#14- Artisan Works- Benefit for Rehema Home

Last nights event was provided for by God.

Artisan Works http://artisanworks.net/ was on my list because it is a unique venue which people talk about and I have wanted to see it, so when I heard that there was a benefit that supported Christian based orphanage in Kenya that took care of abused, neglected and HIV positive children in Kenya I knew that I should go.

The event was called Elevate 2010 and the organization is for Rehema Home http://www.rehemahome.org/elevate/. Rehema means "mercy". The problem..........it was the same night as the Casting Crowns concert---one of my FAVORITE bands. I lamented but kept being led that I needed to support Rehema, and because of this I was blessed for the entire cost of the evening!!

I have never been to a benefit before (mainly due to the cost per person)but being led to go I figured I was going to "waste" my money on a concert ticket, wouldn't it be better to use that toward a good cause and as a bonus check something off my "40" list! So I purchased the ticket. Within a week I received a unexpected check in the mail for $15 MORE than the ticket cost from someone that I did an interview with more than 6 months ago!!! First off I never expected to get paid for that interview and second, 6 months later....and the timing???--all God......AND He provided me enough money for a drink at the benefit too.

So one of my girlfriends told me I had to wear a dress, a black dress. Which of course meant I needed to go shopping ergo a problem, I have NO money and no time to shop. Last week I had 20 minutes, so I ask God...."God, I'm going to run into this store, could you help me out with a dress in 20 minutes for 20 dollars?". WELL, let me tell you, HE can do better than that! I got a little black dress, in my size, the only one on the rack for......get this.....$11.99!! And yes, in 20 minutes. I had a visa gift card from some survey I filled out months ago worth $15, so essentially a free dress-AWESOME! Another girlfriend lent me a wrap to keep warm, I already had accessories...I was set.

I went to the event solo (yes another stretching Susan beyond her comfort zone) but knowing that there would be people there that I knew. Sure enough one of my new friends from Swing dancing who I told about the event had come, a friend from high school was there, and then a new friend via facebook who actually works for Rehema came up and introduced himself to me.

The event was a fun evening with food and entertainment. I bid on a piece of artwork in the silent auction and was surprised that I was outbid (not many people were bidding, but I'm glad that they were able to raise more funds).

Artisan works was an experience. A bit overwhelming for me. Too much stuff in too little of a space, a bit of sensory overload. I joked with my high school friend that its an autistic persons nightmare because it really is sensory overload.

Last night ended up being about connecting with old friends, new friends and me being obedient when God calls me to do something. For when He nudges me to do something, He will provide. We hopefully made a difference in the lives of some children, if even one life is forever positively impacted by the Love.....it is all worth it!