The Haiti Sankofa Trip was Amazing
Dear Friends,
I hope this update finds you and yours with goodness, mercy and favor.
Last week we embarked on our first Haiti Sankofa trip. I always love ministering in Haiti, to women and others in Haiti. So I'm often biased when I tell people; "the trip was amazing" when asked. However, from last week's trip, we have a new voice to join the testimony parade; Priscilla Etienne. She was probably the first one to say yes to this trip. Even when the date was changed on her, she persisted and changed her schedule too. She's one of the 15 grandchildren in my family so I know her pretty well. I knew this trip had to be a success for me to get a positive review from her.
Here's what she had to say upon her return:
"Sankofa is a Twi word from the Akan tribe of Ghana that means “to go back and get it”. It represents the need to reflect on the past and build a successful future. Last week I went on a Sankofa trip with @elevateher_international to do just that. I learned so much about Haiti’s vast history and saw Haiti for what it truly is and not through other people’s depictions of it. Haiti is a place of undeniable beauty, joy, passion, grit, strength, and wonder. Although this wasn't my first time in Haiti, I got to see and learn about things that I wouldn't have gotten the exposure to without the help of the leaders of this trip. So yes, I’m continuing my Sankofa journey and I think that you should too. I had a 10/10 experience with ElevateHer and would recommend going with them if given the opportunity."
I think she had an amazing experience, what do you think?
Click below to go on Instagram to see all of the trip highlights, videos and more stories.
As we shared in our last update, this year we're hosting a gala during women's month to celebrate the impact of women around the world. Registration for this inaugural gala is well underway. Ticket sales are starting to come in. We are in full planning mode. We invite you to join us.
If you're unable to attend, there are still some ways you can support and join us in spirit:
Sponsor the event to cover expenses
Sponsor a woman in need to attend the event
Sponsor three Haiti women to attend the event
Click the link below to learn more and support the event.
Lastly, while in Haiti, I took the opportunity to take several pictures of me and my new book on several historical sites like the citadel. The pictures were a way of proclaiming to my ancestors, those who survived and those who didn’t, that we're still here. My book is an ode to my people.
I had a full circle moment on the island of Ile a rat. I kept thinking, “this is Haiti!”
I wonder if the enslaved ever asked; “Does God see me?”
I wonder if they ever dreamed they’d be free.
I wonder if they knew they’d survive so much so that their blood line would reach generations.
Not only did they dream of being free, God saw them, God answered their prayers and they were free.
So free, that their children would return, thrive and continue to fight for their children’s children.
We are still here because God sees us.
Grateful for the calling to join God at God’s work.
Thank you for your continued partnership to bring life-giving trauma healing to women around the world. We could not do it without you. We believe when we heal women, we heal the world. Connect with us on email, or social media to get more timely updates.
With gratitude,
Dieula Previlon
CEO/Founder