At the airport headed to Uganda and Burundi

My generosity got the best of me today. Worked up a sweat rearranging overweight bags with bibles and resources for leaders, school supplies, 

clothes, shoes, games, baby items, candy, and gifts for widows and orphans.  Had to create a 3rd checked bag and stuff my pockets with snacks from my carry on. My carry ons were even overweight. 😩

Fun Fact

I bought this shirt on my first trip to Burundi in 2009,

and the paper beads are from my first trip to Uganda in 2011.

Looking forward to seeing my Ugandan friends soon.
The children will be 21/2 years bigger.

2014 with Peace

Learning How to String Beads in 2014

  

                                                                                                                                                                       Speaking at Light and Life Church on previous trip.

Trusting

The perfectionist in me often needs a reminder like the one in the picture:

If we wait for the moment when everything is ready, absolutely everything, we shall never begin. 

-Ivan Turganev

I am moving ahead in faith that all things will come together for my August 9-24 trip to Uganda and Burundi. 

And if some things are forgotten?

Then it is meant to help me learn to adjust and 'Go With the Flow'. 

How about you? 

Comment with a related encouragement. 

What do you do when things aren't going  as expected?

Hope for Joy

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.

Link to previous trip photos

Click the Link to view photos of my 2014 trip:

http://bit.ly/2t6Gswx    

Nicaragua Photo Collage and Reflections Aug. 2016

Here is a snapshot of my time in Nicaragua as I visited Anna and learned about the work of Students International.

 
Each day at the SI base begins with Bible study and worship before breakfast. I was challenged to always remain loyal to God and pray about everything, as we studied the book of Daniel. Daniel's faith and humility are a great model to follow.

    

  

                              

  I loved listening to the birds  during
  our quiet time.  

Visited the Sunshine Handmade workshop where leather and canvas totes and wallets are made to support the new Premature Baby Foundation in Nicaragua.  Four families are also earning a living.

                                                           Le Chela      Me     Nogelia

Yefri

Went leather shopping with Leslie and Javier.

Watched Javier carefully select pieces with the least flaws for making high quality totes and wallets.
It's a long process as many cow hides have scratches, ripples, or holes from barbed wire, bugs, or overstretching. Makes me appreciate how special each item is.

Leslie, the designer and founder, helps in the selection process.

To see products available for purchase,

go to blog post from 7/11/16 called Sunshine Handmade Nicaragua.

I enjoyed visiting several of the ministry sites.  

I appreciate the focus on the Word of God and prayer at the base and at each site. The micro finance leader, Katia, always ended our time with people by praying for their needs. Below are a few photos with the Microfinance group.

MAKING HEADBANDS OUT OF T-SHIRTS

Microfinance Leader: Katia

Helping cut material to make headbands.

Wilbur's Workshop

BEFORE

In Process

Still In Process

This gorgeous bowl was finishe in 1 hour.

I bought it and gave it away as a gift.

Wilber and his wife, Reyna.

This was a fun trip for a teacher who loves to learn and share,
 AND of course it was great to see 'Anna's world'.

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