Meet my friend Mari

Hello there lovely people! 

Today I wanted to share a little bit about my dear friend. Mari and I have been best friends since High school. We had a falling out many years and ago and we beautifully reconnected years ago. Our friendship is such a beautiful testimony of God's grace and forgiveness and love. I love her. Mari is currently in Haiti leading a team on a mission trip. She and her team are working with Child Hope. I interviewed her a couple of weeks ago and I wanted to share with you her story. Mari is 23 year old Fashion Design graduate with a huge heart for missions and Haiti. I wanted to see how she saw those too worlds collide through sharing her story. With out further ado let the interview begin! 

First question: I know that you have a huge passion for Fashion and all things creative, when did you first realize you wanted to pursue this? 

In high school I took fashion course and realized my passion for it. Once I graduated I took on a wedding dress for someone and realized "wow, I really want to do this." That summer when I turned 19 I realized I needed to further my education in fashion. 

What is the name of the school you went to and what is your major: 

I attended the Art Institute of California- North Hollywood. I got my AS in Fashion Design.

What was the biggest thing you learned after graduating? 

The fashion industry is a crazy world. Super competitive, and there is more to fashion then just designing clothing. So much more.

When did your heart for missions arise? 

I went to Israel in 2010. It was my first time ever experiencing life in another part of the world. There I realized God opening my eyes to spreading His gospel to other nations. 

How do you think missions and fashion can look like? 

The summer I turned 20 God had given me the opportunity to be a youth leader at Hume Lake Christian camp for a week. It was a last minute thing that had happened, my church had a need and I was able to fill it. While we were there, there were these missionaries from South Africa there for the summer. It was a husband and wife duo who had started a surf ministry as well as a thrift shop ministry there. The whole week people who knew me kept telling me to talk to this women. Saying,"Mari she would be so awesome to talk too! You both love fashion and she has a ministry using those gifts." I thought to myself 'well if I have time I will.' And sure enough God made it happen. We talked for a couple hours, and during that time God gave her a word for me. Saying I would be doing what shes doing. I immediately broke down crying, how powerful that moment was for me. Hearing the Lord speak through her was overwhelming. But so good.  

How do you think this will look like for you? 

God brought me to the country of Haiti last year in 2013. He has given me a heart for this place and it is in need of Him. Child Hope International is a non profit there in Port Au Prince and I had the opportunity to serve with them. They have a program for girls to learn how to sew and create to provide an income. This is what God has put in my path to help serve them. 

So how was your  first missions trip to Haiti?

So overwhelming. The love that those people have for Jesus is amazing. They live in a country full of brokenness around them and yet they still praise him. Child Hope has brought some restoration to the city of Port Au Prince. I didnt want to leave. 

How did this shape you? 

It really had me clinging to Jesus. Being in a foreign place, seeing the hurt all around, it was heart breaking. We have so much and they have very little. It shaped my perspective. 

I know you are leading a team to Haiti soon, how has the process of leading been for you? 

It has been a very humbling and challenging process so far. We leave very soon and planning a trip is never smooth. But the most important part is knowing Jesus has control.

What are you most looking forward to in Haitee? 

Seeing the kids again. Building relationships with the missionaries there and seeing the work that has been done in the year i haven't been there. 

What are your fears about your trip? 

That our team will clash, and that we will have conflict. But thats why Im praying for unity! 

Besides unity, do you have any other prayer requests? 

Communication, traveling to and from, for Child Hope and their restoration, for the Manaserros, and all other staff in Haiti. That our time there will be used wisely and radiate Christ. And that all of us be clinging to Him.

Thanks so much to Mari for sharing with us her heart. I hope you found this just as interesting as I did. Please join me in praying for her and her team and Haiti. They are currently in Haiti now! i hope to do interviews more often let me know what you think.