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.

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.

First Day Back

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.

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.

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:

• 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)

Please contact me if you have any questions about the above. Donations can be made on the "Donate" page.  Let's give some more people hope for their futures.

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.

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.

Chicken, rice and chocolate chip cookies

This is a cute clip. Click the link to watch.

What is a Missionary?

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! 

News updates

Bunnies from our knitting group

Check out the Dream Factory Newsletter and the first page article about our women's empowerment group (written by me!). Click the link below.

Dream Factory Newsletter

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

Prayer support
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)

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!)

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! 

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

Changing Seasons

I am sad to announce that my time with the Kamafwesa community has come to an end. Things ended more abruptly than I had hoped but I wish Give Hope International the best as they continue to support that community. With a change of leadership and direction, they have decided that a fresh start is the best thing for their organization.

As this season ends, I continue to keep relationship with the ladies from our knitting group, Misheck and some other members of the community. My hope is that we will at least find a way to keep our knitting group together. We can't always control the outcome of things, but my prayer is that the seeds that were planted during my time there will continue to grow.

I have been quite challenged since I got back to Zambia so I have not had a chance to connect with the village very much. Flu, malaria and a broken car have held me back. But sometimes, these things are all worked together for our good.

So where do I go from here....

Well, the good news is that I am joining a fabulous NGO called Dream Factory. Even the name is exciting! On Monday, I will attend my first staff meeting. Staff meeting!! I've never been so excited by the thought of a staff meeting. You see, I've been on my own out here since I arrived, so being part of a team and finding support through other's experiences is exactly what I need. Plus, I hear there are pancakes afterwards...just need to import some heavenly Canadian maple syrup.

As with Kamafwesa, Dream Factory has a women's empowerment group, uses sports and activities to reach out to community and believes in sharing God's love all the way through. So, I will be starting a new knitting group with the ladies and a literacy class. It's also much closer to home which will help reduce my costs.

Dream Factory is also set up to bring in teams who want to visit, so I hope that some of you, or many of you, might come and experience Zambia some time in the future (don't forget to carry some maple syrup though).

Thank you so much for your continued support. Please pray that this transition would go well, for funding, a working car and blessing upon those in the old community as well as the new one.

If you would like to learn more about Dream Factory, please click here.
If you have inquiries about the Kamafwesa community, please click here to contact Give Hope International.

One of the little munchkins from next door.

Year in Review

Wow! 7 months has just flown by. I have been in Zambia since May 2012. It has definitely been a challenging year and has taken a lot of perseverance and strength to push through it all. But it's been worth it. For the big success and the little successes--it's been worth it. Here are some of the highlights of 2012.(Click on any of the photos to see a bigger picture)

Knitting Program:
Our knitting program is an ongoing success. Along with having a good amount of sales and orders from the community, we have been able to build strong relationships within the group. We worked through the conflicts and issues that are common to this kind of small group by bringing in Jesus' truth and love to every situation. As a result, the bond is between the ladies is stronger than ever and they are learning to learn and respect one another in new ways.
I have lots of hats and knitted goods for sale this Christmas. All proceeds go directly to the ladies and to the program.

Music and Play Programs: 

Misheck has been teaching kids how to play drums and giving piano lessons. Not only do they learn a new skill, but these types of lessons are invaluable in building relationships and getting to know the children better. We also have "play time" daily. Kids have the chance to build their co-ordination skills while playing in a kid-friendly environment (ie no one is drunk around them). We encourage them to bring their friend and for the boys to "bring a sister". We like to make sure girls have a chance too.

Football:

There is nothing more exciting or important than football in Africa :) So we use it to connect with our local youth. Misheck has been coaching our local team for several months now. I don't know if they are undefeated, but I have never heard that they ever lost a game. They compete with other village teams that are generally within walking distance. These boys are building friendships and learning what it means to support one another as a team. We would love to have sponsors for this program to help buy footballs (we go through lots), uniforms (we have about half a team's worth of uniforms and no shoes--the kids share the jerseys) and other costs.

The Library/Resource Centre

Nothing gets done in Africa quite as quickly as you think it could. Time seems to need to be followed by "X2" or even "X3" to be accurate. So, the library project has taken time and extra money, but I'm happy to say it's 90% done. We only have the interior fixings left. Am also happy to say that it's looks gooood. People in the community have been coming to check it out and have expressed interest in the programs we want to run there. If you would like to contribute to the costs to finish this project, we are short about $500.


Misheck

This project has always been  about empowering people. Sometimes in teams or groups and other times one person at a time. Misheck has been my right-hand-man through this entire journey and my goal was always to train him so that his life would be changed too. He has brought God's love and truth to the kids, the football team and the community. He has learnt  leadership skills, planning skills and time management. He's also learnt computer basics and helped me with book keeping. I know he will pass on these skills wherever he goes. He also got married this year!

What's next: The good news and the bad news.
The bad news is that Zambia is an expensive country to live in. We have also had a lot of challenges because of certain people wanting to keep the community under their control and hindering growth. All this has taken a very heavy toll on Misheck and I.
The good news is that I will be returning to Zambia early in 2013, but I will pursuing Hope Ignited projects on a very limited basis. The first reason being is that I need to be able to generate "day-job" income for myself and the other being that some things need to be sorted out within the community/partnering organization.
With his new skills, Misheck will also be moving on to another job--but it's only just across the river.
So Misheck and I will be committed to keeping up the sports, music programs and knitting projects. I would also like to get the sewing program off its feet and start a literacy program for adults. Our goal will be to nurture these few things to help them grow strong. If we can raise up other local leaders, we could also get more started--but we'll see where it all ends up first.

Thank you: 
So that's the big scoop for 2012. Thank you so much for your support, prayers and love. We look forward to where God will take us in 2013.

God bless.
Natasha

Beat the Drum

Last week, Marissa, a missionary from South Africa, visited our project and shared her drumming skills with the kids. It's always fun for them to have visitors and learn something new. Marissa will come and visit us one more time this week before she heads home.

Good progress is also being made on our renovations for the container. Last week we finished the roof and framed the doors and windows. Soon we will be working on the inside finishings.

Cutting the container for the window

Door and two windows added