 |
| 50 bikes, flattened and ready to go. |
 |
| Going to town, doin' the rounds. That's a big load. |
 |
| A few more including one that was just thrown out. |
 |
| A few more. |
 |
| Getting there but we have a lot more now. |
 |
| A few more. |
 |
| Myah agrees we're all doing a good job! |
Bikes Bikes Bikes
It's been a while but the bikes have been coming in over the last few months. Here are some highlights.
This is happening...!!!
Bike collection and raising shipping costs have started...and the Zambian community in Nsobe is excited. So am I!
The goal this summer will be to raise $4000 to purchase the container and collect 100 bikes. Right now, I'm putting bikes in my garage, but would love to be able to purchase the container, get it parked, and pack it up as bikes get collected. Here's a few pics of the kids saying thanks to our bike donors.
Please consider getting involved and being part of this great initiative. Contact me if you have bikes using the Contact form or click the Donate tab to help financially. You can also help get the word out by sharing this post (use the links below). Thanks!
Please consider getting involved and being part of this great initiative. Contact me if you have bikes using the Contact form or click the Donate tab to help financially. You can also help get the word out by sharing this post (use the links below). Thanks!
 |
| Add caption |
When was the last time you sat on your bike?
Do you have a bicycle rusting in your garage? In Canada, many of our bikes sit unused or
worse, get simply thrown away. In Zambia, a bicycle can save a life, help
people’s lives or give people a new dream.
Hope Ignited is happy to announce we're planning to send a second container to Zambia. This time the focus is on bicycles. In partnership with Nsobe Community School and Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN), we hope to send about 500 bikes and convert the container into a mechanic’s
workshop, creating jobs and sustainability.
- We're going to help local people run a business.
- We're going to give vocational skills to teenagers.
- We're going to use the bikes for ambulances.
- We're going to help kids get to and from school.
- We're going to bring mobility to a community.
That's just a few ideas. Do you want to be part of this "we"? You can. Stay tuned for opportunities to take part. For now, check out these links for more on our fantastic partners.
It may or may not be the end...
Who can say when is something finished or just on pause? Life has a funny way of bringing back to life things we thought were long gone.
Since it was founded in 2009, Hope Ignited has been like a banner over many dreams and hopes. Sometimes mine, sometimes others. While the project may have officially come to an end, our hopes and dreams don't, and you never know when they might sprout back to life.
I'm back in Canada now. Trying to settle in, combat reverse-culture shock and reestablish my life. Looking back, I'm so proud of what we all did together, the hard work put into making things happen here and in Zambia, the perseverance it took on all sides to keep things going through many ups and downs. Here are some of the highlights of what we did together and who we helped:
2014
Since it was founded in 2009, Hope Ignited has been like a banner over many dreams and hopes. Sometimes mine, sometimes others. While the project may have officially come to an end, our hopes and dreams don't, and you never know when they might sprout back to life.
I'm back in Canada now. Trying to settle in, combat reverse-culture shock and reestablish my life. Looking back, I'm so proud of what we all did together, the hard work put into making things happen here and in Zambia, the perseverance it took on all sides to keep things going through many ups and downs. Here are some of the highlights of what we did together and who we helped:
2009/2010
- Donated a laptop and plenty of children's educational software to the local rural school.
- Built a swing set and see-saw for the children
- Held a 2-day retreat for the local church focused on the God's love and getting to know Him
Sept 2011- early 2012.
For most of 2012 to early 2013, we focused on managing and fine-tuning our programs
2013
- After a year and a half of gathering donations, we shipped a 20ft container from Canada to Zambia. It was filled with a combination of one-time donations, like clothes, and items for long-term projects, like sewing machines, music equipment and books
- For three weeks we distributed clothes to the community and gift bags to the school children
- With bicycles that came in the container, we were able to help four children to get to school to reduce their
walking time from hours (4-6) to minutes (45-60). We provided peer support to these kids and some continue to use their bikes today
- We started the knitting program and our ladies finished their first projects
- As part of an afterschool program, we opened one of the classrooms to the children so that they could have a safe environment for play and development
- We started a bible study once a week for all ages
- On the ground, "we" consisted mostly of Misheck and I--the project helped create local jobs and training
- We renovated an old room into an office/library that was open to the local children to come and have access to books that they would never see otherwise
For most of 2012 to early 2013, we focused on managing and fine-tuning our programs
- Our kids got better and more regular at attending piano and drum lessons
- We spent time reading to kids and helping older kids with their literacy skills in the library
- We had multiple, daily play sessions--for different ages and genders so that everyone could get a chance
- Misheck was able to spend more time coaching and mentoring the boys in the football program
- We converted the shipping container into a building that was intended to be a resource centre or a sewing school. It was beautiful
- Our knitting program thrived, not only with improved skills but with the ladies communicating together, helping each other and learning basic business skills
- My dad visited and while there I put him to work restoring the swing set for the kids
2013
The latter part of 2013 brought on some major change. I changed NGOs and thus changed the community I was working with. But change can lead to good things if we let it so here are the highlights.
