Much to do. We knew Monday would be huge; we had spent the entire weekend laying out next steps and were ready to implement our plan.
Jasmine left early for Kantolomba to begin baby blanket production. It could seem like not much, getting the sewing coop to make blankets, but it marked the culmination of months of preparation. From our first contact with Jasmine to purchasing the industrial sewing machines to creating the prototypes in May to all the pieces she had to put in place to make this trip happen, it has been quite a collaborative adventure.
When Jasmine arrived the seamstresses were putting the finishing touches on the bags they’re making for the Bridge Walk and Sangha Market.
Nelly, Brenda, Ethel laying out the baby blanket material.
Josephine on the Juki industrial machine.
After errands in town (including a sadly failed attempt to change Ashwini’s ticket to give us more time to benefit from her expertise), the rest of us proceeded to Kantolomba. We gave Jane a tour of the property.
Jane on the tour.
Jane and Cheri in the older students’ classroom.
All of us looking at the staff bulletin board.
Duncan came for a visit.
A view of the property from inside the insaka at the top of the hill.
Our artsy photographers at work again.
Cheri narrating the tour with Jane.
By the time we finished our circuit, the sewing team had completed the first two blankets. Wow!
Jasmine shows off the first run.
Ethel taking a short break from the machines.
We stopped at the tuck shop for a look and to say hello to Priska, the shopkeeper, on a short walk through the neighborhood surrounding the Living Compassion property.
Making a purchase at the tuck shop.
We seem to have endless great photos of Cheri and Jane talking—we shall have them carry the camera next time!
We love playing with the children we meet while walking around the compound.
Jen chasing some of our buddies.
Our buddies chasing back.
Adorableness!
Ditto
When we returned to the property the men were just finishing their pit latrine digging for the day. Cheri began acting out how tired she imagined they must be after many hours of hard labor.
Mama Cheri “collapsing.”
Big grins with that!