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My Journey

My journey, with Heart For Africa, began in 2007… It was before Project Canaan, when HFA partnered with children’s homes, in Swaziland. From the first trip, the people of Swaziland, grabbed hold of a piece of my heart.

Two years later, I attended the ground breaking for Project Canaan, simply following a journey, one step at a time, that God was laying out for me.

On my fourth trip, we began partnering with churches, in the surrounding communities. Swaziland became so entwined with my heart, I was ready to move back into the working world, so I could earn the cost of my trips. And in the search for a job, an idea was birthed… I could return to an old passion for jewelry making… In September of 2010, Jewelry by Sharla became official. 

The next summer, Janine told me of a vision she had for a group of artisans that would help Project Canaan move toward becoming self sustaining. That group became Khutsala Artisans and from then on, my trips always involved my working with them.

I have been so blessed to spend time with them, teach them skills and offer design ideas to them. My heart has been deeply touched, and my life and perspective changed, by their stories, their determination and most of all, their joy. I so look forward to the day when travel opens again and I can return… it has been too long!

One of the greatest lessons that God has taught me, in my 14 years of volunteering, is that all I have to do is wait for Him to reveal the next step… I don’t have to know the end of the story, I just have to walk, one step at a time, in obedience. It is a grand adventure, when you just walk with Him!

I love being able to use my business to travel to Swaziland (I’ve been 9 times now), and share my skills, to donate a portion of my profits to them and to give to special projects. And I love having the opportunity to tell so many people, on my social media, art festivals, trunk shows, etc., about this amazing organization and the wonderful work they are doing.

(Me with the baby is Princess! Scott and I were with Janine, when she picked her up!)