- It was the year of the bunny and income generation! As well as continuing with my original group of knitters, two new knitting groups were started so we all worked on the same project--little bunnies. These bunnies were sold in local shops and abroad. It also helped the ladies to learn more business skills and recognize local opportunities
- We started three English classes and brought on a local teacher to help with the beginner level. This generated a job and educational opportunities for adults. I taught the two advanced level classes
2014
- By this time it was good to see the knitting programs doing well on their own. Each time I would came back to Canada, I collected donations of needles, wool and other tools the ladies could use. This always boosted their income as they could sell the stuff made of Canadian wool at a higher price
- I continued to mentor and check in with the knitting groups but little was needed. Mostly these were opportunities to get to know what personal challenges they might be facing and pray with them or share wisdom
- One of my friends in Zambia was a highly skilled knitter so I organized classes to teach the ladies to read patterns. This was both a good opportunity for them to practice their English skills and take their knitting to the next level
- Conducted bi-weekly personal development sessions (a form of counseling)
- Talent Revolution was born and launched in 2014. My desire was to see this business impact the Zambian workforce by teaching leadership skills and values. I spent time setting up this business, creating a web site, building training modules and meeting potential clients. It was met with very positive feedback as many business owner's saw a great need for values and integrity training
Little Bird Flies Alone
After three years, our little knitting group is really flying on their own now. It's great to see. I think it's finally gotten into their blood and become a routine. Knitting is just what they do.
I've been visiting the ladies every few weeks to give out wool that was collected over Christmas of last year and to check in on new members. We had about three new people join us this year.
At our last meeting, I asked each woman to share what she was thankful for and one thing to encourage others. All of the ladies were so thankful for the opportunities the knitting program has brought to them, the extra income and for some, the chance to learn a new skill. They were also thankful for the high quality wool and needles that were donated. They have been overwhelmed by the generosity of others. They have promised to keep working together, helping one another to improve quality and learn new patterns.
I have to say, although we have certainly struggled at times, these ladies have also blessed me tremendously. They have given me hope that change, while slow, is still possible.
One of my favourite changes was what occurred with Joyce. Last year, Joyce was really struggling just to mentally connect with the group. Her skills were good but she just seemed a bit "out there". As it turns out, Joyce was in an abusive relationship. The women really gathered around her and decided that she could stay in the group despite the fact that she wasn't really making items that were sellable--they just were not up to the quality standards. But we stood by her, paid her for them anyway and just surrounded her with hope and love and joy that she was with us.
This year, Joyce was completely transformed. Her abusive husband left her and she was able to blossom. She was always a really talented knitter and she began to make great quality hats and outfits. What Joyce needed was love and friendship--that's what she found in the group. Awesome! Here is a picture of Joyce receiving one of the big balls of wool that was donated. She was so overjoyed!
The strategy this year was to give each woman some donated wool at our first meeting. At the following meeting, she would bring what she had made so that we could check that it was done and done well :) She would then get some more wool for her next project. We went back to making hats as the heavy wool was perfect for the Zambian winter--yes, it gets cold in Zambia. So the ladies didn't have any problem selling the hats locally. With all the funky wool we had, most items were sold before they were even finished.
I've been visiting the ladies every few weeks to give out wool that was collected over Christmas of last year and to check in on new members. We had about three new people join us this year.
At our last meeting, I asked each woman to share what she was thankful for and one thing to encourage others. All of the ladies were so thankful for the opportunities the knitting program has brought to them, the extra income and for some, the chance to learn a new skill. They were also thankful for the high quality wool and needles that were donated. They have been overwhelmed by the generosity of others. They have promised to keep working together, helping one another to improve quality and learn new patterns.
