Joy + Sorrow
How do I even begin to summarize my time in Zambia a couple weeks ago?
How do I even begin to summarize my time in Zambia a couple weeks ago? If you haven’t heard, a baby girl named Hope, the daughter of a woman who was scheduled to graduate during this cycle, passed away shockingly. She suffered a lot. And it didn’t need to be like that.
I’ve been wrestling with that ever since I’ve been home. I bet many of you have had similar thoughts about the injustices of this world. It is just hard.
But the trip wasn’t all hard. Not at all. That’s the other shocking part.
Just as there was space made for sorrow, there was space made for joy. The two co-existing. The two held sacred.
We held a graduation for over 20 women who heard their names announced publicly and positively for the first time ever. We danced and celebrated.
We held a grieving mama who had to stay strong so her surviving daughter, Hope’s twin, would survive. And Hope’s twin, Faith, held onto her stuffed animal, about the same size of Hope and dressed in her dressed covered in her scent to comfort her as she screamed out for her “mpundu” or twin.
We visited a private game reserve for our first-ever Zambia staff retreat where many of our staff ladies saw a giraffe for the very first time and smiled in purest joy. They filled their stomachs with the buffet and talked about how peaceful it was to get out of the bustling city.
We visited Martha’s home for Hope’s visitation. Shoes off, kneeling before female elders, shaking hands, meeting sorrowful eyes, sitting on handmade grass mats. Understanding in that very moment that this is community.
It doesn’t cost us our joy to meet another in their sorrow. If anything, it expands it. Our hearts swell when we use them how they’re designed to be used. To be broken for one another, to be healed with one another, to be expanded by experiences, to be shared and poured out, to be filled and built up.
This trip was complicated. It started out with a schedule and a casual check-in with our ladies. We flew home without much of “accomplished” yet everything accomplished.
We know that our program is working. We saw it at graduation. We saw it in our staff. And we saw it vividly at Hope’s visitation.
Community. Empowerment. Encouragement. Love. Joy. Hope. Sacrifice. Overcoming. Determination. Faith. Kindness.
All existing in a society and others in the community trying their hardest to trip up, to defeat, to oppress, to shame, to hurt, to keep down, to belittle and to silence.
Thank you to every single one of you sowing into this organization. You are raising a banner of HOPE over hundreds of women and thousands of their children. You are creating a force to be reckoned with - women who will not be stopped, women who will not let their friend suffer alone, women who are fighting for their children to walk a new path in life. We are honored to partner with you in this hard and incredible work.
With Chikondi (Love),
Amy
If you want to join us in this work, join the HOPE Club. Click the button below:
Meredith's Trip to Zambia
"All these years I had known of this place, known of the people who lived here, known of our skills-training program. But in a single moment the reality of these things came flooding in — all of my knowledge came ALIVE!"
Six years ago, I fell in love with the mission behind Clothed in Hope. I was in college studying graphic design when I heard about this little organization another girl at UofSC had started and I was immediately sold; the heart for vulnerable women, the grassroots beginning, the opportunity to make an impact in a little corner of the world...I wanted to be a part of this and (if I was being really honest) I wanted to, one day, visit Zambia and meet these amazing women who were trusting this little organization to change their lives.
I truly believe that God heard the little unspoken desires of my heart, because I am now sitting in a coffee shop, as the CiH Creative Director, writing a blog post on my recent trip to ZAMBIA, and let me tell you (with an extreme risk of sounding cliché) it was incredible.
When we finally arrived after a grueling 24-hour journey, it all felt strangely familiar. Driving through the streets that I have seen in so many photos — dusty roads, children in school uniforms, little shops with hand-painted signs — this was the Ng'ombe I had imagined. What I didn't expect were the tears that came streaming down my face as we pulled up to the gates of the Chikondi Community Center. It was in this moment that everything hit me...
THIS. IS. REAL.
All these years I had known of this place, known of the people who lived here, known of our skills-training program. But in a single moment the reality of these things came flooding in — all of my knowledge came ALIVE!
Through the gates, we were welcomed with singing, dancing, hugs and prayers from our staff and students.
