It is the dead of winter here in Kenya. Temperatures drop into the lower 60's F. Somehow we are surviving. The constant flow of coffee and chai are helping.
(Ladies Homecare Retreat Center: Karen, Nairobi)
Emily, Kendra, Kirsten, and I arrived safely to the Nairobi airport after 24 hours of economy air plane food, layovers, and verticle naps. We were taken to Ladies Home Care Retreat Center in Karen, a village just outside of Nairobi, where we met Dr. Judy (who heads the groups we will work with), Brandon (documentary film maker and mosquito dodger who has been here sice last Thursday) and the staff. Good food, warm chai, smiling faces, and (at last) a proper bed filled with horizontal sleep.
The women were so greatful and touched that we want to partner with them. They thanked us many times and shared with us that with this work they will be able to send their children to school and have food for their families. I had to keep myself from crying. It's so amazing to see first hand how something as simple as a bracelet can give so much life and dignity.
Tomorrow we will be venturing to the marketplace to gather samples and source fabrics for our time in Burundi.
From Antarctica, I mean Kenya (((bbrrrrrrr))),
lorifox
(Kendra, Rev. Dr. Judy Mbugua, Kirsten, Chai)
The sun rose at 6am right on cue with the crowing rooster and flock of birds that nested outside our windows. After a quick breakfast we met with Dr. Judy to introduce her to the vision of "Raven and Lily". She was was overwhelmed with excitement and joy at this new venture that will be such a huge and practical help to the women here. As our meeting came to a close a van pulled up in the driveway. The tribal Maasai women, covered in traditional beads and blankets, filed out and came to meet us. They brought three tables full of their traditional bead work for us to see. Many of the women have little or no education and one of the leaders pointed to the jewelry and said, "This is the only education they know." And from the looks of it they are masters. After formal introductions, hand shakes, a few songs, and Maasai dancing, Kirsten and I received our bracelet order and began working on new designs. We created some solid pieces that we can't wait to share with you!
The women were so greatful and touched that we want to partner with them. They thanked us many times and shared with us that with this work they will be able to send their children to school and have food for their families. I had to keep myself from crying. It's so amazing to see first hand how something as simple as a bracelet can give so much life and dignity.Tomorrow we will be venturing to the marketplace to gather samples and source fabrics for our time in Burundi.From Antarctica, I mean Kenya (((bbrrrrrrr))),
lorifox
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