I have to say, although we have certainly struggled at times, these ladies have also blessed me tremendously. They have given me hope that change, while slow, is still possible.
One of my favourite changes was what occurred with Joyce. Last year, Joyce was really struggling just to mentally connect with the group. Her skills were good but she just seemed a bit "out there". As it turns out, Joyce was in an abusive relationship. The women really gathered around her and decided that she could stay in the group despite the fact that she wasn't really making items that were sellable--they just were not up to the quality standards. But we stood by her, paid her for them anyway and just surrounded her with hope and love and joy that she was with us.
This year, Joyce was completely transformed. Her abusive husband left her and she was able to blossom. She was always a really talented knitter and she began to make great quality hats and outfits. What Joyce needed was love and friendship--that's what she found in the group. Awesome! Here is a picture of Joyce receiving one of the big balls of wool that was donated. She was so overjoyed!
The strategy this year was to give each woman some donated wool at our first meeting. At the following meeting, she would bring what she had made so that we could check that it was done and done well :) She would then get some more wool for her next project. We went back to making hats as the heavy wool was perfect for the Zambian winter--yes, it gets cold in Zambia. So the ladies didn't have any problem selling the hats locally. With all the funky wool we had, most items were sold before they were even finished.
Some of the women are still asking for literacy classes but even within our group attendance is sporadic at best. What I may do, however, is set up a computer with some lessons on it and while we have our knitting meeting, people who are interested can do a lesson on the computer. We'll see how that goes.
As the knitting program has been winding down, I've also been looking for new opportunities to make change within Zambia. A friend and I have started personal counseling sessions for individuals. There is so little available to people in our area who are struggling. I'm happy to be able to be a part of this. I do it one to two days a week.
I'm also starting a business this year. While I hope this will help me make money and sustain myself while in Zambia, it also has undertones of making a difference by teaching values and integrity with a side-dish of (shhhh!) anti-corruption. Hooo...this could end up becoming bigger than expected--we'll see! Corruption really kills economies and makes the poor poorer. And when the poor themselves go with the flow and follow the corruption path, how can people ever get out of the cycle of poverty? This business will take quite a bit of investment in time and money but I have hope it will be good all around. Please continue to pray, support and encourage this mission! It's a mission with a vision. lol
Love and blessings
Natasha
 |
| Making bricks the hard way |
 |
| Under 5 baby clinic |
 |
| Under 5 baby clinic |
 |
| Just hangin' out with the boys |
Latest Updates
Wow! Time has flown by! I can't believe I've been back in Zambia for more than two months now. Apologies on the lack of updates!
(Click on any of the pictures for a better view)
Settling in has been a bit of an upward battle. Although things are going well, I'm still struggling to find a proper place to live. It's taken up a lot of my time and efforts, but I'm still thankful for the place I'm in now--even if it's another temporary measure. Have to wait and see on this one...FYI for a little perspective, in the 3 years I've lived in Zam I've moved 8 times!
However, other things are going quite well. When I went out to visit the ladies in the village, I was happy to see them still knitting away. Many of them continued to have orders for baby clothes and hats...so yaay! They're doing it on their own now! Exactly what the plan has been all along.
While general community involvement has been low, we have still had a few new people interested this year. Community involvement has always been a big challenge for various reasons of the simplest kind (rather drink beer, jealousies etc). However, for now, I continue to support this group and we'll see what other opportunities arise.
Today, I handed out some of the wool and tools that were collected in Canada. It's getting cold now in Zambia, so the quality wool that was donated will fetch a good price as winter hats that the ladies can sell. The ladies were very excited about it and very thankful!!
Zambia is such a beautiful place with beautiful people. I've been making a point to carry my camera more often with me. It was nice to be traveling down to the village on the rural road where "everyone knows my name". It was also nice to be able to stop and talk to people I hadn't met before and feel welcomed and safe.
There are lots of men like these ones...even young kids, who move coal or heavy loads of wood every day. When I see them I feel such compassion and remind myself to be thankful for what I have. Maybe they will inspire you in the same way.
Besides the village, I've also been conducting "Personal Development Programs" for people here. In Canada, we are so blessed with all kinds of support groups when issues arise--AA, group counseling, addiction experts, marriage counselors etc. Well, in Zambia there is very little available here. So, along with an experienced friend, we are helping those who want help. It's been very rewarding and good to share God's love and hope in a different way.
