I was honored to be asked to write the forward for a children's book about the bead makers and their connection with Hope Institute of Uganda.
I saw their
faces. I experienced their smiles. I remember their stories; that is why I keep
selling Jinja Jewelry beads for Hope Institute of Uganda. It’s been an honor to partner with Joy and
Gideon Ngobi who have made it their mission to bring help and hope to people
living in poverty in their homeland.
I first met Joy at Sky Lodge Family
Camp in Wisconsin. Her joyful spirit and
the beads she brought to sell captured my attention. To think that such beauty could come from
discarded paper was fascinating to me. When
I learned that Joy was selling the jewelry for women in Uganda so they could
take care of their families and send their children to school, I was eager to
help.
I began selling Jinja Jewelry in
2010. One month later I started a fair
trade business in Greenville, IL called Roots-n-Streams (Gifts With
Purpose). Getting to know Joy and travelling
with her to Uganda to meet the bead makers has been one of the most rewarding
experiences in my life. It’s been a
delight to share pictures and stories with others when I go out to sell in a
variety of locations and speak to groups of all ages. Having this beautifully illustrated book,
with a story that touches your heart, inspires me to keep making connections
and sharing with others. As you read, may you be encouraged to consider how recycled
paper and a simple sale can change a life.
Kim Brannon
Roots-n-Streams (Gifts With Purpose) Director
Greenville Free Methodist Church- Greenville, IL
If you would like to order a copy for yourself or to give as a gift please text or call me
847-691-8005, or send me an e-mail. kim@roots-n-streams.com
It is a sweet story filled with pictures that were taken by one of my teammates
on my first trip to Uganda.
