Designing For Hope...

I can't believe almost a whole month has passed since I last blogged, where did time go?!  When I came home from this last trip to Africa, I realized that I had to find a way to keep going.  On every trip we've heard words like, "I know God cares because you came..."  "We know God sees us when you come..."  "She has hope because of what your team did..."  "I am encouraged because you're here..."  It struck me that somehow God uses our going to bring hope to others, whether it's going down the street to serve at a local ministry or across the ocean...  Simply going brings hope, so I had to find a way to keep going.

I thought about trying to find a job, but with 4 children who would cater to my schedule?  Years ago, I used to design and sell jewelry but with small children I just couldn't keep up with it.  So I started to pray about re-opening my jewelry design business...  And as I prayed for confirmation, people out of the blue would come up to me and ask, "Are you ever going to do your jewelry again?"  So I had my answer...  I have started my jewelry business again, but this time, for a purpose...

The profits from sales will be used to travel to Africa and if God should choose to really bless my efforts, then I will put the extra money to helping others travel...

So for the last month, I have been working like crazy!  My first big show is this weekend, a local Arts and Antique Festival (it was even on our local news this morning!!) and then I have several other shows scheduled after that...  Alexis, who designed my blog, is working hard on a web boutique for me, so hopefully soon I'll be announcing the grand opening!

I've got to get back to work, but next week I'll post pictures from the festival...  The whole theme of my booth is designing for hope and as I sell my jewelry, I'll have an opportunity to tell the story of Swaziland!

I've put together a collage of photos from Africa and I'm using photos from my trips to decorate the table.  And I'm really excited that I'll also be selling jewelry that is made by grandmothers in Kenya...  God blessed me with a prime location at the festival (a last minute cancellation), so I decided to donate one of my tables to HOW Jewelry, the line that Heart For Africa sells to provide income for the grandmothers in Kenya!
 
Next week I'll post some photos of my jewelry to give you a preview of what's coming!

But that's where I've disappeared to lately!