Hope4Women

Thursday, April 12,2012

Well, I certainly am NOT bored (Oh! How I HATE that word!)…..anymore!  Ever since Rachel (founder of Hope 4 Women) came into town and I joined up with her, I’ve been BUSY<BUSY<BUSY and so very impressed with the 100 plus women we interviewed.(Rachel actually did the interviewing, I “assisted” by changing the name of the sponsor on one of the 30 little dollar store “white boards” I had brought and given to teachers.etc. and taking Her picture with each of the sponsored women.  Tuesday we worked 7 hours, without any break…and yesterday we worked 11 ½ hours(this time had a 15 min. lunch break), working the last 2 hours in the dark..and pouring rain outside.  The windows had no covering so we did get a little damp at times, and even if there had been lights in the building, the power was again out,so we used flashlights.  Despite these conditions, we really paid little attention to it because it was so powerful to hear how sponsors’ monthly $30 for a year had empowered so many women in so many ways.  Over and over we heard how their attitudes changed dramatically, from being fearful and  ashamed (many were taunted by others when their husband died…verbally abused because of this that they had no control over!) to being proud and standing tall because of meeting in classes with the others and learning English, how to write their names, budgeting,etc, plus a very much appreciated class “ Mission Character “ which teaches about forgiving, controlling anger, God’s love, etc.  I wish I had written down some of their phrases and thoughts as they were often quite profound.  Being able to start some sort of business with some “seed money” has helped many pay school fees, have a change and variety in diet, put a roof on their house or a floor……They all wrote (or had someone who wrote what they said) a letter to their sponsor and Rachel asked about their business, how it was faring, plans for the future, what changes have occurred in the last year , and what they would like to tell their sponsor. (Many desired their sponsor to come visit them so they could meet them in person)I am so very honored that I will get to sit between both of my ladies…and have had seen their workplaces and even had them for an American lunch at my house!

    Today we went to see some of the businesses.  We went into a mill and saw cassava being  ground (I got a chuckle seeing the very black skinned boys who worked there very white from the flour!)  Three ladies sell the flour, sitting the 200 lb. sacks by the road and selling it by the kilo.etc.   My Lona grinds maize and sells it. She’s doing quite well.  However, during that rainstorm that blew rain into my bedroom…a minor inconvenience..the steel roof of the mill where she does her business flew off..and a man there suffered greatly when it sliced his head!  Two children were also severely injured from it. Fortunately, they did live…

    Other businesses: selling vegetables (some leased land to grow some, others walked into town early each day (my Rose does) to pick up tomatoes,bananas, onions,cabbage, g-nuts  (similar to pnut butter)and often silver fish (They remind me of N.Z”s  beloved whitebait, which  also failed to impress me!)..tiny, skinny fish that appear to be mostly eyes!) They have little stands by their villages.  Many sell charcoal or second hand clothes.(I think most of the people buy only 2^nd hand.)  Some are into making  and selling food or raising chickens.  Several had a “piggery”.

     At Rose’s veggie stand we decided to pass out dresses for the girls.  Three of Rose’s got one and how darling they looked!  We gave out about 20 I think.  If any of you reading this like to sew and want to really make a difference, check with me!  It’s easy, fun…and so worthwhile!

   It’s getting late so I’d better call it quits.  I have packed once more to move to the The Classic Rock Hotel (where the team always stays) and will leave at 9 a.m., picked up by Timothy and Rachel and heading off to more business further out..and maybe the jungle?The team arrives about 4 p.m. It will be good to see many of my friends from previous trips, including last year’s roomie, 84 year old Mae!

      Next time I pack up it will be to GO HOME!!! But I have some exciting days ahead before I go….Good night! (>:)   

p.s.Did I mention that I have been enjoying 6 days of HOT Showers?!!!!after 5 weeks of cold, it's wonderful!(and I even have a tub the water goes into...not all over the entire bathroom floor!)  Life is Good!