouraged more than ever by the participants on these trips--past and present. THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE WANTING TO DO SO MANY AMAZING THINGS TO HELP OTHERS....even if they feel that they are not helping in a huge way--the little things are what makes the big things happen.

So for all of my friends that feel frustrated about different things and why certain things are they way they are--I am praying for you. Please do not give up hope--and focus on the positives that you are able to do.

I leave for Haiti on SUNDAY--SO EXCITED--and I promise I will bring some humor back to those blog post----I don't like these deep ones--boo!!!

XOXO,

Katie Lentile

Evanne's Recap of Honduras

2011-05-05T09:30:00.001-05:00

Happy Thursday!! Get excited--only one more day until the weekend. Fingers crossed it is a sunny weekend-- If you live in Nashville you need to come to Hope in the Hills on Saturday night! As most of you know, I help out with a non-profit, Linda's Hope. My friend Meredith(went on the Honduras trip) started LH after her mom, Linda, passed away from Pancreatic Cancer. Our mission is to provide funding for research and to assist victims and families of this horrible disease. This is the second annual Hope in the Hills--and I really hope everyone is able to come and support Linda's Hope! --Also, Soles4Souls is helping sponsor the event, and we will have shoe collection boxes at the door--so be sure to bring some shoes to donate. :) THANKS!

As for the blog post today....we have another guest blogger: Evanne Gargiulo. She and her husband, Ed, went with me to Haiti last fall and decided to sign up again for the trip to Honduras. I just can't help but smile when I think about Ed and Evanne. They are just awesome---extremely passionate about helping others, realistic in their efforts, aware and involved--while being respectful and trusting, and really, really fun!

Thank you both for everything..Excited to see which trip you come on next!!!

My husband, Ed and I live in Greenwich, CT with our three young children and have been wrestling with how we can best use our resources to help those in need. To date, our charitable giving had been somewhat scattered, and we’re not yet able to make financial contributions large enough to make a significant impact on any one cause.

We also wanted to find a concept that would resonate with our children as we need to make them more aware of the hardships that people less fortunate struggle with all over the world-- a fact that can be easily overlooked in the world they live in day to day. Lastly, we want to instill in them the belief that we all can help others in need, and it is important to do so.

When my husband read an article about Soles4Souls, and the ability to travel with them to do shoe distributions all over the world, it seemed like it would provide us with the perfect opportunity to accomplish our goals. It appealed to us because it would allow us to see how humanitarian organizations operate first-hand and allow us to help people with our time and effort rather than with simply sending a check. We found the concept to be so powerful in its simplicity--a pair of shoes, that we all take for granted, can have such an enormous impact on someone’s life.

Ed and I went on our first trip with Soles4Souls to Haiti in September 2010. It was the most eye-opening, gut-wrenching and amazing experience I have ever had. The utter devastation as a result of the earthquake, and the extreme poverty, were unbelievable, yet the resilience of the Haitian people was remarkable. Upon coming home, we found ourselves constantly thinking of our time in Haiti, we knew that our priorities had forever changed and knew that we would definitely be traveling again with Soles4Souls.

A few weeks ago, Ed and I went to Orphanage Emmanuel in Guaimaca, Honduras with Soles4Souls. There were about 500 orphans there, ranging from a few months to their early twenties. During the shoe distributions, we were so touched to see the children get so excited for a new pair of shoes, but more so to see them realize people cared enough about them to take time to do this work. What I found most moving was the time spent playing with the kids. One highlight was playing soccer with a group of girls, an activity Ed and I often do with our daughters. While it was nothing different from what we would be doing at home, there were reminders of the reality that these wonderful children were orphans. There was a point during the game when one girl got injured, but there was obviously no parent to console her. Not only that, there were no parents on the sidelines cheering them on, encouraging them or congratulating them. The amazing, inspiring volunteers that work there do a wonderful job, but it is unfortunately just not possible to fill the role of a parent to all these children.