After our first day — which was full of happy tears, introductions and planning — Kathy asked me what I thought of the center. Thinking back on this day, it feels a little like a dream. Everything was just as it seems from almost 8,000 miles away. I kept finding myself wanting to take photos in front of different things as if I was visiting a famous landmark. Every time I saw a familiar face, I felt like I was spotting a celebrity. I was hugging the necks of the women whose stories I have read over and over — it was the most surreal experience I have had to date.
Cooking with "Chef Maggie" (Margret) is one of my favorite memories from the trip.
In a few meaningful, soft-spoken words, Margret shared her gratitude for her job on staff and what it means for her family.
Nshima, chibwabwa (a pumpkin leaf stew), and chicken for lunch with the staff!
We only had five short days in Zambia, spending a bit of time at each of our locations (besides the Muchochoma Village location, which we didn't have time to visit this trip). We also paid a visit to the market to select fabric for ALL of this year's HOPE Club Champion and Limited Release products. Busy with local shoppers (and pick-pockets, I was warned), the market street was lined with shop after little shop, filled with neatly folded fabrics and practically anything else you might happen to be looking for. I was overwhelmed in the best way hunting down the prints our producers would use to create our next products. I am so excited for you guys to see what we found, but until then, here's a photo of me in heaven...
By far, the most remarkable day was GRADUATION DAY! Kathy and I arrived on Wednesday morning to students and staff buzzing around the center as they prepared for the big day. Just minutes before the ceremony began, Fridah (our lead sewing instructor) handed me a folded outfit and said with a smile, "Put it on now." She and some of our other staff members (without taking a single measurement) had made me a gorgeous outfit to wear that day! Now, I can not stress to you enough how BUSY this week had been since we arrived, but these women took extra time out of their day to make me a gorgeous two-piece dress. I will truly cherish it forever!
Elina (In-Country Director), Jessy (Micro-Loan Coordinator), Emeli (Asst. Director), Fridah (Lead Sewing Instructor), and myself in my gorgeous outfit!
If I had to sum graduation day up in one word it would be JOYFUL! To see all of our students gathered in one place, donning their handmade outfits, laughing with their friends and family, their children by their sides, I just kept thinking, "What an honor."
I, coming from so far away and having only met these women a few days ago, was invited to take part in a day that would likely change these women's lives forever. I was able to hand these ladies (and one gentleman), a diploma that tells the world, "I have a skill. I am capable. I am worthy." Again, I found myself in a moment that could have felt like a dream, only the JOY, and the tears, and the HOPE were all too real!
Over and over again, the story we heard was, "Before, I didn't have any skills. Now, I have a SKILL. I can do something." What may seem like a simple sewing and business/entrepreneurship course is, for our students, the key to a better life. For themselves. For their children. And this is something to CELEBRATE!
This was a happy day. These are women empowered. Our staff is a group of people who love deeply. And this little corner of the world is being changed because of these things, and because of people like YOU who believe in us. But more notable than any of this is something that became real during this short and busy week — these are women of FAITH.
My time in Zambia has changed me. It has changed the way I work. Working for a nonprofit can be challenging; we all work outside of our wheelhouses, within tight budgets, and without knowledge of the future to some extent. But I can now say that I've FELT it. I've SEEN it. I've HEARD it. I have experienced our vision playing out in real time, and that is invaluable. If you're still with me, thank you for taking the time time out of your day to read this. If you're a donor, please know that your sacrifice — big or small — is truly changing lives. And if you're not a donor, I hope that you'll join us in this amazing, humbling work.
Zikomo (Thank You),
Meredith
Project Runway #2
These women blow us away. Not only do they rise above oppression and abuse and all things awful to pave a new path for their entire families by learning a skillset, but they also transform into confident, beautiful, incredibly talented designers and seamstresses in the process. It is SO FUN to witness!! Since we didn't have it in the budget to fly all of you over to Zambia to see it for yourselves this past March, here are some of the highlights of Project Runway: Zam Edition...
Last year we started this friendly competition between past + current graduates at our March Graduation. It was such a hit that students asked that we do it again! Here's how it goes: past and current graduates are given 2-4 meters of fabric (or can use their own), and only have 1 week to create a custom design of their own. Then they have to strut their stuff and model it in front of the entire graduation audience! The audience votes for the Top 3 and winners get a cash prize (and bragging rights!).
