Today I met with the Living Hope volunteers and Richard, the General Manager of Living Way (aka my new boss.) We went over some of the basics and briefly toured the two campuses. Tomorrow is the official tour of the townships and overview of all the projects done here.
While on the Living Way campus, Richard introduced me to the ladies working in the new bakery that Living Way is helping get off the ground. He was teaching them basic business skills such as figuring out how much profit you make once cost of materials are covered and the difference between wholesale and retail sales. While explaining that they needed to make a presentation in order to sell their baked goods, one of the women asked if Richard could represent the brand and make the presentation to the local vendors. He of course said that this bakery wasn't his brand and that she should take ownership over her product. Her response was that local shops wouldn't buy from her...because she is black. She believed he would sell it better because he's a white South African. He then explained that because she was selling good quality goods for a competitive price that the baker's race shouldn't determine if the goods sell. He followed that statement with: I believe in you. You are capable. You can sell what you bake because it is good quality.
I can't wait to see the development of this business and the women who work there! This job is going to be so much more about loving and encouraging people to believe in themselves in order to see outside of cultural limitations. I am looking forward to starting full time on Monday and seeing all the other businesses at work on the campus (ceramic studio, sewing class, computer class...and the possibility of a start up fashion line!!!!) Please be in prayer that God continues to have his hand in every detail of my time here, and that my heart will be prepared to be open to help wherever needed.
Much love!
Lauren, I'm so glad you arrived safely! What a lovely view from your window ... so different from NYC, eh?
ReplyDeleteRichard is teaching an important Life Lesson to the women of the bakery. It would be so tempting to just answer "Yes", and agree to represent their brand! What a great reminder that many times the best help we can offer is encouragement and teaching - not just DOING. I will pray for those women - that they feel empowered, and are received respectfully as they pedal their brand.
I will be following your blog, excited to read about your adventure. I have no doubt that God's hands are busy forming your experiences, and preparing you to use the talent and gifts he's given you in your new community!
You are, and will remain in my prayers.
Love,
Allison
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteThinking of and praying for you this morning as you begin a radical journey for the kingdom of Christ. Spend lots of time seeking Him and abiding in His Presence - then you will know there will be fruit in your labor as well as in your rest. I love you!
Sherry
"My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side..." Abraham Lincoln
ReplyDeleteTremendously moving beginning, Lauren!!! Looking forward to more updates!!!!