More than Sparrows! Before and After the AIC Visit!

"More Than Sparrows"!  

Mimi Wilson began working with this group of women 

several years ago

helping them escape a life of prostitution and poverty and 

begin to care for themselves and their families.

Since Mimi left Rwanda… Laura and Kristi have  

taken the reigns and have continued to nurture, 

train and love this group of about 30 women. 

Teaching them of the love of Christ and His forgiveness, 

teaching them how to run a business and

 and guiding them in decision making.

Today was our pre-visit for AIC before our scheduled
activity trip here later.   This little doll met
Kirsty and me at the door. 

This woman is making paper beads…
The small motor skills of these ladies…is
astonishing.  They cut slim triangular pieces of colored
paper and then being to wind them tightly…
and in the end the beads are formed!

 Here is the beginning of a little stuffed sparrow! 

This is the signature piece of More than Sparrows!

The ladies stitch them onto dish towels, too! 

They even make little Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus manger sets!

LOTS of Beads and Necklaces are designed here!
Each little bead hand made before stringing.

Another color of the Holy Family!

This huge order had just come in for place mats and napkins…
The ladies were working fast and furiously to complete the order.
These were so pretty and reversible, as well. 

A pile of sparrows and owls with strings of beads!
The African Fabrics are so colorful.

New lampshade designs!

Kirsty checking out the new mirror!  After she helped hang some new "limbs" to have a creative show place.

Then a couple of days later the rest of the gang came to visit!

In case you would like to order something. .. here is their number! 

Coming down to the house/store/workrooms!

 Laura was starting the tour and telling us some of the things i've written above! 

Laura is quite humble about all of this but her leadership is quite
invaluable to the whole NGO! 

Laura showing off some of the ladies' hand work! 

One of the sweet ladies!

Stitching away!
While sitting on the floor!!!!!!

Sitting on the Floor… holding the baby and still stitching away!!!

This is a piece of the triangular paper strips mentioned  
earlier!   This is how they make the beads.

I didn't get enough pictures of all the things these
ladies have designed and done but they are on
their way to creating a great business.

One day I just stopped in to buy some gifts and
the ladies … so happy that i had returned to see them
AND buy some of their products… broke into
spontaneous drumming and dancing!

It was wonderful and just simple joy!
I felt so blessed to see them rejoicing!
And it was fun to dance with them….

love,
margie

Tim and Sue and girls are returning soon…
so look for them next!