I wish to thank the many loving, generous people in my life who helped make this story and this book possible, including:

Fr. Gérard Jean-Juste, for his daily example of faith, hope, and love. His courage and commitment to serve those in need, working tirelessly for social justice, are a constant source of inspiration. The privilege of our friendship and partnership continues to be one of the greatest blessings of my life.

Manmi Dèt, Nennenn, and all the members of the Dépestre family, for welcoming me “home,” taking such good care of Luke, Paul, and me during our visits, and giving their hearts to the food program.

Cloraine Dorissant, Roselie, Jean-Marie Noel, Katty, Ber-gomy, Berthony, Carlo, Jean-Claudel, Wadner Pierre, Porfil, Sonn, Sanon, Michel, Toto, and the dozens of other members of the St. Clare’s community in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, who day in and day out have made the food and education programs possible through their courage and dedication.

Barbara Gates, this book’s midwife, for her loving kindness and gifts as a writer and editor, which helped me find and trust my voice.

Arnie Kotler at Koa Books, for his belief in this book and giving it flight through his editing expertise, gentle guidance, and collaboration.

My parents, Frederick and Louise Trost, for their unconditional love and lifelong example of putting faith into action. My siblings, Marianne, Christine, Paul, and Sarah, their spouses, Adam, Douglas, Shelly, and John, and children, Grace, Reed, Simon, and Clare, for their love and friendship and the great joy we share as a family.

Bryan Sirchio and the Ministry of Money’s “Reverse Mission” program, for leading me to Haiti that first, life-changing time.

The Wisconsin Conference of the United Church of Christ for the original gift of $5,000.

The What If? Foundation donors, for their trust in me and support of the Foundation, making it possible to fund the food and education programs at St. Clare’s.

Limor Inbar, Pamela Keenan, Grace Maina, Audrey Raya, Caitlin Szymanski, Andrea Wolf, and Sara Wolf, for providing such wonderful, heartful assistance in the What If? Foundation office.

The many people who read the manuscript along the way, offering valuable feedback and encouragement, including Johanna Berrigan, Dr. Walter Brueggemann, Brian Concannon, Ketty Dépestre, Dr. Paul Farmer, Leslie Fleming, Bishop Thomas Gumbleton, Fr. Jean-Juste, Barbara Lagoni, Marilyn Langlois, Jody Parsons, Lorisa Schouela, Kristelle Sim, Thara Srinivasan, Gay Thomas, Loune Viaud, Julie Ann Weiss, and Robin Woodland.

Ayelet Maida, who made the book design so beautiful, Wadner Pierre for his sensitive photos, Mark Rhynsburger for his superb copy editing and proofreading, and publicist Lorna Garano, for her help with spreading the word.

My Shaklee family, for their support every step of the way and patience while I put my business on hold to complete the manuscript.

Lavarice Gaudin and the many other angels who have come into my life and offered their assistance so generously, including Rita Hagen Aleman, Francine Delica, James and Deby Fellowes, Marjorie Fine, Anne Hastings and Fonkoze, Carla Lamothe, Bill Quigley, Steven Rahn, Mirari Romero, Katherine Salazar-Poss, Irene Scully, and Tina Thomson.

My extraordinary son, Luke, wise beyond his years, who brings me such joy and enriches my life every day. I feel so blessed to be his mother.

And finally, my incredible husband, Toma, “my anchor and my kite,” whose love and partnership bring immeasurable peace and happiness into my life. It was his idea to write my experience down and his faith in me that helped me believe I could do it.