Greetings from Port-au-Prince!

As I sit to write this, the one word that stands out in my mind is “catalyst.” When I looked up the word in Webster’s Dictionary, there were two definitions that stood out:

1) to bring about, inspire

and

2) to alter significantly.

This week I have been able to see a catalyst in motion at a very deep level. I am here in Port-au-Prince, Haiti working at the new location of Fanm Limye, Prosperity Catalyst’s Haitian candle production and export business. During this trip my role is primarily to train 10 women in the art of candle making – with the hope that these skills will contribute to bringing about change in the lives of these women and their families. The goal of my time here is to ensure that the women trained will all be able to go home and put this knowledge into practice, whether they make candles for their own families or for sale.

The women Prosperity Catalyst is working with in Port-au-Prince come from all different backgrounds: orphans from the 2010 earthquake, matrons of their own homes, high school or university educated…their backgrounds and stories are diverse and unique. And I as meet them individually, I see that they are not here for just a job. They are building community with their co-workers. They are learning skill sets, both in candle making and in business development. They are wanting to better their work and themselves, not just for a paycheck, but to be a part of something much larger than just a “job.” Community. Relationships. Self Empowerment. Growth. These are things that we all want access to and deserve. These are core values at the base of Prosperity Catalyst’s mission, and I see myself as truly blessed to see this in motion, and to add my small part.

This is my second trip to Haiti with Prosperity Catalyst, and one of the most unexpected things for me has been the moments where I too have been “altered significantly.” Working in Haiti, it is easy to become discouraged by the impact that you are unable to have. Sometimes I wonder if what I am doing is enough, and I feel that the simple answer is “No.” However, I know that even seemingly small contributions can cause deep impact and lasting change. We may not be able to change the world, or a country, or even a village. But I know if I can successfully train 10 candle makers then they will be better able to help provide for their families. If I can successfully train 10 candle makers, then they will have to purchase wax from local beekeepers, and now the beekeepers can supply more honey and provide better for their families. If, through our work, beekeepers are able to increase the numbers of their hives, the farmers have increased pollination for their crops. If these 10 candle makers can sell high-quality candles to shop owners abroad, then this work can bring attention to an area of the world that so desperately needs to be noticed. The ripple effect of this work is clear. But what is even more remarkable is that this ripple effect - this impact - is felt strongest in yourself, and can change you as deeply as those around you.

And so while here in Haiti, I choose to focus on what I can do: I will successfully train 10 candle makers, knowing that my small impact has the real potential to lead to much greater things. I invite you too to take part in this mission. Spread the word of Prosperity Catalyst and the stories of these 10 women in Haiti. By getting involved, learning more about this work, and supporting these efforts in Haiti in whatever way you can, you will realize as I have that such efforts don’t only help change the world for 10 women, but for yourself as well.

In Peace,

Brian Howell
Founder, Bee Man Candle Company