The months of April, May and June are traditionally an idyllic time of the year for saying "I do" – but the nuptials for one pair has taken on an international twist, one where wedding guests are encouraged to help people more than 3,100 miles away. The couple, Nancy Childress and Ken Haffey, sent out this request along with their wedding invitations, "If you were considering a present, we would love for you to support a freshwater project in Haiti set up in honor of our marriage."
What was the response? "Surprise by some, but excitement and delight from others who understand who we are," said Childress. "We’re both passionate about doing God’s will and helping others; this is what’s really important in life. We’re not rich, but we don’t need anything more materially; we have all we need."
Childress and Haffey will marry at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Carson City, Nevada, on April 30. Please visit their wedding page at www.foodforthepoor.org/childresshaffeywedding to learn how to help with this project. Childress, 55, works as a controller with an international manufacturing company. She met Haffey, a 52-year-old civil engineer with the state of Nevada, at church. Childress said she was attracted to Haffey’s desire to make a difference. The father of three adult children, Haffey is active in the couple’s parish and is dedicated to helping the homeless in their hometown of Carson City.
Childress also is no stranger to giving back. Moved to action after hearing a song about Haiti by Christian songwriter/singer Bryan Sirchio, she said she took her first trip to the Caribbean nation nearly a decade ago. It was on that trip she met and fell in love with a little boy and girl, whom she still sponsors. With no children of her own, she affectionately refers to Ellesie and John, who are now 17 and 13 respectively, as her daughter and son.
Childress later learned about the international relief and development organization Food For The Poor after a priest shared his experience with her church’s congregation. Intrigued by what she heard, the spirited Childress got involved with the charity – went to Jamaica, took her second trip to Haiti, and later traveled to Nicaragua to help build homes for the poorest of the poor. But there was something about Haiti and the polluted waterways in Port-au-Prince, she said, that left a burning impression in her mind.
Childress also is no stranger to giving back. Moved to action after hearing a song about Haiti by Christian songwriter/singer Bryan Sirchio, she said she took her first trip to the Caribbean nation nearly a decade ago. It was on that trip she met and fell in love with a little boy and girl, whom she still sponsors. With no children of her own, she affectionately refers to Ellesie and John, who are now 17 and 13 respectively, as her daughter and son.
Childress later learned about the international relief and development organization Food For The Poor after a priest shared his experience with her church’s congregation. Intrigued by what she heard, the spirited Childress got involved with the charity – went to Jamaica, took her second trip to Haiti, and later traveled to Nicaragua to help build homes for the poorest of the poor. But there was something about Haiti and the polluted waterways in Port-au-Prince, she said, that left a burning impression in her mind.
You too have the opportunity to get involved and make a difference in the lives of people like Chantaline. FFP has already updated their gift catalogue for Christmas, with an assortment of affordable solutions. By donating as little as $12 USD per month you can feed an entire family, $36 USD can feed a malnourished child for an entire year or even $150 USD can purchase a gift Donkey. If you would like more information about FFP simply visit www.foodforthepoor.org. To make a donation simply click the secure link below. |
