Suzette and her sister started Love41.com as a means to design things they wanted to design and be able to give away 100% of the profits to a mission in Rwanda.
Love 41 Story
The 1994 Rwandan genocide took the lives of over one million men, women and children in less than 90 days, and displaced millions more from their homes almost overnight. The entire population of Rwanda, a little African nation just smaller than Maryland, was nearly wiped out, and for 100 days of slaughter the rest of the world turned a blind eye to Rwanda's suffering. When the genocide was eventually stopped from within, it had left the region irreparably damaged.
Like many Americans, Suzette Munson had heard of the tragedy, but when she was invited to visit Rwanda in the summer of 2010 by Africa New Life Ministries, she found nothing could have prepared her for the absolute devastation she experienced. The heart wrenching stories of books like "Left to Tell," and films like "Hotel Rwanda," seemed light in comparison.
Like many Americans, Suzette Munson had heard of the tragedy, but when she was invited to visit Rwanda in the summer of 2010 by Africa New Life Ministries, she found nothing could have prepared her for the absolute devastation she experienced. The heart wrenching stories of books like "Left to Tell," and films like "Hotel Rwanda," seemed light in comparison.
She saw boys sniffing glue to dull hunger pains, and met women forced into prostitution by necessity to feed their children. She cried with young men traumatized by the torture of being forced to watch their parents killed or mutilated. Each story shed light on the reality of a people still suffering. It would arrest anyone's heart.
When she returned home five weeks later, Suzette was still consumed by the stories and people of Rwanda. There were so many children longing for someone to love them. Something had to be done, and she knew she had the ability to help. There was no choice.
Suzette always had a knack for fashion. As a young girl, she would dress her friends up and advise them on how to coordinate outfits. While praying about how she could help the people of Rwanda, her old talents came to mind, like a light bulb in her mind. She decided to start an online retail business where 100% of the profits would support the work of Africa New Life Ministries, where she now sponsored two young men whose lives had been torn apart by genocide. Her heart was broken for these boys, yet she was filled with joy at the opportunity to use her God-given gifts to help many more.
Just five months following her trip, Suzette and her husband Dave returned to Rwanda to lead a team from Austin, Texas. On a bus ride to a local refugee camp, a few women noticed Suzette’s bent spoon necklace, a prototype design for her new business. She excitedly shared her business idea, and how she had been praying to God for the right name.
As she explained that phrases such as ‘Love One’ and ‘Love for One’ had come to mind, a man nearby asked, “Did you say love four one? I wonder what Psalm 41 says.” He pulled the chapter up on his phone and began to read:
“Blessed is he who considers the poor; the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. The LORD will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness, You will sustain him on his sickbed.” Psalm 41:1-3 (NKJV)
And that was it. Like her decision to help, there was no other option. As the man read the verses aloud, God had confirmed a name, and Suzette knew she was one step further on her journey to change lives with ‘Love 41.'
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DETAILS:
Coat: Faux Fur : Forever 21
Jeans: Forever 21
Tee: BigBoldFierce: exact here!
Ankle Booties: www.vintagesouthboutique.com exact: right here!
Jewelry:
http://www.shopluna.co.uk use BLONDELATTE for 20% off!! , CatBird NYC, seaweedsouls,www.ivjewelry.com,
Earrings: Target
Bracelet: Lokai: http://mylokai.com
- Made from hand loomed Lana rug & Full Grain Leather
- The perfect size for a carry-on bag for most airlines
- Adjustable closure lets you pack your bag fuller or smaller depending on your needs
- Great organizational features include Side exterior pockets and an exterior hidden back pocket (to keep sticky fingers out)
- Lined with durable pigskin that easily wipes clean
Pinterest: Love 41
Love the coat! Nice location
ReplyDeleteMel
http://www.girlandthepolkadot.com/
AHH! thank you so much! I adore it too! It was a beautiful spot!
Deletexx,
ErinNicole