These women blow us away. Not only do they rise above oppression and abuse and all things awful to pave a new path for their entire families by learning a skillset, but they also transform into confident, beautiful, incredibly talented designers and seamstresses in the process. It is SO FUN to witness!! Since we didn't have it in the budget to fly all of you over to Zambia to see it for yourselves this past March, here are some of the highlights of Project Runway: Zam Edition...
Precious kicks off the competition with this custom tunic + head wrap, and styles her outfit with black leggings and perfectly matching heels.
Next up: this gorgeous sweetheart neckline dress with an A-line skirt
Bridget reacts to cheers from the crowd with this matching dress, jacket, visor, boots outfit. Such creativity!
Staying on trend with this hi-low hem dress in a gorgeous fabric of her own, with waistline, neckline, and sleeve detailing.
Gladys' head-to-toe ensemble gets quite the reaction from the crowd. Matching purse, a-line dress, and traditional hat in a beautiful traditional chitenge fabric.
Maureen's final pose... check out that pleating detail on the neckline and hem! Gorgeous.
Doreen goes for the fashion-forward look with a peplum top and matching trousers. We love her matching makeup!
Our only male graduate, Aaron, receives thunderous applause, cheering, and shouting for this incredible chitenge suit, complete with sequin trim and a matching cane + hat combo.
The Runway show concluded with SO many amazing designs from some ridiculously talented students of ours. But there could only be 3 winners...
Congrats to Bridget (1st place from Kaunda Square), Doreen (2nd place from Kaunda Square), and Precious (3rd place from Ng'ombe)!!
YOU are making this possible. The skill, the passion, the drive, and the dream. Women once discouraged by the hardships they've endured their entire lives are now dreaming big and opening their own tailoring shops featuring amazing custom designs like these. You are investing in the art of fashion design and the heart of rising above in a dignifying way. Thank you, friends.
With Chikondi (Love),
Amy
CiH Founder & Executive Director
Graduation Day: October
7 women. Starting a new chapter of life. That's what happened a few weeks back when I was visiting our program in Zambia. We celebrated the Graduation Day for 7 women who worked to hard to ALL receive Diplomas in Sewing & Entrepreneurship.
7 women. Starting a new chapter of life. That's what happened a few weeks back when I was visiting our program in Zambia. We celebrated the Graduation Day for 7 women who worked to hard to ALL receive Diplomas in Sewing & Entrepreneurship. I watched on from our Staff Table as the proud Mama Amy to all of the women in the audience. Instead of listening to me ramble on about all of my feelings on that day (which I could do forever!), here's a little photo story from our most recent Graduation Day:
Our Emcee (in blue) was a student from our Kaunda Square location. Next to her in a custom & handmade outfit is our beloved In-Country Director, Elina.
And pictured behind them is our new generator!! Made possible during our last sewing machine campaign and that helped give us sound and music for the fun day.
After a little word of encouragement from the Emcee, we all enjoyed a snack: Fanta + homemade chocolate chip scones made by our Baking Instructor, Margret. Delish!
Women from all classes, previous and current, came to support the women graduating. This beautiful woman is from our newest House of Moses partnership class.
And new babies get to meet the rest of the ever-growing CiH family, like Patricia's baby girl, Blessing.
We take a break after each segment of the Graduation program to do what we love most- DANCE!
Skits were presented and then kind words were spoken over our Graduating Class, these women pictured here. Each graduate gets 4 yards of fabric to design and make her own graduation outfit that expresses her style and talent. One of our favorite parts of the whole day is seeing our graduates when they arrive!
Then the presentation of Diplomas. And lots of hugs and smiles. These women worked so hard for the past 12 months, passed multiple examinations, and defeated all opposition around them that told them they couldn't do it. Most of the graduates were recognized for the first time in their entire lives.
On the far left is Mrs. Mulenga, our Lead Instructor. Next to her is Elina, In-Country Director. And on the far right- me! Wearing a custom chitenge suit made for me by Elina.
So many hugs for the woman who taught each and every student- Mrs. Mulenga.
So much love!
I got to speak truth and encouragement over all of my "babies" as their Mama Amy. A joy to share with these women that they are loved, that they matter to the world, that they are all uniquely perfect exactly as they are.
Presenting the 7 Graduates of the Class of October 2016!!
