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!
You’ve got my support and prayers. How awesome that you’re doing this. When exactly are you going?
Jo´s last [type] ..Somebody help me
Thank you Jo for your prayers and donation! My first one! I’m so grateful, truly. We plan to go at the end of summer, we’re still working out the details because Ashley is a teacher and we’re not sure of the best time for her to go yet. I’ll keep you posted!
This is awesome that you Ashley/ee’s are doing this! I will be making sure to pray for you two in your journey to go to Africa. I also bookmarked your page to donate. I don’t have the money at this moment but I look forward to helping out in some way soon.
Katie´s last [type] ..How are you?
Thank you Katie!
I’m so excited for this Ashlee! I feature a different special cause every month on my blog and you are definitely going to be my February cause!
Let me know if you’re interested in writing up a quick little blurb for yourself on the cause!
I would love that! I’ll e-mail you. Thank you!
Best of luck, and hope you are able to meet your goal! I think this is going to be an amazing experience for you.
PS- slightly embarrassed it posted my comment since it has a typo in it, eek! Mean to say you will be a blessing *to* these African women, not *on* these African women. Whoops!
Can’t wait to read all about your experience!
Thank you Natalie! Thank you so much for your support and donation.
So excited for you! It sounds like such a great opportunity for you and like it’ll be such a big blessing to them. I’ll be praying and I’ll talk to my husband about donating what we can
jackie´s last [type] ..Friday!
Prayers > donations. Thanks so much for your support and encouragement, Jackie!
I’m curios about what happens with baby Everett? Does he go with you on the trip or will he be left at home?
Baby Everett will stay at home. He’ll be spending some quality time with Daddy, Grandma, and Mimi.
This is amazing! I’m definitely praying for you and hopefully will be donating at some point!
Becky´s last [type] ..Waiting for Daisy
Thank you Becky!!
This is wonderful, Ashlee! My friend Laura was able to crowdfund a trip to Africa for volunteer work in 2011. She collected the mailing addresses of everyone who donated and send us a postcard with some pictures from the trip and a recap of her service after she returned, which I thought was a really fun idea. Here’s her site in case you want to contact her about her trip or fundraising efforts. Good luck! http://www.larkeller.com/world-index.html
Torey´s last [type] ..Wag Wednesday: Cocker Rocker Cocktail
I had an art therapy internship this past summer with ChildVoice International in Gulu, Uganda and I happened to hook up with a beautiful woman, Simprosa, who had just opened an Amani sewing shop! I got to do art therapy with her and some of her employees. You are in for such an adventure and transformative experience. Wow, I am so excited for you!
If you’re interested, you can find stories from my experiences at Simprosa’s/Amani here:
http://www.boeyinksinuganda.wordpress.com
I’m so glad it’s working out! It will be such a growth experience for you I’m sure.
Lesley´s last [type] ..How it’s not really about pooping in the bath
WOW! I have been out of it and not checking my usual favorite blogs …then I come back to yours and look what is happening!! This is sooooo exciting! I am really excited for your trip and think that you are doing something truly amazing! I’ve been on three missions trips and I never once came back the same! The whole experience will be absolutely rewarding. Can’t wait to hear all about it!!!!
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