Please continue to pray for all these things. Feel free to drop and note and say "Hi" anytime. It's always encouraging to hear from you all. :)
(Click on any of the pictures for a better view)
Settling in has been a bit of an upward battle. Although things are going well, I'm still struggling to find a proper place to live. It's taken up a lot of my time and efforts, but I'm still thankful for the place I'm in now--even if it's another temporary measure. Have to wait and see on this one...FYI for a little perspective, in the 3 years I've lived in Zam I've moved 8 times!
However, other things are going quite well. When I went out to visit the ladies in the village, I was happy to see them still knitting away. Many of them continued to have orders for baby clothes and hats...so yaay! They're doing it on their own now! Exactly what the plan has been all along.
 |
| First Day Back |
Today, I handed out some of the wool and tools that were collected in Canada. It's getting cold now in Zambia, so the quality wool that was donated will fetch a good price as winter hats that the ladies can sell. The ladies were very excited about it and very thankful!!
Zambia is such a beautiful place with beautiful people. I've been making a point to carry my camera more often with me. It was nice to be traveling down to the village on the rural road where "everyone knows my name". It was also nice to be able to stop and talk to people I hadn't met before and feel welcomed and safe.
 |
| This is Charlie. He works at this market stand. |
There are lots of men like these ones...even young kids, who move coal or heavy loads of wood every day. When I see them I feel such compassion and remind myself to be thankful for what I have. Maybe they will inspire you in the same way.
Besides the village, I've also been conducting "Personal Development Programs" for people here. In Canada, we are so blessed with all kinds of support groups when issues arise--AA, group counseling, addiction experts, marriage counselors etc. Well, in Zambia there is very little available here. So, along with an experienced friend, we are helping those who want help. It's been very rewarding and good to share God's love and hope in a different way.
Please continue to pray for all these things. Feel free to drop and note and say "Hi" anytime. It's always encouraging to hear from you all. :)
The Bunnies are SOLD OUT!
Happy New Year from all of us at Hope Ignited! May your new year be abundantly blessed!
The bunnies are SOLD OUT (Yaay!) but there are still ways you can help in the new year.
Monthly support: I'm looking for 100 people to donate $20 a month or 20 people to donate $100 a month.
Laptops and educational software: I need a laptop with a good battery and software we can use for literacy programs.
Knitting tools and wool: Needles, scissors, hooks, large plastic sewing needles etc. Anything you use to knit with.
Be an Intern! Start saving the world. I'm looking for a volunteer to help me with fundraising and managing Hope Ignited.
If you would like to contribute any of the above please go to the DONATE page or contact me.
Have a wonderful day! Click the picture for a video of the ladies graduating from last year's English classes.
The bunnies are SOLD OUT (Yaay!) but there are still ways you can help in the new year.
Monthly support: I'm looking for 100 people to donate $20 a month or 20 people to donate $100 a month.
Laptops and educational software: I need a laptop with a good battery and software we can use for literacy programs.
Knitting tools and wool: Needles, scissors, hooks, large plastic sewing needles etc. Anything you use to knit with.
Be an Intern! Start saving the world. I'm looking for a volunteer to help me with fundraising and managing Hope Ignited.
If you would like to contribute any of the above please go to the DONATE page or contact me.
Have a wonderful day! Click the picture for a video of the ladies graduating from last year's English classes.
2014
I'm
getting excited at what the next step will be for the project in the
new year. Here's how you can help Hope Ignited continue in 2014.
Ongoing costs:
The minimum running costs for the project in Zambia is approximately $2000 per month. This covers my expenses, fuel to get back and forth, visa costs etc.
I'm looking for 100 people to make a $20 monthly donation, or 20 people to make a $100 monthly donation.
Now, doesn't that sound manageable?
Items to take back to Zambia:
I'm looking for the following items to take back with me. You can also donate an extra suitcase if you like ($200). I would like to bring back:
Ongoing costs:
The minimum running costs for the project in Zambia is approximately $2000 per month. This covers my expenses, fuel to get back and forth, visa costs etc.
I'm looking for 100 people to make a $20 monthly donation, or 20 people to make a $100 monthly donation.
Now, doesn't that sound manageable?
