It has been a couple of months since I have written. For that I apologize. Don't get me wrong, there is much to share - but where to start is what has held me back.
If you have been following me via face-book you would know that I travel a lot for work. From New York City to Boston, Dallas, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Haiti. One airport after another seems to all blend after a while, and a bag of peanuts, well that's become a rare yet desirable item on any flight. Most recently I've been traveling to promote the "My Expressions of Kindness Campaign", as well as giving motivational speeches, selling my book, modeling, and most recently I traveled to Haiti.
Oh Haiti, how you have opened my eyes to what I need to share.
When I think back to the last few years of my life, I have been so blessed. I have had a full filling career as a fashion model, motivational speaker, television host and designer on Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I can remember the first time I ever saw EMHE on television. I had just completed a mural for a little girls room. The homeowner seemed pleased, and as I was leaving she said I should be on one of those HGTV programs and makeover people's rooms. I laughed. I had started painting murals part time between modeling jobs, and was thinking about opening a design business of some sort. At the time, I had been modeling for fifteen years and was wondering how I could expand my career. That night I went home and prayed about it. I love design, but more than anything I really enjoy helping people. I wondered what type of television show would allow me to share my gifts and talents. I turned on the television and there it was - Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I knew in a heart beat that was the show I wanted to be on. I spent the next three years working towards that goal.
First, I went back to school for interior design. I did a one year carpentry course, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, became a home inspector and professional organizer, as well as, about thirty free makeovers to build my portfolio. To build my hosting reel, I filmed much of my work and landed a great show on the Travel Channel - Amazing Vacation Homes. I learned so much from the architects I met on that program. It really was "amazing." Then one day in 2007 I got the call I had been waiting for. EMHE were starting season five and were looking for a couple of new designers. The first audition went really well and I got a call back to fly out to Billings Montana. Besides the day I met my husband, it was the best day of my life. Everything about it was perfect. Why, you may ask? Because I wasn't alone. On the morning of the audition I knelt in front of my hotel window and prayed. God knew how much work I had put into this moment, and now I knew it was in his hands. Once I got to the location and met with the executive producer she turned to me and said, "are you ready?" I said, "I've been ready for a while." What happen next - will never leave my mind. As we began to walk down the hill toward the house she explained what she was looking for and I felt an overwhelming presence of God. It was like God and His angels were all around me. Then, there I was, in front of a camera sharing who I was and what I could bring to the table. As I said, it was an unforgettable experience, and the rest...well say they say, the rest is history.
We recently wrapped season seven, and in a few months the crew will hit the road again and travel the nation and help many more families in need. My experience on this show has inspired me. It has led me to question - what more can I do?
So today I share one of my biggest building challenges ever - a non-profit to serve those in critical need. Christian Housing Ministry International (CHMI) will help families in impoverished nations build toward sustainability - beginning with Haiti. I am focusing on a five point program system - education, employment, housing, clean drinking water and child sponsorship.
I believe this is what God has been preparing me for all these years.
I am blown away by his teachings. The way he has guided me, even when I've felt lost. His provision, even when I showed worry. And his never ending love, even when I have forgotten to love myself.
I share this news with you today because I need your support to remind me always what's really important in life.
Please feel free to view some of my pictures at the CHMI face-book page. I WILL continue to share my thoughts, and hope that they may inspire you to see what is important in your life.
I leave you with my pledge.
I Didiayer Snyder pledge to serve those in need. To motivate and bring like minds together to serve and spread God's word because I am called.
Yes, the next chapter of my life is calling.
