Back Again

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Dear Friends,

I arrived in Zambia on Wednesday, carrying the exciting news of the successful campaign of the Chikondi Community Center and the joy of reuniting with women who have impacted my life with their own stories and transformation of lives through hope. I wasn't sure what to expect jumping back into our training program, as it's been continuing even though I spent a few months away in the US. But I was so encouraged when I walked into the room filled with the 11 incredible women I've come to know through over the past months. Smiles, cheers, laughs, and hugs were exchanged. A rekindled connection and shared passion for hope to continue spreading throughout Zambia in the lives of vulnerable women made for a great start to this next phase of the organization. A transitional time of growth, expansion, and refinement. We have a lot in the works for new products, new program details, and even new women who have been on a 6-month waiting list to be a part of our training program, and we look forward to sharing so much of this with you along the way.

So I'm back again. Back, not to create, but to be a part of what's already happening here in the lives of women who are eager, forward-thinking, creative and passionate to see change in their communities. Women like Doreen (pictured above). Doreen joined me today to re-visit the future Chikondi Community Center, and it was absolutely surreal realizing that this would be our place. Our community. Our home. There's much to be done until we can cut the ribbon on this building, as we'll be renovating during the height of rainy season, and paperwork seems to be deeper than the rivers that flow through the compound in this season. But there is so much to look forward to and be excited about for the future, and so much to be thankful for today.

Thank you for joining us in this journey, and for empowering women in Zambia to choose hope for themselves, their families, and their communities.

With Chikondi, Amy

A New Year

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Reflecting over this past year, the only word to describe 2012 is incredible [difficult to believe; extraordinary]. 2012 was a year that marked a new beginning for this organization. Dreams became reality. Women previously met became wonderful students and inspiring friends. Stories were re-written, lives impacted forever. Even our stateside staff underwent a transition, saying a tough goodbye to a few and a warm hello to others. We began the year unaware of just what the in-country launch would hold, but it was truly incredible. Our program could’ve held a training cycle for the women and wrapped it up in October when I returned to the States. That would’ve been okay. But that’s not even close to how the story is being written. It’s all just beginning.

Just 2 weeks into 2013, I can already tell that this is going to be another year of incredible. There are just some things about this organization that haven’t gone as planned but have gone so much better than the best-case, like our NGO status granted in days rather than months. Or finding the facility that symbolized despair and oppression, putting a hold on it, and seeing all of you come together so passionately to believe in the future of this organization, in hope winning, and in our impact on lives in Zambia, exceeding the funding amount to purchase it so very soon. We have witnessed the power of community and relationships, and that’s what we’re all about: giving hope through love. Recognizing that we’re all from different backgrounds but we’re really all quite similar. Stepping into each other’s stories to shine light in the darkness. We are all here for each other.

This year is another beginning, a new chapter for us. In just a couple of months, we’ll be opening the doors to the Chikondi Community Center, which will serve as a safe place of encouragement, learning, creativity and opportunity for vulnerable Zambian women in an impoverished neighborhood. As much as planning is a good thing, so is just saying, “yes” to the journey ahead. That’s where we’re at. We have an idea of what we’d like for 2013, but our arms are open to a world of possibilities, a new year of incredible. We’re in for the ride of our lives, and we invite you to join us. Buckle up. Here’s to 2013, a year of incredible for us and for you. Let’s open our eyes and hearts to experience it daily. I promise it’s there.

With Chikondi, Amy

Chikondi Community Center: Update

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Dear CiH friends, I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season, filled with hope, joy, love and laughter spent with friends and family. We’re so thankful that you’ve chosen to spend this season with us, as many of y’all have already contributed to our campaign that began December 15, scheduled to end on January 15. You didn’t have to put the busyness on pause to give HOPE, but you have. So far 55 of you have. And that’s pretty incredible. Check out the end of this post to see just a few of the folks who have decided to keep hope alive in 2013 for vulnerable women in Zambia through Clothed in Hope.

