Switzerland, Armenia and the Republic of Georgia...via Poland and Turkey

Summer 2019

Marty and I just returned from a very long trip to Zurich and Thun Switzerland, 

Yerevan and Stepanavan, Armenia and the yearly camp for kids at risk 

at the Black Sea in The Republic of Georgia.

Thun, Switzerland

A view of the Interlaken Mountain Range

We were invited to a three day conference on persecuted Christians sponsored by ICR, a 50 year old nonprofit organization, founded by Richard Wurmbrand.  It was gripping to hear about the things that are really going on in places like Yemen, Nigeria, Syria and other far-flung countries 

where whole populations are being systematically tortured and killed. We have personally been

to places where persecution, poverty and war are rampant but even we were stunned with what is clearly absent on the news and the media, but is clearly happening on a daily basis.

We left the city with heads and hearts full of information that increases our world view even further.  Switzerland seemed like a million miles away from such horrors and atrocities with its gorgeous green hillsides and cows with tinkling bells around their necks.  While we were there, Europe was having an unprecedented heat wave. The above photo is a shot from our guest house, overlooking snow on the Interlaken Mountains.  It looks so pristine and refreshing, but truth be told, it was at least 97 degrees Fahrenheit that day!

While in Stepanavan, Armenia, I was able to make a presentation  of art to the Mayor of the city during a planning meeting.  The children in the artwork are from Stepanavan and attended last year's camp. We (Mercy Projects and Global Impact) are in talks about potentially doing a school or group home for the most vulnerable children in the city. The Mayor has a great heart for the children and has done so much to make sure the most vulnerable have clothing, transportation and opportunities.

There is such profound poverty and need in this city and a large fraction of the adults 

have to go to Russia for employment.  

In terms of a school type project in Stepanavan, we will have to see if it is a viable idea 

and could be sustainable in the future. This takes a lot of groundwork, planning and money!

The Mayor of Stepanavan, Mikayel Gharakeshishyan

For the second year, I was blessed to be a part of the camp at the Black Sea for Armenian youth from Stepanavan and the surrounding areas. Marty was able to join me and it made it that much more special. I did art projects as I had last year and was able to reunite with my sweet friends again from Armenia and from the United States.

A well known reporter, Peter Wooding from England came to the camp and conducted interviews and produced stories to bring awareness. He has a wonderful 3 minute piece about the impact of the camps on the lives of these amazing children.  It can be accessed at:

https://gna.news/content/mercy-projects-bible-camps-impact-armenian-youth

This year has been so fulfilling thus far. I have been working at a local Domestic Violence shelter and in the schools teaching empathy, compassion and gratitude.  I have also had the opportunity to volunteer with the homeless population, with a group of families with Down syndrome and recently will be starting an art program with young men with Traumatic Brain Injury...

Who could ask for more?

Dream Bigger, Art to benefit art program for Down syndrome

This was such a fun and heart warming piece of Poetry Art to create. Called "Dream Bigger" it features models with one extra chromosome and is sold to benefit a free art program I am offering to children with Down syndrome and their siblings. If you look closely, you will see that the children are reaching for the stars and each star has all sorts of aspirations and dreams written upon it. You will also notice that not only are they helping each other grasp those hopes and goals but they are also being lifted up by family, teachers, parents, mentors and peers.
Dream Bigger
Do you think you know me by just one glance?

Do you judge my abilities because of the curve of my eyes?

Or that I am free and trusting and laugh open without guile
Is it the cadence of my walk, how I run or even my stance
Or maybe you’re put off because I can fearlessly dance?
Do you have a preconceived notion about who is truly wise? 
Based textbooks, your education or the number of “whys?” 
Well, smarty-pants
I hate to inform you, but there’s a huge chance
You might just be perfectly wrong!
I’m here to surprise you; to knock the world’s socks off 
Because I’ve been wonderfully, beautifully and uniquely made 
I am a child of destiny with a divine purpose and song
If you are willing to let go of opinion...it’ll be a wild ride
But please come along!
I have masterpieces to paint, stories to tell
Stereotypes to shake up and boundaries to crash
Yes, I am ordinary but more than that-extra ordinary
Profound, sassy, ambitious and eager to burst out of my shell 
Not single-faceted but multilayered and rather complex 
Sometimes I am reserved but I offer my very best
I am blazing a trail, redefining the norm and ringing some bells 
Where I’ll end up, only time will tell
I’m not interested in leading a simple, easy life
Where I stay hidden in the shadows
So folks can stay comfortable with no controversy or strife 
Rather, my existence will be more of a dynamic one
Where being me is more than just all right
I will become what I aspire to be, even if means a daily fight 
Because I am going to shine forth like a Super Nova
An undiscovered galaxy or a thousand watt light
So stand back and watch closely and carefully as I
Dream bigger, dig deeper, reach further and aim higher 
Than anyone expects me to do
My journey could take a scenic route, but I won’t fail to try 
Because fear and setbacks are only whispered lies
So look at me now, I’m more courageous, more persistent 
More capable, insightful and smart
I am an overcomer, an achiever and hurdles I will defy 
Because I’m a gorgeous work of art!