Items to take back to Zambia:
I'm looking for the following items to take back with me. You can also donate an extra suitcase if you like ($200). I would like to bring back:
- Knitting needles and knitting tools (thin needles are better. We also need plastic sewing needles, measuring tapes, scissors etc)
- Wool
- A laptop--must have a good, working battery.
- Educational software (English, math, basics)
Wascaly wabbits
These little wabbits are ready for a new home. They've got their swagger on and are looking forward to going home with you.
Simple deets:
Each rabbit is $5. Give a donation of $20 or more and you get one "free". (Please let me know if you make a donation).
Colours are limited! If one grabs your heart, please let me know and I will put it aside for you.
Machine washable, delicate, cold water, fluff dry. All rabbits are prewashed.
Need more? Detailed deets:
Buying a rabbit does a good thing. Women who participated in the knitting program this year got 4 kwatcha (almost $1) per rabbit. They also got a ball of wool or more supplies for each rabbit.
hmmm...doesn't sound like much? It is! The minimum wage in Zambia is about $100. Most people don't make minimum wage especially villagers like our ladies. I would say their average income is about $50 a month. Some of our top producing women made as many as 25-30 bunnies a month, that means about $24 month--that's an income boost of almost 50%. Awesome! Bunnies are sold in local shops to promote ongoing sales, and other bunnies get to find new homes with you.
Next steps:
I'm currently fundraising for next year. Funds go towards expanding the program and keeping it running. To be honest, the biggest cost is the program's founder--me--but also to be honest, it only runs with me there :)
I am also gathering wool, needles and knitting tools to take back to me. This year we had a real problem letting new people into the program because we just couldn't get needles--some ladies actually used bicycle spokes! Please contact me if you have items to contribute. I am limited to how much I can carry back because of luggage restrictions--you can also donate towards extra luggage to help me carry back more.
Plans for next year include expanding the knitting and literacy program. We started with 5 ladies in the knitting program in the first year. This year, we had 9 ladies attending literacy and knitting. Next year, I would like to see that number double again. Remember, supporting one woman helps her empower her whole family, helps her get her children to school and food on the table.
Bless you.
Simple deets:
Each rabbit is $5. Give a donation of $20 or more and you get one "free". (Please let me know if you make a donation).
Colours are limited! If one grabs your heart, please let me know and I will put it aside for you.
Machine washable, delicate, cold water, fluff dry. All rabbits are prewashed.
Need more? Detailed deets:
Buying a rabbit does a good thing. Women who participated in the knitting program this year got 4 kwatcha (almost $1) per rabbit. They also got a ball of wool or more supplies for each rabbit.
hmmm...doesn't sound like much? It is! The minimum wage in Zambia is about $100. Most people don't make minimum wage especially villagers like our ladies. I would say their average income is about $50 a month. Some of our top producing women made as many as 25-30 bunnies a month, that means about $24 month--that's an income boost of almost 50%. Awesome! Bunnies are sold in local shops to promote ongoing sales, and other bunnies get to find new homes with you.
Next steps:
I'm currently fundraising for next year. Funds go towards expanding the program and keeping it running. To be honest, the biggest cost is the program's founder--me--but also to be honest, it only runs with me there :)
I am also gathering wool, needles and knitting tools to take back to me. This year we had a real problem letting new people into the program because we just couldn't get needles--some ladies actually used bicycle spokes! Please contact me if you have items to contribute. I am limited to how much I can carry back because of luggage restrictions--you can also donate towards extra luggage to help me carry back more.
Plans for next year include expanding the knitting and literacy program. We started with 5 ladies in the knitting program in the first year. This year, we had 9 ladies attending literacy and knitting. Next year, I would like to see that number double again. Remember, supporting one woman helps her empower her whole family, helps her get her children to school and food on the table.
Bless you.
Winding Down, Windy Days, and Used Bicycle Spokes
Winding Down
I have less than a month left now before I head home for holidays...Christmas holidays that is. I'm sure most of us are not in that mind frame yet, but, wow, this year has gone fast.
As the programs come to an end for the year, I am pondering on what the new year might look like. With the hope of having a more sustainable means of keeping myself here, I am planning to start a business in Zambia. We are just in the planning stage, but we hope to bring online education and business solutions to Zambian clients. Stay posted on more about that in the coming months.
It will provide a way that I can work for money while I'm in Zambia, and still support community projects.