For now, we’d like to update you on our progress: - Together we’ve raised over $7,000 towards the Chikondi Community Center!! - With 10 full days to go, we’re still in need of $2,690 to be fully funded on our Indiegogo campaign. - The VERY generous donor who offered to match EVERY gift up to $10,000 until the end of 2012 has EXTENDED their offer to last until the end of the campaign!! All gifts given, big and small, are still matched for double the impact! - The funding doesn’t stop at 100%. We would be SO excited if we get fully funded for this project, but there are still more needs in order for our center to be opened, so let’s exceed it! - Renovations that cost above the building purchase price include installing doors, creating windows, building a security fence and gate to protect our women as they learn skills necessary to benefit their families and develop their communities. The women of Clothed in Hope are inspiring and creative, and we’d love to give them a comfortable, safe place to create unique products, learn new skills, and enjoy encouraging friendships with one another. Community is powerful.

This building is more than a few concrete block walls and a dirt yard. It’s a beacon of hope in an oppressive society. It’s a shelter of comfort. It’s a laboratory for creativity.  It’s a classroom for learning. It’s a statement of love to women who have been hurt, abused, and abandoned. It’s a fresh start for families. It’s a home of HOPE.

Will you help us make it a reality for the women of the Ng’ombe compound? We have 10 days to push it, to Tweet, Facebook, Instagram, email, text, call our friends and family to invite them to be a part of something big in 2013. Let’s make our New Year resolution to be less about us and more about the people of this world. We’re here for each other. I promise you won’t regret being a part of what’s happening in the lives of Zambian women through Clothed in Hope. I’ve been changed, inspired, impacted and challenged by their stories and I’m sure you will too.

Here’s the link: www.indiegogo.com/clothedinhope. It’s your choice what you’d like to do with it. We’d love it if you’d join us. 11 women, their families, and their community would, too.

A HUGE thank you to the following people who have already invested in HOPE through the Chikondi Community Center campaign:

Emily Douglas Kerry Martin Ashley Sutherland Jonathan Williams Brianna Booth Brewer Family Barbie Chinnis Paul Rabeler Brent & Ashlee Moore of iamj3 Rebecca Kneisley Kari Morrison Lisa Bailey Ashley Branum Tina Weaver Chris Sharpless Michelle Bilinski Larry Conover Silvia Pleasants Luke Blount Laura Matias Jo Hollis Beth Hollingsworth Sandi Riggs Chris Moore Rodger Burden Derek & Mandy Jakes Amy Swindle Kelsey McKinney Shon Beury Thomas & Brooke Kirby Debbie Gibbs Sarah Gonzales Meredith Chinnis Caleb Gross Jeff & Stephanie Deatherage Jeannette Korczak Jeff & Deborah Cook David & Morgan Lemond Claudia Bardi Les & Connie Deatherage Kate Metcalf Alexandria Caputo Mark Woodell Will & Kathy Woodell Christine Weaver Jessica McMichen Sawyer Dils Theresa Hodge Joyce Gannaway Teresa Hansow Fred & Joan McBride Magda Timmons Florence Jowers Terri Pratt Rick & Jeannie Zuburg Studio Piraino Abigail Eisold DP Wurzel Kenn & Laura Swearingen James Staeck (Names listed are in no particular order and some omitted for privacy)

With Chikondi, Amy

Tis the Season

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Last Thursday I was able to call and talk to all of our CiH women, our Zambian sewing instructor that’s been filling in while I’m back in the States, and even 3 little ones, George and Jona (5), and Joshua (3), sons of Elina and Tresa. The squeals of “we miss you” in the boys’ voices made my heart about burst open, but to hear 11 of my best friends, the beautiful women of CiH, exclaim the same really shook me up for that entire day, but in a great way.

Confession: it’s easy in America to do American things with an American timeframe and American tendencies without stopping for a second to think that the world is so much bigger. And I’m guilty of it.

