A Fall Update

As fall approaches and we say goodbye to the summer months, it’s great to be able to reflect on what we have achieved in recent weeks. 

Guatemala Medical Mission

In August, Linda had the privilege of traveling to Guatemala as part of a medical mission trip. During her time there, she visited five elderly care homes, each with its own unique set of challenges and needs. The team provided much-needed support through education and medical assistance, offering care to residents who often have limited access to healthcare services. It was incredibly fulfilling to connect with the elderly individuals in these homes, listen to their stories, and address their medical concerns directly. Being able to offer care firsthand, rather than through a distant or indirect means, made the experience deeply meaningful. It reinforced the importance of compassion, not only in medicine but also in human connection, and we are grateful to have been part of such a heartwarming and impactful journey.

Support Retreats for Missionaries

Scheduling support retreats for missionaries at their cabin in Georgia is a unique and meaningful initiative that aims to provide much-needed rest, reflection, and resources for those serving on the frontlines of faith and family. The serene environment of the cabin, nestled in the tranquil beauty of Georgia’s landscape, offers a perfect setting for missionaries to recharge and find renewed strength after long periods of service in challenging conditions. These retreats not only give missionaries a space for relaxation but also offer them spiritual support, emotional encouragement, and a chance to connect with others who share similar experiences.

In addition, the cabin will also serve as a place of refuge and community for families who are in the process of adoption or navigating the complexities of post-adoption life. Adoption, while beautiful, often comes with emotional and logistical challenges, and the retreats provide both practical resources and a supportive environment where families can share their stories, gain insight, and receive the encouragement they need. Whether it’s through workshops, counseling sessions, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of nature, these retreats are designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit of those who give so much of themselves to others.

Haiti

Even though we are not currently physically present in Haiti, we remain committed to supporting the staff and beneficiaries on the ground. One of the key ways we continue to make an impact is through initiatives like the transportation program. The truck we provided is still actively working to transport produce from the farmers in the village we partnered with to the street market. This logistical support is critical because, without it, many of the farmers would have no way to reach the market and sell their goods. The truck acts as a lifeline, ensuring that their produce reaches buyers and helping the farmers sustain their livelihoods.

For many of these farmers, selling their produce at the market is their sole source of income, and the ability to reliably transport their goods makes all the difference. The income they generate not only supports their families but also fuels the local economy, allowing the community to grow and thrive. This ongoing support, though indirect, ensures that the work we began in Haiti continues to have a lasting effect. It also underscores the importance of sustainable development—creating systems that remain beneficial to local communities even when outside help is no longer immediately available.

Special Olympics returns

The Special Olympics kicked off again just two weeks ago, and we are excited to be embarking on a full schedule that spans the fall, winter, and spring seasons. We are thrilled to be welcoming a significant number of new athletes to the program. The growing participation reflects not only the increasing enthusiasm within the community but also the importance of providing opportunities for individuals to engage in sports, develop skills, and build lasting friendships.

With each new season, we aim to create an inclusive and empowering environment where our athletes can thrive, whether it's learning new skills, competing in their favorite events, or simply enjoying being part of a supportive team. This year's expanded roster means we’ll have even more opportunities to celebrate the athletes' dedication, perseverance, and achievements as they train, compete, and grow together. It's a true privilege to witness their personal development and the sense of joy and accomplishment that comes from being part of the Special Olympics family. 

Today we ask for your prayers for the following:

• The care homes in Guatemala now feel better equipped to manage and cope more effectively after our mission visit.

• Serenity and rejuvenation for Haiti

• That the weather allows for a fruitful harvest for all our Haitian farmers

• Love and luck for all our Special Olympics participants

• That Linda's upcoming surgery on the 22nd October is successful and her health begins to improve

Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we stand together for the Haitian and Guatemalan communities, and for Linda, Ron and their families mission. Your support and dedication to our work, helps to spur us on and continue with our duty in God's name. 

July Update from the Sheppard Family

It’s been a busy few weeks for Ron, Linda, and the family. 

Work is fully underway for our medical mission trip to Guatemala on August 19th. During these mission trips we are able to continue providing trauma training for teachers and firefighters working with children in crisis. Supporting mental health is an area that lacks sufficient financial backing in the country, yet it is integral to the growth and happiness of those affected.