After the ceremony concluded, everyone wanted their turn at a fun photo. I print all of these photos and give them to each person when I go to Zambia. For many of them, it's one of the only photos they have of themselves.
Graduates can bring their children or family members to share in this special day. Even more special is that these girls now have the memory of their mother achieving such an amazing accomplishment. We can't wait to see the impact this day has on these young lives years down the road. What an amazing example this brave, beautiful, hardworking mama has set for her girls!
More fun family photos to celebrate such a joyous day!
The next generation of Clothed in Hope. This little world changer.
And last but never least- the peanut butter to my jelly. The nshima to my relish. The salt to my pepper. The most amazing woman, Elina. Clothed in Hope wouldn't be what it is today without her and we love her!!
Sometimes I cringe when I hear the words "changing lives" because that seems like such a bold claim. But on Graduation Days like this one in early October, I know it's true. Clothed in Hope is changing the lives of women in Zambia. A bold statement, but a true one. From despair to hope. Mourning to gladness. So much joy, so much confidence, and so much capability. The sky is truly the limit for these incredible women who have chosen HOPE despite the challenges and oppression all around them.
And who's helping to change those lives? YOU. If you are a HOPE Club supporter, donor, customer, advocate, you made this happen, and you continue to make this happen. We celebrate with you and are so thankful for you!
If you want to be part of this goodness, there's no better time than now to join!
With Chikondi,
Amy + the CiH team
Graduation Day April '16
Yesterday, April 2nd, we had the pure joy of celebrating the accomplishments of 27 women and 2 men in our Clothed in Hope Skills Training Program. These students completed our curriculum in sewing and business training, preparing them to be entrepreneurs for the betterment of their families.
Yesterday, April 2nd, we had the pure joy of celebrating the accomplishments of 27 women and 2 men in our Clothed in Hope Skills Training Program. These students completed our curriculum in sewing and business training, preparing them to be entrepreneurs for the betterment of their families.
Our graduation day was unique in that we graduated 3 special classes: our first group from Muchochoma Village, our partner group with House of Moses Orphanage/Christian Alliance for Orphans in Zambia working with vulnerable families at risk of losing their children, and our partner group from International Justice Mission who began their program as the Zambia office closed.
Each of our students, these in particular, carry heavy stories, traumatic experiences, years of oppression. As one graduate, Ngoza, shared,
"I was born in poverty. People told me I would never escape poverty, but here I am with a skill. A skill that no one can take away from me. A skill that is able to feed my family and provide for us."
Thank you for changing the lives of 27 women and 2 men as they received certificates and diplomas at our April 2016 Graduation Ceremony. It was a celebration of joy in the midst of pain, of freedom in the face of oppression.
If you're not already on board, we invite you to join us in this life-changing work by joining our HOPE Club. Your commitment of $25/month means education, empowerment, and opportunity for more vulnerable women in Zambia. You get to be a world changer, right where you are.
Ngoza, graduate from IJM partnership class
Francis, graduate from House of Moses Orphanage partnership class
Elizabeth, graduate from Muchochoma Village class
In-Country Director Elina, Muchochoma Village Graduate Iledi, and Founder Amy
Grace, House of Moses graduate, so excited to receive her diploma
House of Moses Orphanage/CACZ graduates with HOM + CiH Staff
Muchochoma Village graduates gifting Amy with a Village chicken- a generous and honoring act!
Beautiful CiH Alum returning to support the current graduates
Through Rose's Eyes
Rose is 45 years old, a mother of two children, and part of the newest graduating class from our Chikondi Community Center training program in Zambia. On Saturday, September 12, our entire CiH family gathered together at our center for a most joyful graduation day as we celebrated our largest graduating classes yet, a total of 8 women! Rather than recap all of the details that just don’t do the day justice in how incredible it was, I wanted to share the day through one story- Rose’s story.
Rose is 45 years old, a mother of two children, and part of the newest graduating class from our Chikondi Community Center training program in Zambia. On Saturday, September 12, our entire CiH family gathered together at our center for a most joyful graduation day as we celebrated our largest graduating classes yet, a total of 8 women! Rather than recap all of the details that just don’t do the day justice in how incredible it was, I wanted to share the day through one story- Rose’s story.
