For a Good Cause :)

Never did I expect that it would take a trip back to Congo to re-discover my ability to sew!!

In the last month I had a goal to make 10 unique bags to bring back with me to Canada.
A one of a kind (sometimes 2 of a kind) unique African bag. The idea came from a Japanese kimono bag that i have...then i put a twist to this using African fabrics.

All bags were made in Congo...yes, that's right, on a little electric machine. Of course, only those moments when electricity was working did my little fingers fly.

My desire is to raise support towards the Elikia Village Project (where I work in the Congo). Most of you know what we are doing already and, I expect, would love to help out.

If you see something you like here please contact me by email or leave a comment below. I would like to give a suggested donation price of $20 for large bags and $15 for smaller.
The paintings are also being sold but they are from Kenya. Suggested donation price $15.
If you are outside the Vancouver area, please consider shipping charges :)

#1 (i'm walking around with this one, but i can make 1 to order)

#2 (1 available)



















#3 (small)

















#4

SOLD

#5 (small)






























#6





#7 SOLD












#8

SOLD

~~cloth paintings~~

#1

SOLD

#2 SOLD

#3

#4
SOLD

#5

#6 SOLD

#7 SOLD

The Heat is On

It’s hard to get a full understanding of the political, physical tensions in N.E. Congo.
First hand, my friends in Goma are sitting on edge discerning when or if they need to evacuate for their own safety. Once again, women and children, the vulnerable ones…on my heart.

A Special Summit held on Friday confirmed, by the Congolese foreign minister, that Kinshasa would start fighting Ugandan rebel groups on Congolese territory. "The DRC will start an operation against the negative forces of Uganda this month", he said. The negative forces operating in N.E.Congo include Allied Deomcratic Forces (ADF), the People’s Redemption Army (PRA) and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

Congo's attempt at pushing back the forces of darkness.

From my short visit to Goma in April, I saw the long-lasting trauma of these rebel groups in the area. Bloodshed, multiple, brutal rapes, abandoned children, children born of rape referred to as hate children, children taken as soldiers, victims blinded or maimed for life, thousands of displaced people evacuating land and homes seeking shelter, only to find additional problems including a lack of food and water in the areas they hide and in the refugee camps.

I feel like vomiting, I feel weak. I feel out of touch. Knowing a little yet just enough to probe my heart and make me rise up on the inside. I hate this injustice. I hate it, I hate it! I feel like a little fly on some wall and at the moment my part is to pray. Sometimes I think these issues may germinate, ruminate over in one’s heart for awhile before knowing how to act. What to say, where to go. So – I am standing at attention, trying to keep myself from falling back asleep.

hold on guys...more news coming in like a day...
i'll explain then..

(still alive)
Tan

Elikia Village Update

BEFORE....
AFTER....

Finally hiked out (twice) to our land to make a video for future reference. Let's just say, what was i THINKING wearing my african dress?!? ...made for some interesting footage i guess.

As well, the work on the resevoir is coming along quickly and is necessary before the rainy season sets in...it's already getting hotter and the rains have come. (above pic.) a few guys, a couple of buckets & shovels, a small ladder and voila!!!

By the way, we have set aside the building of the guard house for the moment and will commence sometime after Cammie's arrival the end of September.

In other news, I visited Georgette's last week. She has lost her phone. gack. makes it hard to get ahold of her...now we will have to drive the distance just to chat. Unfortunately, as i was leaving, Glody was going back to another hospital because he was having complications after his first operation. He may have to repeat the surgery? Dieu Merci was back home that day and very happy to see me. She seemed well. Thanks for the prayers!

week in review...

woah! where did the week just go? let's see...

* 2 trips to the site with video camera, ladders, water buckets, machetes, shovels

* hiked in african dress and hiking boots to the source of spring water on site (what a site!)

* entourage of chief of the military, dealings with angolan soldiers, free radios

* persistent mama who found me at the office ... insisted that she knew me and had a gift of fruit - unfortunately...i knew there were alterior motives

* visit to Georgette's and the kids

* important mtgs trying to bridge communication gaps!

* dancing and singing along the way!

* T.G.I.F in T.I.A.!!!!