For 20 minutes, I got to hear what they’ve been up to, hearing the joy in their voices with every single update. It was fascinating to hear about daily life there right now, contrasted with the (mild in NC) winter in the US. It’s the rainy season in Zambia, hot and muggy with flooded roads, but a cool relief when the rains are falling. School terms are continuing, and students like Tresa’s youngest, Joshua, are enjoying attending school for the first time. On the downside, inflation is still high, and food shortages are becoming an issue as their staple food is being smuggled to a neighboring country who’s experiencing alarming conflict. Zambia is also re-vamping their currency, which is scheduled to launch sometime in January. While I’m back in the US, Zambia is still growing and changing as a third-world country with great potential in its young and eager population. Incredible stuff.

Specifically with CiH, the sewing training program isn’t just continuing; it’s thriving. Elina told me that there are so many Chikondi bracelets made right now, they’re overflowing from the bags they’re in. The women have also learned how to make 6 different types of skirts, they’re learning how to make dresses without patterns (an incredible skill, just to let you know, if this vocab isn’t so familiar to you), and they’re starting to learn how to make school uniforms next week.  The women have used the training they’ve acquired, in both business and sewing, to sell the quality products they’ve made, even selling in local markets. The money they earn from your purchase of Chikondi bracelets, the women are able to set aside to purchase fabrics and notions to create these other garments for sustainable, independent incomes. Their voices are proud and enthusiastic. These women aren’t the same women I met back in July. Hope has changed them from the inside out.

Connecting with the women to hear what they’ve been up to, though, reminded me of why things are so crazy this season with fundraising, why I’m doing what I do, and why you are such a vital part of this equation too. It’s not a burden- it’s a gift. It’s a gift to be involved in the lives of people across the world, learning from them, blessing them, sharing life with them, and seeing just how love impacts entire families and communities.

So while this holiday season is filled with an emphasis on generosity and giving, let’s be reminded that the gift isn’t really the gift at all; it’s the giving, the recognition that what we have can impact lives across the world. The recognition that we are beyond blessed. The moment when we give that someone else realizes they’re worth it. It’s our joy to be a part of the lives of 11 Zambian women, and it’s our joy to give this season. Thank you for being a part of what CiH is doing in Zambia and in the US this holiday season. Thank you for helping us get just one step closer to our goal of 70K for 2013 through your support, purchasing of Chikondi products, and encouragement. As the women wanted me to pass along to you from our Thursday phone call, “Zikomo” (thank you).

With Chikondi, Amy

Day 10: Zikomo (Thank You)

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We want to thank you deeply and dearly for having the interest and taking the time to read through this recap. We wish we could share with you every single thing that has happened during our in-country launch, but we trust what we have shared about the powerful impact of hope will inspire you as much as it has inspired us. Thankfully, hope isn’t just found in Zambia. It’s global, it’s contagious, and it’s changing the world. We invite you to be a part of what we’re doing to empower, educate, and spread hope throughout Zambia. Our needs for this upcoming year are huge as the potential for impact continues to grow and the program is replicating from city to village. We currently need $4,300 each month ($51,000 for the year) to continue operating in 2013. This covers our cost-efficient operating expenses, and allows for continued growth of the program. We’re in great need of monthly donors to help fund this growth.

The facility described above, is a separate $25,000 investment in the Ng’ombe slum compound community. It’s not just 10 rooms with walls; it’s a center for hope in a place that runs deep with poverty and oppression.

How will you invest in bringing hope, empowerment, and change to the people of Zambia? It’s an investment that gives back a hundredfold as you are directly impacting the lives of those who have the ability to change their entire nation.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me via email amy@clothedinhope.org to further discuss donation, collaboration or sponsorship opportunities. If you’re ready to donate today, please visit www.clothedinhope.org/give. Zikomo. Thank you.