Rose has lived in a house just a stone’s throw from our center. She woke up each day seeing the walls of our center painted with our logo and describing our program for women, hearing the clickety-clacks of sewing machines and cheers of women. But Rose just sat idle at her house, defeated from over 40 years of struggle. She had no business to run, no skills to utilize, seemingly no purpose to fulfill.
In what was surely a gradual decision and after much convincing, on one ordinary day, Rose stepped through our gate door thanks to the persistence of another student, Justina, and our local directors. Here at CiH, we don’t let each other suffer alone. That’s just not how life is meant to be lived. So on that day 12 months ago, Rose became part of a beautiful family, our CiH community of over 60 women who learn together, grieve together, celebrate together, and overcome together.
Rose's CiH Registration Photo from September 2014
Rose, still skeptical and burdened, started her learning slowly, but when the switch flipped in her mind that she was capable of learning big things, and able to achieve great things, she quickly excelled. Rose, like the plant we all know, was only noticing the thorns until we began to see her bloom into the most beautiful creation. She hasn’t stopped blooming since.
On Saturday, we celebrated her and 7 of her closest friends and classmates, who ranged in ages from 29 to 46, all mamas to precious little ones. The day was special for all, but the second Rose walked through that gate door as she did for the first time 12 months ago, we knew it was especially special for her.
Rose strolled in with a bold confidence, a loud joy, and a powerful beauty, with her hair in curls, and the most stylish chitenge outfit that she designed herself. Adorned with a bright patterned fabric, Rose was rocking a peplum top and pencil skirt with unique detailing throughout the outfit. I can’t come up with any word to describe her that day other than “EMPOWERED.”
Rose (far right) stylin' and dancin' in her own custom design outfit.
As songs played and the ceremony progressed, Rose kept her huge smile, the type that makes your eyes squint at the corners because it occupies your entire face. That type of real joy, of real victory, of real accomplishment. On Saturday, Rose danced to celebrate not only that she passed our program, but that she now carries a newfound respect, purpose, and dignity for herself, qualities that reach far beyond sewing machines and business. Qualities that have truly changed her life and her family.
The time came (after delicious snacks, of course) for the graduates to receive their diplomas. Rose sat nervously in her seat, in great anticipation of this moment that she never imagined possible for her life. She was to be recognized by many. She was to be celebrated for completing a difficult course that would equip her with a valuable skill.
Then Rose’s name was called. The eye-squinting smile was replaced with tears. Overflowing tears. Raw emotion like we have never witnessed in the 3+ years of our program. All of us held our breath as we witnessed this brilliant moment together. Rose ran up to the front, dancing her way there, proclaiming, “Tears of JOY!”
I could tell that these were tears of joy. But also tears of overcoming immense struggle. Of victory over the darkest places that have held her back for so many years. Of being known and seen and accepted. Of belonging. Tears of the greatest worth, coming from the deepest place inside her soul.
We all cheered her on, celebrated her vulnerability, her joy, her victory, her story. We screamed, we danced, we hugged, and we, too, shed a few of our own joyful tears. Because what one of us feels, we all feel, and we weren’t going to let that moment slip through our fingers. We savored her celebration together.
Rose was met by her daughter, one of the few family members to attend our graduation ceremony, and their embrace was witnessed by us all in what seemed to be suspended time. Nothing else mattered in that moment except for the HOPE, the joy, the victory that Rose got to express and share with all of us there. It was one of the most beautiful moments of my entire life.
As I sat there, watching it all happen in slow motion and savoring every single bit of the emotion, the celebration, I just couldn’t get over the thought that “I feel so lucky.” To be sitting in the middle of the dusty Ng’ombe compound with noises blaring, babies screaming, despair easily noticed all around, yet surrounded in that moment by the most glorious hope and victory, I felt so lucky.
Life is hard and is especially hard for the women in our program and our community. Many bury their children, many suffer disease, many are abused daily, many face hunger and oppression. Yet in the thick of the hard and seemingly insurmountable pain exists this little thing called HOPE. Hope that changes lives, hope that empowers, hope that lifts up, hope that believes in one another, hope that introduces us to true, powerful, real love. And to inhale that hope in the midst of the hard is one glorious gift.
