This past March I had the absolute pleasure of joining my husband for a HOPE International trip to the Dominican Republic. For those of you unfamiliar with HOPE International, they facilitate small business loans for people in developing countries, as well as Biblical business training. The loans are given in small groups (often filled with women), which lead to accountability and growth for the community in many beautiful ways. My husband actually takes groups to the DR regularly so that donors can see these small loan groups in action. It’s an encouraging interaction for everyone involved and always challenges the way I see my “world” and appreciate all the opportunities and luxuries I have.
This last trip was especially encouraging, as we visited the mountainous city of Santiago and a few of the small loan groups there with such a sweet team of friends from Atlanta. As we engaged with each loan group, stories of God’s faithfulness to these small business owners filled our hearts with inspiration. One story that really stands out is from a female entrepreneur named Miguelina (read her story here). She has used her loans to build a strong hair salon business and as she talked, you could literally see the hope she had for her shop and her family.
After she talked for a while we spent some time with her family. Her oldest daughter was in high school and Chris asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up. She was quick to reply, “a doctor” and with a flip of her hair, walked off. I was shocked. A doctor? That was not the answer I was expecting. So few people, even in America, have those kinds of ambitions. It was amazing to see that kind of confidence and HOPE in a girl so young in a developing country. That’s the kind of HOPE I’ve seen over and over again on these trips. Someone believed in them and gave them a hand up, not a handout. And look at the difference it made not only in the mom’s life, but in her daughter’s perspective on life. I love it!
I’m proud to say that at Chancey Charm, a portion of our profits are given to the work HOPE International does and women like Miguelina. You can learn more about her story and HOPE here. If you’re interested in learning more about HOPE and getting involved here in Atlanta, we will be doing a Top Golf Tournament on July 12th. I’m not sure about y’all, but I LOVE Top Golf, so finding an excuse to play with our team and support a great cause was something I thought I’d share with my fellow friends in the event industry. I’d love for y’all to consider bringing a team to this event. If you’re interested in learning more, let me know at info@chanceycharmweddings.com and I’ll help get you registered. By sponsoring the event, you’ll reserve a bay for a team of 6 people along with several opportunities for brand exposure among some of Atlanta’s top executives. It’ll be a great evening and will have a great impact on the entrepreneurs and their families that HOPE serves around the globe. Cheers!
–Sarah Chancey
