My Goodbye Letter to COTN

Dear Friends and Family, 

I have so much to be thankful for and you are at the top of my list. Truly. I am overflowing with gratitude as I write this. I know that I could not be where I am today without the love, support, gifts, prayers, and words of encouragement that you have shown. I am truly blown away at the abundance of blessings that I have experienced these last 4 ½ years at Children of the Nations.

While my heart is full of gratitude, it is with sadness and joy that I let you know that my time at Children of the Nations is coming to a close at the end of this year. I am sad to be leaving COTN because it has been such a wonderful experience and, in a lot of ways, a big family to me. I am leaving on very positive terms and plan to stay connected indefinitely. I love the organization and believe in what they do in raising orphaned and destitute children to transform nations. I have seen it first hand and that will stick with me forever. 

Starting on January 1, 2015 Jackie Barnes will be taking on my current position at Children of the Nations. She is wonderful and I am confident in her abilities to continue to develop what I have been a part of establishing in San Diego. 

My decision to leave COTN came as I have continued to return to the vision that came to me years ago of developing an art program for people in need: providing hope, healing, and life-skills through artisan work. This vision has become clearer and clearer as I have explored options through my time at COTN, being a part of art camps, workshops, trips, and many conversations with my friends internationally and here in the states. I am confident that this is what I am being called to explore, discover, and develop in myself and give back to others. However, in order to do that, I need to gain new skills and experience in the art world. 

And so, I am taking a giant leap of faith right now as I pursue my dream and vision. 

I am in the process of looking for a job in the art and design world while I further develop my art skills. I am also excited to have found an organization in Haiti called “The Apparent Project” which provides artisan jobs so that parents can keep their children out of orphanages. I am blessed and excited that my sister, Lauren, has a very similar vision to mine: to provide hope, healing, and life-skills through artisan work. So we will be going to Haiti together January 20-24, 2015 (stay tuned for more info)!! We don’t know what God has in store for us in this adventure, but we know that we want to explore and turn over as many stones as we can. 

Please pray for me as I explore the options in front of me: what jobs and opportunities to take, who to connect with, and even what city I will live in. I am excited to see how things take shape as I get closer to 2015. If you have any connections that you think would be a good fit, I am open to exploring all options. 

To continue giving to the wonderful ministry of Children of the Nations, please consider sponsoring a child, I have many friends (children) in need of sponsors like you: www.cotni.org/children

Thank you again for a being on this journey with me with Children of the Nations. It has been an incredible experience that I will always treasure. The journey is not over! Adventure awaits! 

His,
Amber