I am so lucky to get to be a part of Rose’s story of overcoming, of redemption, of new life. And you, HOPE Club Members, donors, customers, are also so lucky. Your contribution has made this possible. Not in some far-fetched way, but in a tangible way. Evidenced by the tears, by the cheers, by the dancing, by the life-change in 8 amazing women on Saturday. You made this possible. You gave opportunity where many women could only see defeat. You believe in these women by supporting them monthly through our program, and they know who you are and are encouraged by that generous gesture.
Maybe it feels like you’re thousands of miles away and thus distanced from the change, but let me just tell you today that your involvement with CiH matters. It has changed Rose’s life, and is changing dozens of others today and next month and next year. You are also the lucky ones to get to be a part of something so huge, so empowering, so far-reaching in its impact. Thank you for making this possible. We couldn’t do it without you. And if you’re on the fence about joining our HOPE Club family to provide this opportunity for others who are waiting, join us today. I promise you won’t regret getting to invest in the life-change of others. It’s so worth it.
With Chikondi (Love) and HOPE,
Amy
To join the HOPE Club, providing monthly support for our current and future students, click here:
Graduation Recap: Class of March 2015
Here's a little peek into what happens at a Clothed in Hope Graduation Ceremony (hint: it's FUN!). Enjoy the photos, and celebrate with us all that this day means for the 7 women who graduated from our skills-training program. Thank you to all of you who have donated and purchased products, because you are the ones who made it happen. You have given the life-changing gift of education to women in Zambia. You have given HOPE. And rather than this being the end of their journey, it's really just the beginning.
Here's a little peek into what happens at a Clothed in Hope Graduation Ceremony (hint: it's FUN!). Enjoy the photos, and celebrate with us all that this day means for the 7 women who graduated from our skills-training program. Thank you to all of you who have donated and purchased products, because you are the ones who made it happen. You have given the life-changing gift of education to women in Zambia. You have given HOPE. And rather than this being the end of their journey, it's really just the beginning. They've completed 12 months of skills-training in sewing and entrepreneurship, and are now off to run their profitable businesses for the benefit of their families. Congrats, graduates! And thank YOU to all you HOPE-givers out there.
Many ladies, especially CiH graduates, choose to show off their skills with their own dress designs by creating gorgeous custom dresses for themselves. Aren't they stunning?!
Forget boring vinyl banners. The CiH graduates take pride in and create ownership of their ceremony by creating a custom banner together.
Empowering mamas (like Mirriam) through education leads to raising up confident and healthy babies (like Temwani), which leads to strengthening and keeping families together, preventing social orphans entirely. Doesn't get much better than that.
The CiH women nominate a Director of Ceremonies to lead the graduation day. Ireen (a current student, here in green), did a fabulous job leading us in singing, dancing, skits, and making sure all events of the day ran smoothly. You're the best, Ireen!
Hugs all around! Plenty of singing, dancing, and even skits to celebrate the joy of the day.
CiH Founder, Amy, gives a motivational talk to graduates and current students, affirming dignity, value, capability, and beauty in each woman.
When it comes time for the handing out of the diplomas women run (or dance, like Vene here) all the way to the front in celebration! Elina, CiH In-Country Director, shares "This is just the start. This is just a piece of paper. YOU have the skill!"
Each graduate gets a BIG hug, because this accomplishment is a BIG deal. A past graduate, Maureen, shared, "This opportunity of a diploma comes once in a lifetime, so we must not miss the chance to dance. It's time to dance." For most, this is the only graduation they'll attend, and we love being able to provide this day to brag on them for all of their hard work and determination. It's truly a day for dancing!
Left to right: Mrs. Mulenga (tailoring instructor), Charity (graduate), Amy (founder), Elina (Zambia Director) all pose together for a photo that will be cherished for many years to come.
CiH Staff with the Class of March 2015 Graduates. Congratulations, ladies!!
Mirriam said during her speech to the group, "When people see what I'm wearing they say 'I want this dress!' I thank God for the gifts you've given me!"
As is customary, the CiH Staff ladies sit under the Presentation Tent together.
Class of September 2014 graduate, Patriciar, comes back with 2 of her kids, as she's dressed to the nines in her custom design dress. Past graduates and current students all come out to support their peers, their community, their friends.
Congratulations, Class of March 2015 Graduates!! We are so proud of each one of you!