As 2017 begins, peoplezest continues to operate by its core values of passion, kindness and belief. Owner, Jonna Smith started out the 2017 year with an example of belief. Jonna's belief is rooted in loving Jesus and following His example, but no matter what your religious beliefs are this core value is exemplified in helping others, giving back, and showing love and appreciation to those who may live a very different life than your own.
In January, Jonna lead a group to Ghana, West Africa where they worked with formerly trafficked children who are now safe at the Touch A Life Care Center. During the team's stay they threw a huge annual birthday party for all 76 kids! Everyone participated in games, ate plenty of cake, and enjoyed birthday hats, whistles, silly string, and bubbles! Each child also received two birthday cards with many birthday wishes from people in the United States.
Staying with the party theme, the team also hosted a staff appreciation luncheon for 27 staff members who take care for the children on a daily basis - house parents, cooks, security guards, and gardeners. The American group cooked in an outside kitchen and served a true Texas meal of BBQ chicken, deviled eggs, macaroni and cheese, green beans, cornbread and apple cobbler. Each staff member was also given a gift that included socks, lotion, Vaseline, note pad, pencils, earrings, and sample cologne. These small tokens were cherished and Jonna can't wait to return for her fifth trip!
