June 1, 2009
Dear friends,
How ridiculously bogged down things can get in a majority world country. I claim to be a nonviolent person until I get stuck in Migration Services or hear about our legal battles to keep our tax-exempt status. At those times, if I had a medieval broadsword, I might just pull it out and start swinging.
So it is with Suti Sana, our hoped-for economic and therapeutic option for the women. We desperately desire to sit our friends down at a sewing machine for dignified work, to start hashing out their pasts in support circles and art therapy up to their elbows.
But so far, we’ve had to delay the starting date twice. When things slow us down, I grumble and fume, “A pox on delays.” We have had to push back dates for interviews and new hires, are slowed by a confusing new set of labor laws, and have found tasks of preparation overwhelming for our small team dedicated to it.
But we have recently made a large, exciting stride forward. One of our co-workers from New Zealand had been producing samples of handbags, a base for what the women in Suti Sana may one day make. I’d love to hear your opinions on them.
In the meantime, I’m back in the USA for a few weeks of vacation with my family, showing the bags around and taking a much needed break. Lazy days at the lake, strawberry picking, and long talks with friends are filling up my May days.
In Christ,
Cara