Fortifying 20 Years of Hope
During the holiday season, we gather not just to share old movies, traditional foods, and laughter, but to celebrate the deeper joys that unite us. These moments remind us of the enduring power of love, the strength found in togetherness, and the profound gratitude that lights our way forward. Each memory we create becomes a source of hope and inspiration for the days ahead.
This season, I found myself drawn to the movie A League of Their Own—a film many cherish. Set during a time of great hardship and uncertainty, it tells the story of women who, despite daunting odds, stepped forward with courage and determination to keep baseball’s spirit alive. Their resilience reminds us that even in the most challenging times, we each have the power to make a meaningful difference.
One scene resonated deeply with me. Later in the film, Dottie (Geena Davis) confronts her coach, Jimmy Dugan (Tom Hanks), as she considers quitting before the World Series. Dottie admits, “It just got too hard.” Coach Dugan, unwavering, replies, “It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great.” This simple exchange is a powerful reminder that the challenges we face are what shape our greatest achievements. It’s in overcoming difficulty that we discover our true strength and inspire those around us to do the same.
This year, Hands & Feet Project is in a remarkable place, a moment in time where we are called to examine the twenty years behind us, to hold fast the past and to fortify it, forging ahead courageously into the future. I’m inspired by the word fortify. In the horticultural world, plants are fortified by their roots—digging deep, bringing nutrients and water to the plant. Further, roots secure the plant in place while storing food for future use. To this, we are called to pursue in 2026!
One of the most extraordinary ways we break the cycle of poverty and empower children in Haiti is through education. When a child is denied the chance to learn, doors close to opportunity, health suffers, and hope dims. Many children in Haiti face hunger and isolation, missing out on the guidance of teachers, mentors, coaches, and friends. It is for these reasons—and so many more—Hands & Feet Project will fortify the ministry work of reaching vulnerable children and strengthening families.
Through my journeys around the world, I’ve encountered doubts, struggles, fears, and the stark realities of poverty. Yet in every trial, I have learned to embrace my identity and the faith that anchors me. My story is not only one of hardship, but of unwavering faithfulness, redemption, and hope.
In Haiti, I strive to be a voice for those who bear witness to the transformative power of Christian life. I invite you to walk boldly with us—to live generously and courageously as we champion each child, each family, and each community for Christ in Haiti. Every voice is a testimony that the Church is called to be a living reality of hope, justice, truth, and love. I invite you to take this journey with us.
This year, Hands & Feet Project is committed to fortifying the foundation God has laid, drawing renewed strength and inspiration from Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:16-20.
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”
Journey with us, and together, we will turn hardship into hope and build a brighter future for every child. It will be hard, but hard is what makes it great!