Windy Days
In Mwenge B, the community centre I use to teach English and knitting was struck by a windstorm. Half of the roof has been lifted off. It's quite sad as it was a really nice little building. It used to be a community school but when the founder died (a local man), no one was left to care for it. I would love to continue to use this place and if you are interested, please consider donating to help restore it. We only have weeks before the rains starts (and I leave) and that will mean serious destruction so there is just a short time left. Click Donate. (If you want to donate specifically to this cause, please email me with a heads up. )
Used Bicycle Spokes
I'm filling my suitcases with bunnies to help raise money for Hope Ignited projects--so get ready and think of all the babies you know or kids who would love one in their Christmas stocking. The are very colourful and cute.
We've also had a real challenge getting thin needles here (for our thin wool). A few of the women have opted to use bicycle spokes as a replacement! Can you imagine that! Well, it works I guess, but I'm sure they would love your old needles. Here's a picture just so you believe me haha. Recycling in action!
So when I'm back home, I will also be collecting knitting needles, crochet needles, general knitting supplies (especially those plastic needles for closing seams) and wool to bring back to Zambia with me. Our wool choices here are very limited and of a somewhat low quality, so it's great when the ladies get some of the special stuff from Canada and can sell if for a bit more.
A little more...
Making things work in Zambia has certainly had it's challenges over the last few years, but I have been encouraged by the connections I've kept since I started here. We were laughing during out meeting today because one of the ladies, Hilda, who hardly ever speaks English (although she understands about 70%) was just chatting away. I couldn't believe it and she didn't even realize it until I pointed it out. It was awesome to see how far she had come.
Another lady, Neka, came into our meeting so sad and down. She didn't seem to want to talk about it. Randomly, today, I happened to share a small testimony about some personal struggles and what God had been teaching me. Whatever it was, it seemed to apply to her too as I watched her face lighten up and she started to smile. By the end of the meeting, she was the one who led us in a song.
Small victories in a big world--we make a difference one person, one moment, one day at a time. If we don't give up, hopefully we will see how we've helped another soul.
See you all very soon. Natasha.
I have less than a month left now before I head home for holidays...Christmas holidays that is. I'm sure most of us are not in that mind frame yet, but, wow, this year has gone fast.
As the programs come to an end for the year, I am pondering on what the new year might look like. With the hope of having a more sustainable means of keeping myself here, I am planning to start a business in Zambia. We are just in the planning stage, but we hope to bring online education and business solutions to Zambian clients. Stay posted on more about that in the coming months.
It will provide a way that I can work for money while I'm in Zambia, and still support community projects.
Windy Days
In Mwenge B, the community centre I use to teach English and knitting was struck by a windstorm. Half of the roof has been lifted off. It's quite sad as it was a really nice little building. It used to be a community school but when the founder died (a local man), no one was left to care for it. I would love to continue to use this place and if you are interested, please consider donating to help restore it. We only have weeks before the rains starts (and I leave) and that will mean serious destruction so there is just a short time left. Click Donate. (If you want to donate specifically to this cause, please email me with a heads up. )
Used Bicycle Spokes
I'm filling my suitcases with bunnies to help raise money for Hope Ignited projects--so get ready and think of all the babies you know or kids who would love one in their Christmas stocking. The are very colourful and cute.
We've also had a real challenge getting thin needles here (for our thin wool). A few of the women have opted to use bicycle spokes as a replacement! Can you imagine that! Well, it works I guess, but I'm sure they would love your old needles. Here's a picture just so you believe me haha. Recycling in action!
So when I'm back home, I will also be collecting knitting needles, crochet needles, general knitting supplies (especially those plastic needles for closing seams) and wool to bring back to Zambia with me. Our wool choices here are very limited and of a somewhat low quality, so it's great when the ladies get some of the special stuff from Canada and can sell if for a bit more.
A little more...
Making things work in Zambia has certainly had it's challenges over the last few years, but I have been encouraged by the connections I've kept since I started here. We were laughing during out meeting today because one of the ladies, Hilda, who hardly ever speaks English (although she understands about 70%) was just chatting away. I couldn't believe it and she didn't even realize it until I pointed it out. It was awesome to see how far she had come.
