There are less than 6 weeks between now and the due date of my second daughter.

It’s honestly pretty hard to write this blog post, but for a reason other than it being my final task with CiH before venturing into the world of full-time mom of two. Instead, it’s because this organization has such a huge part of my heart that it this doesn’t really feel like “Goodbye,” but more like a shift from team member to over-enthusiastic fan on the sidelines (hand painted ‘Go Team!!!!’ sign and all).

I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to work with this organization. I have experienced with Amy, Kathy, Elina and the rest of our staff in Zambia what it means to “do what you can, with what you have, where you are” (a quote we’ve come back to several times over the years as we’ve sought direction towards our vision). Clothed in Hope — though we are small in comparison to organizations with more people, bigger budgets, and more reach — is sustainably empowering Zambia’s most vulnerable people; one woman, one family at a time. It has been an honor to call myself part of this team.

While I’m saying goodbye to my Creative Coordinator position, I look forward continuing my membership in the HOPE Club, and being part of the work CiH is doing this year and beyond. As cliché as it sounds, this job has been so much more than a job; it was an answer to a prayer I had back in 2012 (when I first met Amy and heard her vision), it has opened my eyes to the profound need for HOPE in the world, and it has taught me that every. single. one. of us is capable of making an impact.

Gratefully, with Chikondi (Love),

Meredith

Myself, Elina, Amy & Kathy at our 2017 Gala for Hope

I will never forget the feeling I had when we pulled up to our Chikondi Community Center. I was overwhelmed with joy (and LOTS of tears) in seeing our home base for the first time!

Some of our Zambia staff before the March 2018 Graduation