How We Got Started
A Letter from the Executive Director
Dear Friends of Amy’s Hope,
It is with great excitement that I write this letter to tell you of my recent experiences. I have come across so many people in recent years that are amazed at how I spend my vacation time. Most would take a cruise, lie on a beach, or seek adventure. But not many seek to help others and this what I do. It is quite funny to me because I never imagined that I would be that person. However, after lots of influences and circumstances that pushed me in the direction of my first trip to Romania I can honestly say that it was the best thing that ever happened to me.
I was and am a "Type A" personality that likes to have control of my surroundings. I was someone reluctant to put myself in situations that I was not certain that I would succeed in. To go to a foreign country, not know the language and work with children was not my cup of tea. I have, however, always been one of those people that wanted to make a difference but did not quite know how. I always figured my purpose would find me and low and behold it did. My first trip to Romania was an eye opener. I went with the thought process that I was going to be a humanitarian and that upon my return I would feel so much better about myself for taking the time that others wouldn’t. Wow, I was wrong.
I gained so much more than I gave. I gained friends and experience in a new language. I gained insight into a new culture that is rich with history. I learned where in the world Romania actually was. I saw some of the most beautiful countryside with some of the most grateful people that I have ever encountered. I was taught that material items are not the key to happiness. I learned that the real goal was to be a good husband, father, mother, wife, sister, brother and friend. I found a people that still interacted face to face, that had guests over for dinner and when they eat they actually sit together at the dinner table. I felt as if I had stepped back in time. They live in such meager conditions, below poverty level of any standard in the United States. Yet, I found myself wanting to be like these people and wanting to have what they have. I felt like they were so blessed. I was completely sold on coming back the next year before I had even returned from my first trip.
My second trip met me with surprise (2006). I had enjoyed working in the Youth Camp so much the prior year that I thought this would become my life focus. Even though the camp did not disappoint, it soon was revealed to me that it was not my purpose to be in Eastern Europe. It was the avenue in which my eyes were opened to a real need and my new focus. I spent the second week of my trip in Bocsa getting to know their youth and revisiting mine. It also took me to the Tabita House Orphanage where I met the most amazing kids. They were children ranging in age from three to sixteen and they were so happy to spend time with us. I now believe in love at first sight. I fell in love with each of these children and was so grateful for having been able to catch a mere glimpse of their personalities.
It was then that the seed was planted for Amy’s Hope International. Upon my return to the States I agonized as to how I could do more to help and the need of a public charity was revealed to me. Once I started speaking to others about forming it everything fell into place. God seemed to be filling all of the gaps and putting the puzzle together in front of my eyes. This validated that it was the right thing to do. It has been quite a learning experience and continues to be. Each Board Member is recognizing talents in themselves that they had not realized they had possessed and we are having a blast doing it. It has been a roller coaster ride of emotions and tough work. But every moment of it has been worth it. When people ask me how can you do something like this? My reply is simply this, “How can I not?”
Fall in love at first sight. Join me for a tour of the private orphanages in Romania and Poland.
Sincerely,
Michelle Harbin