How/when did you first visit/hear about Roatán?
I first heard about Roatán around 2010-2011 when the founders, David and Brenda Dachner were making regular trips to the island, talking about their love for the people of Roatán and their desire to make a difference here. The vision and mission of Abundant Life Foundation for Roatán captured mine and my husband’s heart, and we began to support the initiatives.
What was it that drew you in to the island?
Through the Dachners and the Abundant Life Foundation website, we grew hungry to see the island for ourselves and meet the people we saw online and heard so much about. Prior to coming through on a cruise, my husband and I planned ahead to visit the Dachners and other friends we knew from the states that lived on the island. Our hearts were touched when we visited and a seed was planted. I stood on the deck of the ship as it left and cried. I knew in my heart I would be back one day to stay. We began to feel a tug on our heart over a year ago to come to the island visited for two weeks to see how we could serve. We toured the island which was an adventure and had the best guide. So much history! We worked at Los Sueños on the houses and drainage canals alongside the construction workers. The guys were patient and fun to work with. Another day we went to St. Helene and I believe I left a piece of my heart there.
What motivates you on a daily basis to continue these efforts for Roatán?
My motivation for serving in Roatán daily is my belief in the people. The people of Roatán are kind, relational people that love God, their family and their neighbor. They serve each other, helping their neighbor by raising money for medical treatments, starting a drug and alcohol rehab on a budget of belief in their fellow man, and teach in schools when they know they may not receive their paycheck, don’t have electricity or necessary teaching tools.
What is one story that captures your “Why” behind Roatán?
There is need in every direction in Roatán, however there is also desire and hope for a better Roatán. My why is from the gazebo on the water and sitting outdoors in the cool breeze of the evening at Los Sueños with the community of Flowers Bay. Sitting and visiting with the elders of the community on each of these evenings, I heard stories of growing up on the island and laughter blowing about in the breeze while young people played basketball on the court, taunting each other. It took me back to a time in my childhood where people sat together like this. Laughing, talking and sharing their hopes for a better tomorrow. A safer community, teaching children to take pride and not litter, restoring and renovating the clinic and more. The love the Flowers Bay community has for their island, their community and each other stirs my heart. Community is my Why. When there is brotherly love and concern, hope flourishes. Where there is hope, there can be positive change. I believe that it takes community and realizing the voice within that brings positive change. Yes the island has changed from what it was like five and ten years ago, some things positive, some not so much. If this model of care for each other is duplicated and modeled to their children and community to community, the voice of the people becomes louder than the negative changes they have seen.
What do you see for the future of ALF and Roatán?
I see more growth in the pillars of Conservation and Education and continued growth with Community due to home owners closing on new homes soon in Los Sueños. Roatán is ripe for positive change.
Tell us about your background and the involvement with the Los Suenos project.
With my previous business, banking and home lending experience, I will help people become first time homeowners. I’m also assisting with classes to educate families in mortgage, budgeting and living in a master-planned community. I believe that every person deserves the opportunity to live a vibrant full life, and I will use the gifts and talents I have to further that belief. It is very exciting to empower people!
What you do and your husband it’s a great inspiration Gay to follow: using your gifts to serve the community.