This reality was also noticeable when playing with the toddlers. Their smiling faces, exuberance and playfulness mirrored what you would find with any children that age. What differed was the magnitude at which these children, while very well cared for, were very clearly relishing and craving the affection we could provide.

While there were moments during our trip we found ourselves feeling sad, Ed and I were awestruck by what a wonderful place David, Lydia and their volunteers have created. Their dedication and love for these kids is inspiring, and they truly make the world a better place. During a church service we attended for the older children, we found ourselves moved to tears during the singing, as their belief in God was so palpable. It was so pure and real, and what struck us was the fact that while their worldly possessions can fit in a small box, their family at Emmanuel, and their faith, seem enough to completely fulfill them. It certainly put everything into perspective for us and is forcing us to look at what really is important in our own lives.

I feel so fortunate to have been able to spend time with these children, give them love and affection that every child deserves, and to witness and learn from their strength and purity of spirit. Of course the reality of their situation can make one sad for them, but it has made me fully realize the power my family and I have, that we all have, to help those in need. Not only do we have the power, but in my mind, the responsibility, to do so—a belief I want to instill in my own children.

Being at the orphanage also made me realize how blessed I am to have the gift of my children and how fortunate I am to be able to love and care for them. To be able to provide consistent love and nurturing is incredibly important-which is easy to lose sight of amidst the monotony of everyday life. Travelling with Soles4Souls is such an incredible, rewarding experience. Not only are you able to help those in need, but you also will come home having gained so much from the experience.

Ed is the jump rope King!

I hope everyone is encouraged by Evanne's thoughts --we would love to have you join our trip to Honduras next November or any of our other trips! Check them out: www.soles4souls.org/travel

XOXO- Katie Lentile

Recap of Haiti April by Rachelle!

2011-05-03T16:32:00.001-05:00

Good Afternoon! This week I am going to be posting recaps from trip participants---allowing them to share what the experience meant in their lives. I will also include some pictures from Alabama-at some point. Also, a big thanks to everyone who supported me and my sister with TEAM CHAD this past weekend as we participated in the half-marathon. WE FINISHED!! haha I did not have a chance to train much, but the race went well and we had a great time. Thank you all so much.

Rachelle and her husband Ross, went on our trip to Haiti a few weeks ago. They are looking to adopt--and fingers crossed everything will work out so well. I loved having them both on the trip--and was extremely thankful for Ross(as the only male) when we were stranded and needed to change the tire. Rachelle--thank you so much for everything--and your heart. You are truly an inspiration and I am so thankful to have met you.

Rachel and a sweet girl that I will be blogging about in the coming weeks! So cute!

Since returning from Haiti, my mind has been full, my heart feels broken, and my life is forever changed. Before leaving Haiti, our group was asked to share what they will remember about Haiti. The first thing that I said was that "people have no idea...." what it is like in Haiti. You see tent cities everywhere, garbage alongside every road- sometimes with children playing in it, and most buildings still look the way they must have right after the earthquake. And I can't even speak of the orphans. Where has the Foreign Aid money gone? It is hard to see the hope for Haiti's future, but I can tell you this. Every day when I drove through town, Haitian people noticed us. When their eyes met mine, I always smiled and waved. EVERY person, child, grandparent, responded back with the biggest smile and waved back and me. They lit up. It was beautiful. The people of Haiti give me hope for their future. And I pray that newly elected President Martelly will help to restore Haiti.

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One thing I take away from this experience is that if the Haitian people can still find joy in their lives, and smile, when they have so little and have been through so much, then WE have a lot to learn from them. Be thankful and grateful every day for what you have. Believe me, we have too much to not be.

Ross and the flat tire!!

Thanks so much!! Hope to see you guys soon on another trip--and you can guarantee that I will be coming to visit if everything works out..Auntie Katie will be SOOO EXCITED!!

Hope everyone has a great day!! xoxo, Katie Lentile