Down to Business

Five years ago, Kendall and I were walking down the street in Roatan, Honduras and I heard a woman yelling my name.  I looked down the littered and pothole covered street to see Carolina waving her arms in the air and calling us over.  Carolina proceeded to tell me how she had a dream for herself to write a book all about her life.  She asked if I would help her.  I said yes, but then didn't think much about it.  A week later I was walking down the same trash covered street and Carolina called me over again.  She handed me a stack of crumpled up notebook paper covered in Spanish writing.  She said, "this is my story, can you write it in English."  

Over the next year, we interviewed Carolina and wrote out her life story for her.  We then published the book, "The Darker Side of Paradise," and have been sending her about 20 copies a month.  She is currently supporting her family with the income she makes on her books.  

We came up with the idea to make this a more sustainable business by raising the money to order a large shipment of books, then teaching her to save $3 from each book so that she will be able to reorder her own books when she runs out.  

Thanks to many supporters, we raised $2,100 and were able to order 700 copies of Carolina's book that have been shipped to Roatan.  When we arrive on the island in September, we will help her set up a bank account and teach her to save.  Carolina is very excited about having access to more of her books and about becoming self sustaining!!! Thank you for helping us make this possible

Purchase Carolina's book here!

This is the true life story of a woman raised in poverty amidst paradise. Carolina tells her story of the darker side of paradise. Thousands of tourists come to her home island of Roatan every week, but all they see are the turquoise blue water and white sand beachs of the Caribbean. Carolina describes her reality which is not so picturesque but true for herself and for many islanders like her. Her life has been saturated with suffering, poverty, corruption, and sickness but she has overcome through perseverance and her faith in God. In her own words, "My life is pain, I don't know happiness."

Carolina sitting by her house

Carolina by the canal in French Harbour