Your Story: Kate Leach of Katie's Beads of HOPE

Our guest post today is from Katie Leach of Katie's Beads of HOPE, an enthusiastic teenager as well as fellow Etsy shop owner. Visit her at her etsy store, blog, pinterest, or twitter. This is her story...
 

 My name is Katie Leach, but you can call me Kat, Tree (name given to me by my family), or just about anything else. I love making things, be it jewelry, cards, anything! My life passion is sharing God's love to everyone--around the world or just across the street. As a guitarist, writer, Etsy shop owner, blogger, and student, sometimes it gets hard to juggle it all...but I love what I do!

I've been into arts and crafts ever since I can remember. Maybe what really got me into it was my family--my mother cross stiches and sews, and my sister taught me how to make bracelets at a very young age. I do remember holding my very first craft show at age nine (made $8.50 that day. Oh, I was so excited!).

I found Etsy through searching for craft supplies on the internet, and was amazed at all the talented people on this website. Although I wanted to join, I was a little scared that my work wouldn't be good enough. Finally I took a leap of faith and started my shop--it seemed like the perfect way to raise funds for my sister I wanted to help--and here I am!

All donations from KatiesBeadsofHope goes towards sponsoring an orphan girl in India and sending me to her. Her name is Binati, and let me tell you, this girl's smile is brighter than the sun. I got the chance to meet her for the first time in October 2010. Earlier this year I got to go back (thank God he made a way for me to go!). Leaving was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. My body is here in America, but my heart will forever be in India. My favorite part of doing this is knowing that I'm supposed to be doing it, that it's my place and God's plan for me. (Not to mention all the hugs and kisses I get when I go there.)

I have learned from my experiences that there is so much more to this life than what we are living. Nothing can compare to saving a life, showering some love on those who need it most, and doing what God has called you to do. I dare you to get out of your comfort zones--you'll be amazed at what miracles happen when you place yourself in a situation that needs one.

Some advice if you're thinking about supporting a cause you care about: Get all the information you can. Read up on those you want to help. What is their greatest need? Is God leading you to help them or another cause?

Right now my plans are finishing school and, honestly, become more in love with God. On the mission field I've seen some extreme faith--and I want that!
 
Some of Katie's items you can buy at her store;

Chocolate Brown Braided Choker

 

Hand Drawn Cards in Sunny Yellow

 

Burnt Orange Feather Necklace

Purchase to support Beads of Hope at; www.katiesbeadsofhope.etsy.com

More information about sponsering Binati or another child at; www.hftwindia.org/




Find Katie at;

Blog: www.lifeofahomeschooledteenager.blogspot.com

Twitter: twitter.com/#!/CreativeTree_KL

Pinterest: pinterest.com/katiel00/


*all photos are property of Katie Leach, used with permission*