"Those of you who know me well, remember that a trip five years ago to Haiti had touched my heart. I went as a chaperone for a mission trip for the high school youth at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church. One of my primary jobs was to be the primary photographer. Looking through a lens of a camera one's observation is magnified. You are highly acute to your surroundings. I quickly realized that as many children that were attending school, just as many were NOT attending school. Having been a teacher, I was concerned. To my core, I feel that education provides hope, opportunity, and direction for a child. While walking up a hill one day, I bumped into the principal of the school. I feel this interaction did not happen by accident. We had an insightful dialogue where I quickly learned about the struggles to educate the children of Haiti. My heart was changed, and I could not turn my back on this beautiful community which left a lasting stamp of love, concern and pull on my heart.

This calling to bring a team to this community and school, Centre D'Etude Lumiere in Mariani, Haiti became a reality due to many beautiful and trusting people. A group of 19 individuals came to meetings, listened to my story and then took the leap of faith and traveled to Haiti to bring school supplies, teach in the classrooms, work with the staff and discern if my passion and mission for this community was justified. Four of the 19 individuals stayed behind several days to meet with the administrative staff to discuss our possible partnership. We left Haiti, knowing that the school is run by a caring, compassionate, educated and dedicated staff. We are thrilled to begin our partnership with this community."

- Nicole Waite