Hi friends,
Things are still moving forward well with the Economic Empowerment ideas I am working on... :)
From the beginning I could just sense that God was going to put certain people in my path that He wanted me to work with...that had the experience and the capacity to do this type of work. I was so sure, that I have been looking and waiting for them. And sure enough I have recently partnered with the IRC and we are working together on this initiative with the same heart and vision. This is another answered prayer and encouragement to keep moving forward and trusting God, that He is behind this. AHHHHHH! :)
Here are some highlights...
I have been researching a lot of markets in the area and having so much fun doing it! And I am encouraged, because there is SO MUCH potential out there. We just need to find the right people and the right products. One thing we are looking at is how to take their current skills, and do some tweaking to make their products more marketable to the American public. :)
Dallas Etsy.com - Handmade Spring Bash:
We went to really fun market this Saturday. The ladies were able to see what it would be like to have a table/booth at a market and sell their stuff. I think they were really encouraged that they could do it, once they saw what we were talking about and the things people were selling.
And in these pictures, as part of the market, people were teaching women how to make things! :)
Falafel Sandwhich
Haneen's husband made this for us one day. Mmmmmmmmm!
This could be a good option to sell at markets or food trucks. :)
I went to Denton to visit an amazing ministry, that helps men coming out of prison. I dream of something similar for women coming out of prostitution. I was truly touched (crying of course) hearing the men's testimonies of how God radically SAVED and FORGAVE them from such a horrible life of addiction, prison, murder, etc. The 5 guys on stage were graduating that night from the first phase of the program (6 months)...a HUGE accomplishment for them.
And I was super jazzed to see furniture for sale....
The ministry opened a coffee shop to support them financially and all the men in the program help run the coffee shop. AND....some of the men RE-DO furniture and they sell it in their coffee shop. SO COOL! I just LOVED everything about this ministry! Lots of similar passions! :)
Samuel (Kyle and Melissa's oldest son) had a GREAT idea...
He wanted to hand out samples (like they get at the grocery store), to the kids during our clothing closet time. So the past couple of weeks the boys have set up a stand for juice and cookies. It has been a fun way for them to interact with the families that come to the closet.
He wanted to hand out samples (like they get at the grocery store), to the kids during our clothing closet time. So the past couple of weeks the boys have set up a stand for juice and cookies. It has been a fun way for them to interact with the families that come to the closet.
This is a lady we call "The Singing Grandma" (on the left) we have no idea what her name is because she does not speak a lick of English. Our friend Scotty knows a few words in her language. So from what he picked up, we think she was the "Story Teller" back home. She sang us some songs about where they are from and how thankful they are to be safe here in USA.
On the right is Kyle Jenkins' mom, Donna. She has been a HUGE help lately collecting donations, sorting clothes and working the closet with us on Tuesdays. She is so sweet and generous!
Maryam had a birthday...
I asked Maryam how she normally celebrated her birthday back home. She said her mother would invite all the neighbor children and families over. She loved to be surrounded by children laughing and playing. So we did the same for her...The kids decorated the sidewalk, all the way from her front door, down 2 flights of stairs, and around the corner to where we were all sitting for the party. It was like we pulled out the red carpet for her and she looked stunning. God really made everything happen. I was so tired and barely had time to plan or prepare. So I stopped and prayed that afternoon that she would feel so special and for help making it happen...and it all came together, as God planned it! It amazes me what happens when I let go of control and ask God to help me. :)
I am still trying to eat healthy...
I did so great at first, then I had a few weeks of total chaos and it all went out the window, but now I am back on track and loving all my fruits and veggies again. But when I get super busy, I run to Central Market and get some fresh sushi. Ymmmmmm!
This is my brother-in-law, Eliud and my niece, Maya! They are 2 of my most favorite people...and as you can see, they are so much fun! :) I have ALWAYS wanted to travel with them to his hometown in Xilapa, Veracruz, Mexico. He has been married to my twin sister for 8 years and I have never met anyone in his whole family...so sad! He is #7 of 8 children and I have heard some of the funniest stories of them growing up...and I have been dying to go for so long now. So I FINALLY have the opportunity to go to Veracruz with them...NEXT MONTH! Yippie, Woo Hoo, Horray!
....EEK, I better brush up on my Spanish!
In closing, I present to you my favorite photo (for now), for you to enjoy with me! :)
Isn't it wonderful..........? :)
Isn't it wonderful..........? :)
