Council of Advocates

I grew up in a very rural part of Virginia where you still have to drive 45 minutes to the movie theater. I remember times when our church had hard times financially and there were people from places bigger than our home town that helped us through those times, so it means something to me to give so others can carry out their good works. When I was 16 I went to Washington DC for a week in the summer for Citizenship Short Course with 4-H. My world was changed because of the people, places and things I was exposed too. It is exciting that Metanoia provides a similar opportunity for 5^th graders over the Spring break. These children will be changed forever by those experiences.

In this time of questionable moral values in our society, borrowing when you don’t have the money to pay for material things and the general state of our economy, I find it important to donate to an organization that is fiscally responsible. I believe Metanoia does just that. They do not make plans to spend until the financial impact is understood and money can be raised. It is my firm belief that God is at work every day at Metanoia as he is all around us. Metanoia is a vehicle for God’s good works, showing people in the Chicora Cherokee community that people outside of their community believe in their individual and group assets. The staff at Metanoia works to help increase those assets, whether it is home buildings/renovations, personal finance classes, community meetings to sort through priorities for the community or working with the after school leadership program. By giving monthly to these programs, I feel a strong commitment to the constant raising up of this community. I have a deep respect for Bill and Evelyn and know that each year, many more milestones have been set and accomplished under their solid guidance.

My mother has been a big force in talking to me about Metanoia. She was in charge of the cafeterias in the county and took it as her personal responsibility to feed all the children in the county. When I was first introduced to Metanoia, she whispered in my ear, “ Elizabeth – of all the organizations you are involved with, this is the one that means the most”. I haven’t always listened to my mother, but she was so very right about this one. Contributing to Metanoia fills me up.

May the peace of the Lord be with you.

What will be your story? As a child growing up in Chicora, I'm not sure I could have answered that question. But as I sit and reflect, I am amazed by the blessings Christ has brought into my life. Far from being done, I have traveled the world and met some of the most interesting people you could ever imagine. Looking back, the difference has been God's Grace, caring folks (some that I could not name), and an absolute obsession to never let circumstances and personal limitations serve as an excuse for not pursuing my dreams.

Although my childhood was pretty rough, my best memories come from Chicora. Catching fiddler crabs in the marsh on Quitman Street, seeing how fast we could get our bikes going down the hill on Chicora Avenue, and playing hide and seek with friends from block to block…These are fantastic memories. I continue to be excited about my future and where I am going, but I will never forget where I grew up. Fortunately, with the encouragement of great teachers at Chicora Elementary (Ms. Moultrie stands out) and others, I've been able to live out my dreams. Now its time to see if I can possibly help others pursue their dreams. I sought out Metanoia because I believe in its mission and I believe in the possibilities and future of the Chicora community. We need Chicora to thrive as a community! That's why I'm involved, that's my story.

We all have obstacles and limitations to overcome. The challenge is to make sure that our limitations don't paralyze us. It is absolutely essential that we think positive thoughts, surround ourselves with uplifting influences, and DREAM REALLY BIG DREAMS. We are fortunate to have Metanoia planting hope in the hearts of our children. But beyond just providing inspiration and encouragement to our children, Metanoia is also teaching us as a community that we can excel when we focus on our strengths. Every one of us has a story. The question is how will our personal stories develop? Do we sit back and let life come to us, accepting our lot based on the cards we are dealt? Or do we attack life, dreaming boldly about our future, and focusing on our assets. Metanoia is planting seeds of hope that will help write the story for many of our children, friends and neighbors. It’s a worthwhile project and it can't be done alone. They need your help and support. So, the bigger question for you, "What will be your story?"