byTavi goes to Naples

“Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”

-Habakkuk 1:5

I came across this verse last year in college, while planning a 10K to raise money for a safe-house in Ohio that rescues young girls from trafficking situations. This was the largest event the team had planned and we were amazed that we were able to raise support totaling over $22,000. I saw evidence of the promise made in that verse come true and it has been on my radar ever since as a reminder of how the Lord works.

I often say how crazy the Lord is and how He ruined my life- in the best way! I am a recent graduate from Cedarville University’s social work program. My passion for social justice issues developed in college and I was able to be part of different groups and organization focused on bringing justice from a Biblical standpoint. The Lord opened my eyes to injustice and put a passion in my heart to do something about it. As the CGI byTavi Marketing and Relationship Coordinator, I am able to be part of an organization that not only sees injustice, but takes action to bring justice and restoration. Below is just one example of a great CGI moment in the past month and I am excited to see what else is in store.

Last week, I was fortunate enough to go on vacation with my family to Naples, FL to stay with some family friends, the Lindner’s. When I was hired on with CGI, I asked Laura if it was possible for her to host a party, but instead she connected with the owner of the salon where she gets her hair done. A couple days later she sent me an email stating that in partnership with the owner, Eleanor, and stylist friend, Sandi, they decided to host a byTavi open house. We were incredibly excited to see how God took care of the details of this event. Not knowing what to expect, Whitney and I packed three boxes the week before I left and shipped them to the Sunshine State.

Fast forward to Wednesday, May 11, the day of the party- I had met with Eleanor and Sandi earlier in the week and was eager to see the turn-out. Like any big event, small things went wrong…or unexpected and without Whitney there to help, I figured things out as best I could. Anything with CGI and byTavi is always a new learning experience! Everything looked beautiful in the salon, Gemini Moon, and from 6:00p.m.-8:00p.m., between 25 and 30 women came to hear more about byTavi and purchase products. Great connections were made and each lady had an opportunity to hear about what byTavi represents. The best part of the night- the Lord showed up in a big way! The grand total of byTavi products sold at the Gemini Moon open house: $1,249.81! This is one of the highest selling at-home parties to date! The leftover

product is now on consignment at Gemini Moon and we are excited to see byTavi take off in Florida. The other cool thing about the open house- the salon owner and stylist are not believers- just another amazing example of the Lords power and how He can use anyone to accomplish His mission. My response- Habakkuk 1:5

An Unexpected Blessing

Nicole Krajewski is an artist.  I guess that I knew that at some level because she has been involved with CGI for some time as the Daughters Project dress designer.  On trips to to Cambododia I have watched her freehand a new dress style from across the aisle on the plane and have been amazed but as you will see in the series of pictures below she is truly a gifted artist.

The series of paintings below was commissioned by Common Ground Christian Church for Easter.  They are an iconic stylized representation that tells the story of Christ's last week before his ascension.  Painted in just two weeks they measure 3' wide and 4' high. 

Recently an offer was made to purchase four of these painting for a total $1,500.  Nicole accepted that offer but rather than taking the money herself she asked that the check be made out to Center for Global Impact!  This truly was an unexpected blessing! On behalf of this ministry and those who will benefit directly from this gift we want to express our appreciation.  PTL! and pass the paintbrush! 

That reminds me ... I am suppose to be painting at the office today.  Updates tomorrow will include pictures of the progress on our new office (carpet went in yesterday!) AND a report from Chef Paul Vida who arrived back in Cambodia earlier this morning.

Until ALL have heard,

Chris     

Chandy's Smile

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to be in Cambodia with Dr. Doug Harty.  Doug and his daughter Brittany Webb were a part of a larger team with several seperate agendas but as a pair represented CGI's first medical/dental initiative.  Both saw many patients but arguably none was sweeter than Chandy.  Chandy is the younger sister of Thida who is one of the girls in the Daughters Project.  Unfortunately Chandy had some very serious dental issues and Doug was forced to remove all four of her permanent front upper teeth.  In the picture below she is "smiling" but these smiles were few and far between for several weeks.

Before leaving the country we told Chandy that once her gums had time to heal we would figure out a way to give her a new smile.  Some preliminary investigation with a Korean dentist in Phnom Penh led us to believe that it would be very expensive (we're talking thousands of dollars!) but PTL! God opened a door and through connections with another ministry in Cambodia Chandy is now smiling from ear to ear! 

Thanks for supporting the work of CGI and for making it possible to help kids like Chandy!  It's a funny thing but if you look close enough at this picture you will find that you can't help but smile too.  Try it.

Until ALL have heard,

Chris