Listening and Waiting

"Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left." -Isaiah 30:21

Very much still in a place of asking God to direct my path and calm my spirit until his time is made known. I am encouraged that he is leading the way.

My Heart's Still in Africa

Ladies gathered in Tanzania

Tonight I had dinner with my parents and their good friend Victor. Victor is a former lost boy from Southern Sudan and is now going to ETSU to complete his masters degree in Economic and Community Development. He tested me on my very basic knowledge of Swahili and we talked Sudanese politics. It was so refreshing to talk to someone who has lived in parts of Eastern Africa that I've been to. He didn't get into too many details about leaving Sudan during the war other than he was 9 years old and escaping to Ethiopia. The stories that come out of conflict are completely tragic, but it's remarkable how the human spirit remains strong, refusing to be broken.
It was like breathing fresh air to hear Victor tell stories of tribal dances, little kids giving formal greetings of "Shikamoo," and the landscape. It all continues to confirm that I left my heart in Africa.

This summer I am planning on moving to Gulu in North Uganda (only a couple of hours from Southern Sudan.) I will be working with a fair trade apparel company One Mango Tree as a textile designer. Along with creating original prints, I hope to train some of the ladies how to screen print. If you get the chance, please check out their website. I'm very excited to get started and begin to expand their current product line.

Collection 2011: Gloria Dress

Gloria (LW Bakery) Print Dress

 I wanted the dress that represented Gloria to be youthful and energetic to reflect her bright spirit. She's only a couple years younger than me and is a single mom of two young babies. Because of the choices she's made, she can no longer afford to be a free spirited girl. She is living day to day in a dark world. I continue to pray for the bright future God intended for her. The red silk print is one of my original prints. I block printed the silk with Thiox (discharge paste) to achieve the bright yellow triangles. The floral print is a Congolese wax print.
Definitely my new favorite dress.

The necklace below is inspired by the Maasai people in Tanzania and the colorful fabrics/beads they adorn themselves with. The woven neck strap is from Ethiopia and the majority of the beads were purchased in Cape Town.

Collection Update 3-17

One Done, Many More to Go

Summer 2011 Jewelry: In Progress

Very excited about coming up with new designs for the jewelry that will be combined with my collection pieces. For those interested in purchasing, check back for more information about retailers in the DC area this summer!

Senegalese Wax Print/Ugandan Paper Beads

  

The Ugandan Fabric I'll be using is a dyed golden cotton.

 

Marick

Sorry for the much delayed post on my Tanzania trip!
I got home from Tanzania and Uganda two weeks ago, and I finally feel all caught up. I had a wonderful time in Tanzania! The group I met up with from Ohio were all sweet. This most recent trip was a little rougher than my previous times in Africa. Bucket showers (cold water only) and minimal electricity. I survived just fine. It's amazing how relative things are...like hot water. This trip made me more reflective as well. Even the rainy season had so much more meaning than before. Rain equals life. People have food and clean water. In the states, it's just an inconvenience. I'm very thankful that God still shows me new areas in my life to be grateful for.
The highlight to my trip was meeting my Marick for the first time. He started out very shy (probably very overwhelmed!) But as the day progressed, we played football and had lunch, he started to open up and smile more. After lunch I gave him the backpack I brought with clothes, school supplies and a watch. Of everything he reacted most to the watch and two notebooks with fish on the front. His uncle, who made the 12 hour bus ride with Marick, told me that no other children in his town have anything that I had just given him. I've been thanking God for the opportunity to visit my child at this time. He definitely needs prayer. His family needs my prayers. But most importantly to be an advocate for my child. Marick now knows the person behind the letters and that this person loves him more than anything. I am in his corner to support him not only with a check each month but emotionally and spiritually! He is so smart and wants to be a pilot when he grows up. Top in his class in math! I'm such a proud mom!!!

Giving Marick his clothes and school supplies.

Marick with his Uncle leaving the Compassion office.

My sweet little boy!

*A special thanks to Allison Adams for buying a necklace. The soccer ball and a portion of the school supplies were purchased using your gift towards my trip. Thank you!
Many many thank yous to everyone who has helped support my travels. God is using your generous gifts by allowing me to keep going back to Africa. He is using your support to touch many lives that otherwise might not see God's love. Because of your support, all things are possible. Much love to each of you.

More updates to come about my move to Uganda this summer.