So, I’m going to Africa.
I know I left you on the edge of your seats with that post. I’m sorry. Sometimes I’m accidentally dramatic like that.
We have a plan. We = me and Ashley. Yes, there are two of us. Ashley with a y and Ashlee with two e’s. It’s confusing, although slightly convenient because it makes for a catchy fundraising slogan (Ashley/e’s for Africa!).
But I digress.
Ashley’s sister Hannah lives in Africa. This is Hannah. Yeah, she’s pretty cool. She works for the non-profit organization Amani Ya Juu, a sewing and business-training project for women. The project serves a two-fold purpose. First, Amani gives African women the opportunity to improve their sewing and marketing skills. The women gain experience in purchasing, bookkeeping, skill training, quality control, management and design. Second, Amani aims to sow seeds of peace in the hearts of the women as they grow in community and in their faith together. As part of the daily activities at the center, the Amani women participate in singing, praying, Bible study and visiting one another in their homes.
THE ORGANIZATION:
Amani is self-sustained through the sales of products sold in Africa and by volunteers throughout the US. Each sale of an Amani product provides marginalized women a chance to sustain a consistent income, and nurtures the growth and development of the Amani programs.
THE LOCATION:
Ashley and I will be working at Amani Liberia. In a country where 85% of the population is unemployed, Amani Liberia offers jobs and skills training to women who need it. In a place where the moral fabric of society has been unraveled by two recent civil wars, and over 75% of females have been raped, Amani Liberia members engage in daily devotionals, prayer, and peaceful reconciliation.
THE PURPOSE:
With your help, we will be able to spend two weeks working at Amani Liberia, volunteering at the Amani Girls Club (made up of 100+ girls ages 8-13), and serving at the nearby Betty Jonah Orphanage. No task is too arduous or insignificant. We do have a list of projects to complete while we are there, but our prayer for this trip is that our hearts will remain open to however God wants to use us.
Our goal for this trip is to share the love of Jesus Christ with the women and children of Amani Liberia, to build them up in words of truth, to encourage their efforts, to bring joy to their daily activities, and to make them feel valued and loved.
HOW YOU CAN HELP:
-Pray for us. Ashley and I believe God will provide for this trip and keep us safe. Please pray that we will be able to raise the funds, and that our hearts will be open to however God wants to use us while we’re there.
-Donate to my trip. Brett and I have set aside a portion of our tithing this year to pay for this trip, but we won’t be able to cover the entire cost. Every little bit helps, no amount is too small (or too big, wink).
-Support our local fundraising efforts. Ashley and I will be hosting a spring clothing swap here in Sacramento, and the proceeds from ticket prices will go towards our travel costs. More details coming soon!
Thank you for your support, your prayers, and (hopefully?) financial contributions. I look forward to sharing more about this journey with you as it unfolds!