Watch me grab all those distant stars with both hands
And like climbing mountains, achieve amazing goals
Because I have family, teachers and friends cheering me on
Ever reminding me that nothing is too hard and that I truly CAN! 
They lift me up so I can grasp my potential

Speak words of encouragement whenever I doubt 
And are helping me to formulate a spectacular plan 
To someday reach those greater heights
So I can always DREAM BIGGER and BIGGER 
And when difficulties do come my way

I will know how to firmly stand
And to teach the world around me 
That after the darkest dusk of twilight 
Comes a magnificent day

©Launa

Detail

New POEMA line by Launa!

New POEMA line by Launa! Now premiering in 2019---Inspirational/Faith-based Jewelry.

Each piece is handcrafted by the artist to be a unique statement and since it is not a “cookie cutter, ”

assembly line object, each piece has imperfections, personality and its own special charm, much like we as human beings.  Made from a variety of materials, both natural and man made.

POEMA product are sold to benefit art programs for children 

with special needs & kids at risk around the world.

Sneak peek the first 15 premiering on Etsy...

WWW.etsy.com/shop/PoetryArtbyLauna

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

  

art to benefit classes for kids with special needs

So this giclee, "See the Art in Me" was reproduced to be sold to support the free art classes for kids with special needs. It is a signed 13X17 print with a copy of the poetry included. (Poetry Below). This is the poetry the entire piece is made from. To purchase this or other Poetry Art items, go to:

WWW.Etsy.com/shop/PoetryArtbyLauna

Poetry:

See the Art in Me

Can you see past the insecurity, differences, poverty or the pain?
Detect my intrinsic value even under a thin layer of shame?
Do you think I might be precious, although I am not like you?
And my eyes bely a beauty, no matter what my behaviors do?
Are you brave enough to step closer to not only look, but see
The sketch of what I am not yet
But who I want to be…
Someone, anyone, please-see the art in me!

Look closely at the poetry scrawled across my face
Let your fingers find the meaning in the subtlest trace
Peer beyond the limitations that have put me in a box
That causes some to look away or to ridicule and mock
See the vivid colors on my skin and in my dreams
Get to know my innermost by using any means
I am potential, aspirations, determination and strength
Find out all that I can be, go to any length…
Someone, anyone, please-see the art in me!

I am tough, ticklish, challenged and misunderstood
I am brilliant, I am forgotten and disregarded-but I try so hard to be good
I’ve been shuffled around, fallen through cracks and been pushed aside
At times, I am loud and brash but really am just scared inside
I’ve been labeled and catalogued, so I’ve learned to be sly
Can’t you see that I’m exquisite
Even though I may appear sad and often shy?

I crave your acceptance, but am unsure as how that works
Will you love me for who I am, with all my many quirks?
I cry, I laugh, act uncomprehending and yet I really do
Understand that I am a work in progress
Like a painting, a poem or sculpture…
I am God’s perfect masterpiece
Simply beautiful, just like you
So someone, everyone, see the art in me!



(c)Launa

Sharing Down Syndrome and Poetry Art

I wanted to share this video from last night.  It is from Sharing Down Syndrome Arizona.  I am doing an art program with all sorts of kiddos with special needs, but one of them is "Dream Bigger." I am working on a piece of Poetry Art right now, with that same name, featuring children with one extra chromosome which will be sold to benefit the art program for Down syndrome. Give this a watch:

Can You SEE the ART in me?