Another lady, Neka, came into our meeting so sad and down. She didn't seem to want to talk about it. Randomly, today, I happened to share a small testimony about some personal struggles and what God had been teaching me. Whatever it was, it seemed to apply to her too as I watched her face lighten up and she started to smile. By the end of the meeting, she was the one who led us in a song.
Small victories in a big world--we make a difference one person, one moment, one day at a time. If we don't give up, hopefully we will see how we've helped another soul.
See you all very soon. Natasha.
Chicken, rice and chocolate chip cookies
This is a cute clip. Click the link to watch.
 |
| Eating rice in Addis Ababa (2007) |
Missionary Snapshot in CTF's Revival Magazine
Take a moment to read the article I wrote for Revival Magazine. Just click the link below.
Mission Series | Missionary Snapshot | Revival Magazine
Thanks!
Mission Series | Missionary Snapshot | Revival Magazine
Thanks!
News updates
 |
| Bunnies from our knitting group |
Below are some pictures from the Mwenge B English classes we've initiated. Attendance has improved and we now have about 11 people total. Mwenge B is next to the old village that I used to work at so some of the women from Kamafwesa are part of this new group. This program is held in a rural bush area.
 |
| Beginner English class taught by local Zambian |
 |
| Advanced English (my class!) |
We also host a second literacy and knitting program in town. The compound is call Nkwazi and is close to me.
 |
| English class in Nkwazi |
Please pray for the following:
Continued good attendance and community involvement in these programs
Financial provision for a vehicle and general expenses
Financial provision and vision to extend these programs to new groups
Personal protection, safety and stability for my stay in Zambia
Thank you for all your kindness, encouraging words and support. Please feel free to drop me a line or say hi anytime.
:D
Note: You may wonder why attendance and involvement is such an issue. It seems that when people have been in poverty a long time, there is a poverty mentality and often a sense of jealousy. A poverty mentality occurs when people become more comfortable about where they are instead of what they could aspire to--something many of us have experienced--so they don't go for the opportunities in front of them. Jealousy is a bit different. Although these programs are open to everyone, those that are stuck in their poverty mentality, don't want to see others change or improve either. Therefore, they discourage other people from moving forward. As a result, the whole community stays poor--either in mind or spirit (just a little insight I thought you might be interested in). This is why I believe real change takes time and is manifested through relationship.
Crash!
These are the pics of the (super!) drunk driver that came through my garden wall.
 |
| The tree that stopped the little car. It went over a ditch outside, through my wall and knocked down the tree. |
 |
| The rubble that flew at least 50m across the yard. |
 |
| Miraculously, all the stone stopped right in front of my porch--all in a straight line. |
April-May Updates
It's not like me to put this first, but I would like to start with a plea for your support. I desperately need to get a new (reliable!) vehicle. Please consider a donation towards the vehicle and my living costs. You can donate by clicking here. Thanks!
Otherwise...things are moving along here. Look at the bunny production! These bunnies are being made with our new knitting group in Nkwazi, Ndola. We have about 8 ladies that are part of this group. Our first bunch of bunnies will be going back to Denmark with the Dream Factory team. Later in the year, I hope to be bringing these back to Canada for Christmas (order yours now! lol)
There are also two literacy classes in the works. The one in Nkwazi has already started and the second will start next week in Mwenge B. Mwenge B is a rural community close to the old village where I used to work. It's great because some of the adults from the old place come and see me and participate.
We offered the knitting and literacy program to the rural village in Mwenge B and it was really interesting that about 80% of the people who came were interested in learning English above knitting (ie education over money). We know, of course, that a good education leads to prosperity... We have conducted interviews and in the process, decided on not one, but two classes. The great part is that there will be a local teacher handling the beginer class. I'm quite excited about this because it creates a local job and inspires people to build up their community from within.
The original knitting program will also be expanding within Mwenge B. We are excited that this program has done so well and look forward to the new chapter it is about to begin.
I continue to enjoy my time with Dream Factory. I really want to encourage you to think about coming for a visit and a "volunteer". People do all kinds of things when they come--teach swimming, first aid, arts, music, sports or join in with what we already have on the go. Feel free and be inspired by the volunteer page. We accommodate just about any idea--it's your dream!
