Send "At Risk" Armenian Kids to Camp....
In July of 2018, I had the privilege of doing an art program (in partnership with Mercy Projects,) at a summer camp in the Republic of Georgia for youth from Armenia. The camp is located on the shores of the Black Sea and the kids were ecstatic to be able to splash in the water or lay in the sun every day on the stone laden beach. There isn't a huge body of water near their town, which is a 12 hour van ride to camp, so the opportunity to play in the sea was beyond thrilling. I did art with the kids daily also and at the end of camp we distributed JOY Bags filled with art supplies, school supplies and other fun items for the kids to take back home with them. This is our 17th year of doing a JOY Bag outreach internationally and/or domestically. That alone blows my mind~
Children working on self-portraits done with their own poetry
I was quite inspired by each and every child and their individual stories. The youth don't have very much in terms of material possessions, but they are so thankful and open hearted. When I returned, I wanted to give them something special. Fairly quickly, I painted the piece of artwork, "Haven" to raise money to help sponsor another group of kids to be able to attend the upcoming 2019 summer camp. It costs $150. per child to travel to and participate in the life changing camp. That price includes food, transportation out of the country and shelter for over a week! Cheap compared to what the same program would cost in the United States. My signed Giclee print is being sold for $45.00 and the proceeds will got to the Armenian summer camp art program, as well as sponsoring individual kiddos. This an experience that they never forget, as many of the children and teens come from profoundly impoverished situations. I too am hoping to be back at the camp this summer as well!
If you would like to purchase one of these prints, go to my Etsy page: WWW.etsy.com/shop/PoetryartbyLauna
or
If you would simply like to sponsor a child for camp, send your donation to:
Mercy Projects, PO Box 685, Murrieta, CA 92564
*Make sure and note on your check that it is for the Armenian Camp in Georgia
(And tell them Launa sent you!)
If you are interested in making a donation toward art supplies for the children's art program,
JOY Bags or would like to send actual art supplies:
Global Impact World Relief
12415 E. Mingus Vista Dr.
Prescott Valley, AZ 86315
Both Mercy Projects and Global Impact World Relief are 501(c)3 non-profits and you will receive
a tax deductible receipt in the mail for your generous donation
This is the poetry that the entire artwork is made from:
Haven
My haven is in you Lord, sheltered
In the shadow of your kindness
In the glow of your smile
The storms roll all around me
They crash over me
And yet I am safe in the shade of your wings
Comforted by your arms, wrapped so tightly
You gift me every morning with a handful of mercy
Soothe my thumping heart, calm
My frayed and ricocheting thoughts
Your voice gives me hope, teaches grace
Chases away all fear
When circumstances cry all is lost
I know you have a different plan
You offer inheritance to the orphan
A healing balm for the broken
You've made promises that I cling to
Vows that you will honor
I have a future with potential, room to dream
And the blessed assurance
That you have set your love upon me
My haven is in you Lord, sheltered
Safe and secure within your perfect will
It is here that I will remain
©Launa
"He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. He shall cover you with His feathers and under His wings shall you trust..."
Psalm 91:4a
