So, some of you know that my kids have started this project called “Shoes 4 Kids” and that Isabel has this passion to give shoes to children in need.  I delivered 22 pair of shoes on my last trip to Kenya to some kids that have nothing, and it was pretty cool. The  other night my husband asked Isabel to talk about her plan for Shoes 4 Kids, you know, like a business plan because she has some big ideas and is very FOCUSED on this project. Isabel and her sisters have been talking about branding, jobs, vision and mission and how this entire operation will work with getting shoes to needy kids all over the world. The other night the girls were trying to figure out branding and got in this serious discussion about the Bible and they decided to brand their “Cause” around a lily because of the verses Matthew 6:26-31.  Isabel said she likes this verse because it reminds her not to worry and she wants other kids around the world not to worry about their shoes.  She also said that giving shoes is kind of like helping God grow pedals on beautiful flowers.

Why worry about clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow.  They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for the wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.

The passion Isabel has for this project is a little intimidating. So Isabel wrote this business plan for her dad.

Isabel’s Business Plan

Julia: Look up companies to see if they have child labor. If not, tell Grace what companies are fair trade.

Grace: Write letters to those companies telling them what we are doing. Then asking if we could get a discount or donate shoes.

Dad: Get me a blog to share the word.

Mom & Grace & Julia: Help me think of new ideas.

Stephen and I have been a little freaked out over this project because the girls have expressed very large expectations.  I was imagining trying to figure out non-profits, boards, by-laws, international laws, duty on products, and how we were going to get all these shoes over to other countries and I started to stress. I was imagining Isabel, Grace and Julia calling Wes Stafford and Bob Lenz to be on their board.  My girls aren’t afraid to ask. Seriously, I did not want my kids to fail or be disappointed. I remembered that God gave the vision to my kids, not me, and that I needed to relax and not worry.  Then I read this flyer that Isabel made and realized it’s pretty simple what she expects. Maybe I am the one that needs to adjust the expectations. I do want to thank those that continue to help Isabel with her efforts. Thank you Mary for the donation, we will be shopping for shoes for some kids in Guatemala.  Thank you to all my other friends that encourage Isabel.  Most importantly, I am seeing Isabel learn a lot and find a passion…and that is pretty cool.  Even though Isabel has big expectations you know like 20 – 30 pairs of shoes, I don’t believe she will be disappointed!