Do my differences matter to you?

I have been doing art programs with children for more than 25 years as an 

outreach arm to my art form, Poetry Art and as a humanitarian with 

Global Impact World Relief

and other partners in the U.S. and abroad. 

In 2001, My husband Marty and I adopted

a child from an orphanage in Vietnam which thrust us into the arena of 

Reactive Attachment Disorder and children who have trauma from profound neglect.

The following year, we were blessed to welcome a newborn daughter into our family

following her birth. Within a short span of time, we had to take her to 

a neurologist as she seemed to stop hitting her milestones. 

After several years of searching for answers, we discovered 

that she was on the autistic spectrum.  In those first few years,  

her sensory processing issues were debilitating. 

 As if that wasn't enough...

In 2008, social services contacted us about a twenty-two month old boy

who needed a home. When all the clues about his prebirth and early years 

revealed themselves, we discovered that he was exposed to drugs in utero, 

had a mentally ill birth mom and while in her care, suffered neglect, trauma and 

health issues due to substances in the home environment. 

Early on, he exhibited behaviors that caused him to be bounced 

around from foster home to foster home.

So you could say that I have a PhD in early childhood development!

What my 3 children have taught me could fill volumes, but the most important

thing it has done is grow my heart for children with challenges.

That is why I developed the Program,

"See the ART in ME"

These are art classes and programs that are offered free to

children in the United States and internationally.  The purpose is

to create an inclusive environment that children from all

backgrounds and abilities can feel creative, learn life lessons,

feel accepted and thrive.

Domestic Art Programs & Art Camps:

•Special Needs: Medical & Emotional•Down's Syndrome•Trauma

•Autism Spectrum•At Risk Populations•Substance Exposed

•Battling Illness/Cancer/HIV+•Foster Care/Residential Treatment

International Art Programs & Art Camps:

For youth living in dire poverty, political & social instability, displacement & during natural disasters

For children with special needs of any kind

Contact me today if you'd like to donate art & crafting supplies, financially 

give or would like to discuss doing a program with your group:

Launastan@gmail.com or poetryartist@yahoo.com

About Global Impact World Relief

A grass roots organization founded in 1999 by Marty& Launa Stan.

We have traveled the globe bringing aid, hope & compassion

A 501 (c) Nonprofit

All donations are tax deductible

Look closer, the stars and stripes are not only the words of my poetry, they are the children who make up our great country...


Happy 4th of July and 

God bless America!

To kick off April's "National Poetry Month" I was invited to speak on Friday for the assembly of 7th & 8th graders at Glassford Hill Middle School in Prescott Valley, Arizona Thanks Student Council for inviting me! I was a bit jet lagged, but it was fun...I thoroughly enjoyed all of your poetry too!!!

I want to share a project that is close to my heart, it is the "Sewing Machine/Tailoring Project" we do for vulnerable women in India... My personal goal is 100 Sewing Machines go to http://impacttheglobe.blogspot.com/ to read more about this worthy endeavor

Making my way around India...This is one of the newspaper articles from yesterday in the Telugu language.  I am speaking, exhibiting Poetry Art, visiting slums with Joy Bags, visiting schools and tailoring projects for women.  In partnership with Sathyam Trust and India YMCAs.

Have a sari, will travel

I'm heading to India again...

and I couldn't be more excited!

In early March, I am returning 

to one of my most favorite places on earth-India.

I am going to be doing a JOY BAG outreach for Global Impact

in the Dharavi slums for 200 children in Mumbai

WWW.Globalimpactworldrelief.org

I will also be dedicating the Poetry Art painting below:

"Mother India: Beneath the Earth and Sky"(c)

at Justin's Home & Disability Center in Kerala

(Sathyam Ministries International)

WWW.Sathyam.org

I will also be speaking throughout the country 

and exhibiting Poetry Art

at YMCAs on the east coast, as well as be the  

 Key Note Speaker at

a Family Conference at Manna Church

in Vizianagaram, Andra Pradesh

"Mother India: Beneath the Earth and Sky"(c) 

36x48 Mixed Media on canvas

                  

Christmas Outreach in Peruvian Amazon

As I promised in a previous blog, here are the photos to one of the JOY BAG outreaches that 

we've done this year.  This one was just a few days ago in the remote village of Poyeni, Peru.