With Chikondi, Amy Founder & Executive Director

Day 9: The Impact

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Looking back over the past 3 months, words fail to express all that’s happened, but I hope you’ve enjoyed a glimpse of it all. It’s nothing of us, everything of the power of hope. I’ve come to realize, though, that this program hasn’t just impacted the lives of 11 women. Sure that’s an incredible part of it, even if it were to stop there. Even if we made a difference in the life of one woman, that would be enough. But with the common theme, let’s shatter even that expectation. The ripple effects of this program are immeasurable, but allow me to share with you just a few ways American donors and supporters have brought hope to 11 women, and to so many others. These 11 women have experienced great benefits through being the first participants in our organization. Even greater, they are of great benefit to their families, their community, and to the nation of Zambia. Here are just a few numbers to show how the impact of 11 creates so much more than that. Eleven women empowered and educated through Clothed in Hope’s skills-training and income-generating program have made a way for:

19 of their children to enroll in private or higher education for a stronger educational foundation

35 children (from all 11 women) to enjoy hope of a brighter future through the strengthening of their family and work ethic from their mothers

172 people (from all 11 households) to receive regular, more substantial meals to fight malnutrition and resulting stunting, food-borne, and water-borne illnesses

12 women in the remote village of Muchochoma to learn the skill of sewing and business management for the benefit of their entire village

19 at-risk boys from Kakabalika Child Foundation to learn and practice the skill of hand-sewing, empowering them to take pride in their work and bright possibilities for their futures

6 women to begin a savings fund to practice financial responsibility through long-term thinking

And for 2 of our CiH women, they’ve already taken the business skills and income earned from Chikondi bracelets to begin their own small businesses.

Carol, a mother of 3, is an incredible seamstress and picked up the skill right away. She’s bright, motivated and empowered. She’s started her own business selling bed sheets that she’s sewn herself from the skills and capital gained throughout the CiH in-country launch. She’s proud of her business and looks forward to future growth.

Margret, 25-year-old widow and mother of a 3-year-old, seems to have every excuse for a poor outlook on life, left alone to raise her daughter even through the oppression she faces daily. When asked what she was thankful for, Margret replied, “for giving me hope to go on with my life.” Not speaking a word before, Margret now brings such joy to our group and is a great friend to all. Soaking up every lesson from our training program, Margret has used her bracelet income to gather materials and build a small grocery stand near her house. She estimates the grocery to be open at the end of October 2012. She’s not only investing in her future through business, but also in the life of her 3-year-old girl, Rabbecca.

Day 8: Taking It Back

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For this news, let’s flashback to 2 years ago, the first time I was in Zambia for a short-term trip. We spent our weekends at an orphanage in Ng’ombe, and the intensity of poverty and hope forever impacted my life. Elina (yes, our Elina) helped to run that facility, providing a safe place for children abandoned or forgotten by their parents. Just a few short months after we left, Elina was targeted as the vulnerable one by her family just by being the only widow. As a result, her family drove Elina and her children out of the facility through greed and corruption, leaving Elina’s family without a place to live and forever hurt by the betrayal of her own family. The orphanage ceased to exist. The remaining family stole any money that poured in to help with the care and education of the orphans. The orphanage building remained. No longer a safe haven for orphaned children, it became a stronghold of corruption and a beacon of deceit. The oppression that is so commonly heard of was most visible through “Orphanage” painted on the side of that building, when it was anything but. I promise this is going somewhere. Fast forward to the end of my time in Zambia, seeking out a facility for us to move our operations. Thankfully we’ve outgrown our current space, and the women are all feeling motivated as teachers, ready to see the program expand to impact even more people in Ng’ombe. I went with a friend of ours to look at buildings listed for sale, and walked up to the very place that was stolen from Elina and her family, a buliding that embodied everything messed up about the complexities of poverty, injustice and oppression. Shocked, I wanted to run, but something told me to stay.

After we raise all $25,000 needed, this place will no longer be a place stained with deceit, greed, hatred and oppression. The walls will be repainted, the building repaired to be even better than it was before. And the community will know that oppression cannot remain when hope is present. Hatred cannot exist where love lives. Clothed in Hope will take back what was taken from Elina, but it goes beyond that. Clothed in Hope will make a statement that we’re here to love, to empower, to restore better than before, to see treasure in the broken, and to be a pillar of hope through the beautiful lives of 11 incredible women devoted to their community.

