A few weeks ago on my blog, I explained how my friend, Lauren, decided to contribute to Dwelling Places. She's been making/selling these purses (<---click there to go to the website and order! :) 100% of the money ($20 per purse) goes to DP. Thank you SO much to everyone who has ordered one so far....when you wear it, don't be shy--please spread the word about the beautiful children at DP and encourage others to get involved (sponsor a child, buy a purse, etc.)
[Lauren and her adorable son.....he doesn't do the sewing, but I'm sure he cheers her on :) ]
The money has been accumulating in my bank account, and I've been waiting for an opportunity to use it...the opportunity came this week!
I found out that some of our kids were unable to go back to school on Monday (here in Uganda, the holiday break lasts until Feb.) Why did they have to stay behind when the rest of their friends went back to school? Because they didn't have sturdy shoes that the school requires of them (they were either lost, stolen, etc over holiday break.)
I checked my bank account and had the PERFECT amount (thanks to everyone who bought purses!) so that was all the confirmation I needed. One of our staff members went into the city that same afternoon and used the money to buy shoes for the kids.
Because of your generosity, those kids were able to start school today instead of sitting around for a number of days wishing they were studying again. The kids were SO happy when I told them about Lauren's purses...I gave them a serious talk about how they MUST be responsible with these shoes because God has provided them (and someone in America spent HOURS making purses to make it possible :) They nodded in agreement and clapped enthusiastically when they found out they'd be starting school today.
[The kiddos!]
Please let this encourage you--you CAN be a blessing to children in Africa even without traveling here. One small, creative idea may spark a way that you can get involved with ministries like DP even from your own home.
3 comments:
omg that made me cry.
Hi, Ashley. I am Lauren's aunt. I live in Maryland and have a friend who has a huge heart for Africa and just spent 2 weeks in Ethiopia. I bought her a purse for her birthday and am going to send her this link to read the story behind the purses. And, uh, btw her name is Ashley! :) And, uh....I went to Africa with AIM when I was in college. :) Thanks for what you are doing there!
OK yeah...this definitely made me tear up..and wish I was there. Go Lauren!
Chels
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