This even has great meaning to me because I was in this village in the mid-1990's and

fell in love and served the parents of these Ashaninka children when they were just children.

It is further sweet to me because it was headed up by Lourdes, (this is her home village.)

She is now a grown woman who I've known since 

she was a small girl living in a children's home outside of Lima.

I first did Poetry Art to benefit this orphanage and the Ashaninka children who came

from this very village, who called, "Camino De Vida" home.

(This orphanage is one of the many outreaches of Life Ministries/Karyn and Robert Barriger)

Many of my collectors may recall a print from that period called, "Lourdes' Dream"

This is the actual person who inspired the poetry to that piece of art.

JOY
JOY 
JOY...I haven't posted anything in here in months, but it isn't because I haven't been busy or have not had anything to say.
To the contrary!  As one of those ridiculous commercials say,
"Life comes at you fast!"


In the last two months, we've buried both of our beloved Papillons and yesterday my husband and in-law's beloved kitty...all were 16 years old.  We are starting a "Hobby Farm" on our beautiful Arizona acreage.  Right now, we are feeding 32 PEEPS! Who would've thought I'd be a farm girl...I am doing it to enrich my children's lives and teach them the joy and responsibility of caring for livestock, but I know, I'll be the one carrying water and feeding the critters in the deep reaches of winter. (We've already experienced this with the girl's bunnies.)

An important aspect of my life is outreach.  As many of you know-who have followed my art career for almost 20 years, what I do is intermingled with aiding those who are vulnerable.  One of the ways we do this is through, "JOY BAGS."

(See Globalimpactworldrelief.org)

This summer, we did orphanage outreaches with JOY BAGS in Romania...see one of the blogs from this summer for more details.  It was exciting for me because my children participated.  My oldest daughter is from an orphanage in Viet Nam, so that was especially sweet.  Presently, we are doing Christmastime outreaches with JOY BAGS in southern India, to a boarding school for children and young adults with special needs.  We are also doing it in a barrio of Peru for 100 children who would otherwise not have something special for them for Christmas.

What is amazing about this outreach is that it is being head-up by a dear young lady that I have known since she was a girl.  She was one of the children that lived in a children's home outside of Lima who I did Poetry Art prints to help support! This sweetheart is making puppets to do a Christmas gospel presentation and is doing the outreach to the children in her own neighborhood.  She has the desire to give to those who are less fortunate than she because she herself has seen firsthand what this is all about.  (I got to spend Christmas with her and the other children in that children's home in 1994.)

Beyond international JOY BAG outreaches, we are also doing two in the United States. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, my children and our homeschooling group are taking JOY BAGS to an orphanage in the Phoenix area...YES, I said, "orphanage."  This one is called Sunshine Farms and it is a home for children without families.  In December, we will be doing an outreach with JOY BAGS to the senior citizens that my daughters and I visit every month at a senior day center in our town.  We will fill the bags with lotion, fuzzy socks and miscellaneous items that will bless our friends there.

SO, if you would like to participate on any level in the JOY BAG project, whether that means sewing bags or making a monetary donation, please do, information is on the Global Impact website. Beyond that, I will do my utmost to update this blog with photos of some of these events that I've talked about.
Happy Thanksgiving...I am counting my blessings more than ever this year, I'm sure you are too!

I lost a dear friend for almost 17 years, our oldest Papillon recently.  No matter how you try to prepare yourself for the inevitable, it still is difficult when the day arrives.  Over the years, I've had people order the print "Until My Arms Ache" to give to a loved one (or themselves) after the death of a pet.  So many vets have it hanging in their offices to offer solace as well.  I thought it would be fitting to share it on my blog, with a photo of my eldest daughter (who was glued to this beloved dog.)  In memory of Mariposa...

Until My Arms Ache

“My dearest friend, do I appreciate you enough?

When we touch, can I feel your soul?

Life is so brief and often tough

All we have is this moment, we may not grow old

And things change so fast…

Is happiness for us?

Or just for the bold

The strong and the brave

I don’t want to behave

In the way I’ve seen others do

What about you?

They look at each other without seeing

Live in the future, but not being

A part of the now

Will you bask in the glow of my smile…

At least for a while?

And let me hold you

Until my arms ache.”

(c) Launa

To view this print, see WWW.Poetryart.net