Updates

Long time, no type, eh? Sorry for the long delay. Internet has been a real problem here over the last few weeks. We've also been really busy.

Here are some of the highlights: 
We handed out all the clothing in two different ways. The first was over 3 days. We gave out tickets and people came to choose for their families. They came per assigned section of the community. Each ticket was valued at one piece of clothing and we gave out about 1000. When all was done, we had enough to go again--which was a great provision of abundance!

Round two consisted of a first come-first serve plan. We separated the clothing for the women and the men. Women were on a Saturday, men were on a Sunday. People could also bring a child not attending the local school and pick up something for them. For each person who came through the door, they took two pieces of clothing. I'm sure we served at least 300-400 people between the two days.

We also gave a gift to each of the approximately 300 children at the Give Hope Community school. Children got a bag of two pieces of clothing and chose either a teddy bear or stickers.

It has been really great to see people around the village wearing the stuff. I feel encouraged when I drive by a little kid and recognize a jersey or outfit that came from the container. I think most people have kept what they were given and have not tried to sell anything at the market--that was my biggest prayer.

We have also started the Bike-to-School program. We gave bikes to four kids to reduce their travel time to school (from hours to minutes). Sometimes I see them on the road when I'm going to and from the village. They are so thankful. They come by and visit and you can just see the joy on their faces. It's wonderful! We also meet with them bi-monthly to help them find ways to earn money (legally!) for their bike maintenance and cope with any peer pressure. (Legally you say??--Yes, apparently being a loan shark is a common way to make a few bucks here. Lend it out with interest...we are helping them find other ways lol)

Now that the bulk of the clothes are distributed and our room is a little more empty, we've been able to start focusing on knitting and sewing programs. We sorted all the materials and tools last night and the knitting crew went home with their first projects. Sewing is a little slower to start because we are waiting for our teacher to be available.

Well, putting it all into one posting sure makes me feel like I've been busy :) How encouraging! Sorry I can't put pictures up at this time...internet is tooooo slow. Will try to do something soon, I promise.

If you would like to support these projects, please consider a donation. We will need some tables for the sewing program and also still have some needs as listed on the Donate Tab at the top of the page.

Thanks!
Natasha

It's Here!!!

Escorting the truck to the farm
The container has finally arrived! Wow! 4 to 6 weeks was really 4 to 6 months but it was worth it! Everything arrived in perfect condition--nothing even shifted inside. When we opened it it looked exactly like the day when we closed the doors. The fragile things like the dishes, cups and even my coffee Bodum were even in tact. What a miracle! (click on the pictures for a closer look)

Heart Attack #1: Manually lifting the wire for the truck
There were some definite "heart-attack" moments as we manually tried to get the container off the truck, but everything went ok--my biggest prayer was that no one should have to go to the hospital and no one did :) It had rained a lot the night before and the truck could not get into position next to our foundation (of course, everything is dry now lol). We will have to deal with that part later.



Tractor getting ready to manually pull 'er off.
Heart Attack #2: Tipsy!
We unloaded the container the night before --in the dark and in the pouring rain. Everyone was so excited, I couldn't have stopped them if I tried. It turned out to be a blessing considering how hard it was to get the container off the truck the next day.

Everything was moved into a secure classroom at Give Hope. We have now sorted it all and are preparing to start distribution of the clothes and one-time donations this weekend. Then get our programs rolling!

I can't believe this day has finally come! I was so giddy when the truck was following us down the road. This has been a two-year long project with all kinds of ups and downs. Even over the last few weeks everyone--the community, Misheck and I -- all were just becoming exhausted by the wait. But how hope fulfilled fills you with new life (Prov 13:12). We are all rejuvenated and beyond excited at what 2012 will bring.

Thank you everyone for your support. It would not have been possible without you.