With Chikondi, Amy

Day 7: Transitions

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Nearing the end of our in-country launch, I realized it was just the opposite of an end. It’s a beginning. Our Clothed in Hope women are confident, they’re empowered, and they are fueled by sacrificial generosity. They want to give back what they’ve been given. The women have formed a partnership and relationships with 12 women of a remote village 2 hours outside Lusaka, called Muchochoma. The village lacks any wells, schools, clinics, community buildings, stores, industry, and so much more. They’ve even created their own language as a result of their remote lifestyles. Yet our women all connect on one common belief: hope is real and love is powerful. They’re not separated by cultural differences but rather united by humanity. What a beautiful example of hope spreading beyond Ng’ombe, beyond this city, to a remote village to begin again what was established in the lives of the original 11 CiH women from Ng’ombe.

We’ve brought in a local tailor, a widow, who shares the heart of our organization, to continue the training for our CiH women. Looking around the room during our first session with her there, I sat stunned at all that had happened. Women who started out reserved, silent, and discouraged are the same women with permanent smiles on their faces, whose laughs echo throughout the room, and whose confidence is renewed in ways that are simply unexplainable. In addition to the continuation with training in new ways, another huge thing has happened...

Day 6: Paperwork & Change of Plans

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The PaperworkAs the representative of a foreign NGO, I was fully prepared to follow the timeline of others here: 6 months for full approval and certification, thousands of dollars spent in the process of stamping, collecting, copying, preparing, and seeing the legal documents through the journey to completion. But my expectations were way off. When a community catches onto a vision that seeks to benefit its members in huge ways, the community takes you in as their own. And that’s just what happened with us. Represented by a community leader in the Ng’ombe slum compound, I was led through the process of forms, lines and offices, in just one short week with minimal fees paid, to receive our official documents in my hand. Clothed in Hope is as official in Zambia as it is in the United States, and it gives us great freedom and joy in knowing that we’re really just beginning here. The possibilities are endless.

Change of Plans I was ready to continue our routine of daily lessons and production of Chikondi bracelets, but I soon came to grips again with a too-low expectation. Elina came up to me after one training day and said, “Why don’t you stay home to work for 2 days out of the week? We have it under control here.” Maybe in America this sounds normal, but it shatters every cultural stigma in Zambia. Our women have taken ownership of and pride in our organization. They manage each other under a set of group-organized rules complete with a judicial board to regulate any issues that arise. Going into month 2, community-owned was becoming a deeper-rooted aspect of our organization, and we are so thankful for that.

Day 5: Not Just Producers

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One weekend “homework” assignment turned into a beautiful part of our organization. When women were asked to create bracelet samples using their stitching knowledge, most faces were frozen and blank. This culture isn’t one that fosters independence. It doesn’t celebrate creativity or individuality. Transfer this into years of education and imprinting it into the way the women live their lives, and this homework assignment was proving to be a much bigger deal than I thought. Monday morning came around and the women were beaming, proud to show off their work. Cutting out fabrics, Margaret exclaimed, “I’m a designer!” Talk about empowerment. These bracelet designs didn’t stay samples for long. The creations were incredibly unique and beautiful, and the women decided on 2 bracelets to start producing for income-generation in hopes of CiH becoming self-sustainable after this start-up period. Thus were born the Twist bracelet and Knot bracelet. With the announcement of our first purchase, the women cheered, whistled, screamed, and sang songs of joy. It’s not a bracelet. It’s someone telling the women that what they create, that who they are, is beautiful and worth investing in.

Our Clothed in Hope women branded our handmade chitenge (African fabric) products with the name “Chikondi” meaning “love” in their native tongue.  Hope cannot exist without love. When a person wears a Chikondi bracelet, they’re not only wearing “love” but also giving HOPE. An idea, a simple task, represents the very heart of our organization, while providing valuable incomes for 11 incredible women.