To ensure the success of this mission, we are urgently seeking volunteers. Your participation can make a significant difference. If you’re interested in being involved, please contact Linda directly at haitimissionaries@gmail.com    

Meanwhile, ten gymnasts at Union County Gymnastics participated in the Special Olympics in North Carolina back in May. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of them. Our gymnast Melissa Sheppard was also honored in the opening ceremony, being one of only two athletes from the entire state selected to carry the torch. Well done, Melissa!

We really hope to coordinate with Haiti Special Olympics in the future, when life there settles enough to allow it. 

Life in Haiti remains dangerously unstable. Most recently, Kenyan police have been sent into the country. They have been supposedly tasked to protect strategic sites, such as airports, the palace, and ministries. But it is unclear whether the forces are authorized to engage directly in combat, as well as if or how they will be integrated with the Haitian police force and military.  

Today we ask for your prayers for the following:

• The offering of volunteers for our medical mission to Guatemala

• Serenity and rejuvenation for Haiti

• Stability and Safety for our Haitian staff

Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we stand together for the Haitian and Guatemalan communities, and for Linda’s mission. Your dedication makes a significant impact, and we are grateful for your unwavering commitment.

Spring Update

It's been a busy few months so we wanted to give you an update on the progress of our missions in Haiti and Guatemala. 

It’s been a busy few months here at ‘The Chance to Dream’. Our work in Guatemala is primarily focused on increasing access to education and bringing in medical teams to serve the people. But we have also seen that the need for mental health services is vital for making dreams come true. 

Despite her recent back problems, which are on the mend, Linda has still been working extremely hard and continues to dedicate her life to supporting people through their traumatic life experiences. Linda recently went and did trauma training in rural Guatemala with a group of dedicated volunteers. Whether the trauma is related to neglect, poverty, abuse, witnessed or experienced violence or other causes, she is committed to facilitating healing. Linda trusts in God's plan for her, to continue her work channeling his power and love always. 

Linda has planned another medical trip to Guatemala in May, and is actively seeking volunteers to help with this mission. If this interests you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. 

Haiti remains dangerously unstable, due to gang violence, kidnappings, and limited resources, which obviously is what forced the Sheppard family to relocate to the US, and we’re acutely aware that our team is still navigating these terrifying challenges. Our team here are in close contact with those on the ground and we are working hard to ensure the community has what it needs, despite the obvious struggles.

The two Gymnastics schools in Haiti and in North Carolina continue to thrive and we will carry on our work in the hope that we can enforce the sister school status, which would create opportunities for Haitian students to get visas and then to transfer to North Carolina as part of the programme. This is still very much our plan and we will continue to hope, pray and push for this positive step. 

Today we ask for your prayers for the following:

• Linda’s continued recovery following her back surgery

• The ability to gain sister school status for the Gymnastics schools 

• Serenity and rejuvenation for Haiti

• Stability and safety for our Haitian staff

• A successful medical mission trip to Guatemala

Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we stand together for the Haitian and Guatemalan communities, and for Linda’s mission. 

Happy New Year

As we enter the new year, I wanted to provide a brief update on our family and also take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and generosity towards A Chance to Dream.

In recent months, Ron, the children, and I have completed the emotionally challenging task of packing up our family home in Haiti and have safely returned to North Carolina in the United States. The decision to leave Haiti stemmed from increasing instability due to various challenges, including gang violence and limited resources. I also underwent unexpected back surgery recently, and while my recovery will be demanding, I am grateful for the prayers and support that sustain me through this challenging time.

 

Despite this move to the United States, our hearts remain dedicated to Haiti's service, and we are actively engaged in supporting the community from afar.

Your contributions throughout this year have made an incredible difference in the lives of those we serve. Thanks to your compassion and commitment, we've been able to improve the quality of life for children and families in Haiti, Guatemala, and Ecuador.

  

Thank you for being an essential part of our mission and for your continued belief in our cause. Together, we can bring positive change and make a lasting difference in so many lives.

 

Your ongoing support and prayers means the world to our family as we navigate this significant chapter. We kindly request your continued prayers for our mission and also for my recovery. We thank you for standing with us and being a source of strength.

 

We are wishing you and your loved ones a prosperous New Year!