Otherwise...things are moving along here. Look at the bunny production! These bunnies are being made with our new knitting group in Nkwazi, Ndola. We have about 8 ladies that are part of this group. Our first bunch of bunnies will be going back to Denmark with the Dream Factory team. Later in the year, I hope to be bringing these back to Canada for Christmas (order yours now! lol)
 |
| Bunny production--also available in pink, purple and dark brown with eyes and noses :) |
There are also two literacy classes in the works. The one in Nkwazi has already started and the second will start next week in Mwenge B. Mwenge B is a rural community close to the old village where I used to work. It's great because some of the adults from the old place come and see me and participate.
 |
| Nkwazi English class |
We offered the knitting and literacy program to the rural village in Mwenge B and it was really interesting that about 80% of the people who came were interested in learning English above knitting (ie education over money). We know, of course, that a good education leads to prosperity... We have conducted interviews and in the process, decided on not one, but two classes. The great part is that there will be a local teacher handling the beginer class. I'm quite excited about this because it creates a local job and inspires people to build up their community from within.
 |
| Mwenge B knitting and literacy candidates (and me!) |
I continue to enjoy my time with Dream Factory. I really want to encourage you to think about coming for a visit and a "volunteer". People do all kinds of things when they come--teach swimming, first aid, arts, music, sports or join in with what we already have on the go. Feel free and be inspired by the volunteer page. We accommodate just about any idea--it's your dream!
 |
| Mwenge B football (that's a ball made of plastic bags) |
Latest News
I am in the news! Well, a newsletter anyway :) Please take a moment to visit the Dream Factory website and read our newsletter. I am in the process of shifting to this amazing team and working under their projects.
This week, I started with the Buyantanshi Women's Empowerment group. This group of women is already taking advantage of micro loans and education sessions through Dream Factory. Now, along with my colleague Esther, we are teaching them knitting and mat making. The mats are really cool--they can we personalized with your name (eg Welcome to Natasha's) or with lovely pictures.
We are starting the knitting project with simple toys for kids. Here's a sample of a bunny. The ladies are all very excited about both projects.
Before we start these skill building sessions, we have an hour of English class. Our first class focused a lot on "spiting it out". Some people are quite shy but feeling confident is what learning a language is all about. By the end of the class everyone was participating really well.
Dream Factory also hosts other programs such as Adopt-A-Club (football/soccer), computer training and a Volunteer program. It's also working with a couple of community schools to enhance their programs. So, if you've considered coming to Zambia to volunteer (and visit!), please take a moment to read more on the Dream Factory website or newsletter and then get in touch.
I am also looking forward to having our old knitting group come under Dream Factory's wing. We want to continue to see that group of women thrive after all the hard work they put in.
These programs and others don't just help individuals but help their whole (and sometimes extended) families. Zambia is about community living, so when you help one woman, it supports her children and often children that she has adopted. It is so common to hear that someone has passed away and a sister, cousin or grandmother has taken in the orphaned or abandoned children. The impact of helping one person can be very significant.
Please consider making a donation towards these projects and my time here. While I was in Canada earlier this year, I did not do any fundraising because I was in a time of transition between organizations. Now that I've got a real plan and vision ahead of me, I hope you will consider supporting these new projects. To donate click here.
Thanks,
Natasha
This week, I started with the Buyantanshi Women's Empowerment group. This group of women is already taking advantage of micro loans and education sessions through Dream Factory. Now, along with my colleague Esther, we are teaching them knitting and mat making. The mats are really cool--they can we personalized with your name (eg Welcome to Natasha's) or with lovely pictures.
We are starting the knitting project with simple toys for kids. Here's a sample of a bunny. The ladies are all very excited about both projects.
Before we start these skill building sessions, we have an hour of English class. Our first class focused a lot on "spiting it out". Some people are quite shy but feeling confident is what learning a language is all about. By the end of the class everyone was participating really well.
Dream Factory also hosts other programs such as Adopt-A-Club (football/soccer), computer training and a Volunteer program. It's also working with a couple of community schools to enhance their programs. So, if you've considered coming to Zambia to volunteer (and visit!), please take a moment to read more on the Dream Factory website or newsletter and then get in touch.
I am also looking forward to having our old knitting group come under Dream Factory's wing. We want to continue to see that group of women thrive after all the hard work they put in.
Please consider making a donation towards these projects and my time here. While I was in Canada earlier this year, I did not do any fundraising because I was in a time of transition between organizations. Now that I've got a real plan and vision ahead of me, I hope you will consider supporting these new projects. To donate click here.
Thanks,
Natasha
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)