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Category Archives: africa

31 bits

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you know i have a heart for africa.
i hope you know.
and with my friend pam moving there this year i have thought about africa every single day.
it's true.
well today i am talking about 31BiTS, a lovely company that is also from africa.
and i pam would love it.

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i love 31 Bits jewelry.
it's made IN africa by african women who are being empowered out of poverty with income from 31BITS.

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i love that the jewlery i wear can have a POSITIVE outcome for someone else.
that is so totally cool.
it's helping out in a tangible way.

      


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all these beautiful faces make me love this cause and company even more.

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i love all of it.
so many bright colors….so pretty all together….happy happy jewelry!

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the ladies at 31BITS sent me this necklace to give away to one of you!!!

it's called the Waverly and it's BRAND NEW from their spring line.

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Go to their website and read about their company.
read about the women who make the jewelry.
read about the progam and all the amazing work that is going on.

Go to their shop any time in the next 30 days and use the code  MEG20  and you will get 20% your purchase!

i am going to do a little shopping for sure!

there is so much i would like to have in their store.
but really i want to go to uganda and meet the women!
i would love that.

to enter to win this necklace today….leave a comment with your favorite piece from their shop.
it will be tough to chose.

mine would be:  87 cuff   and   Meadowsweet   and   Aurora  and   Sprout.   

what's yours?

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Kiki Dee - Love the Sprout but it’s so hard to choose! They are all such beautiful pieces! Wonderful cause!

Ashley - Love the Meadowsweet necklace!

Krystal Johnson - Love the 87 cuff and the waverly- but love them all!

Faith Buss - LOVING the Timber colors. What a cool company!

Ruth - Love the Mayfair necklace…and the Prim Rose bracelet…but more than that, love what these necklaces represent.

Jamie - The Cypress bracelet is my favorite!!

Heather R. - Love all the pieces. Picked up Sprout and Cypress. Thank you for spoiling us with a coupon code! 🙂

Gevay - I love the Meadowlark necklace. It is all so beautiful though.

meredith - ohhhh, it’s so hard to choose! i love orchid loop (necklace) and pixie row (bridal)!
they’re all so pretty 🙂

Amy - 87 cuff for sure. What a wonderful site! Thanks for telling us about it.

mollie's mom - I understand your heart for Africa. I have a heart for Haiti(http://madebymolliesmom.blogspot.com/2012/01/not-crafty-post-im-afraid.html)
I have purchased some of this jewelry from Uganda. I love the idea and the jewelry. A couple of years ago I gave every female on my list a wonderful necklace from Uganda! Everyone loved them and that they helped a woman and her family who were struggling to survive. Great post – I think it’s time for some new jewelry for Spring… 🙂
marcie

whitney f - I LOVEEEEE Orchid Loop!!!! Gorgeous necklace!!

Courtney - What a great site! I love so many! I would pick the Cypress, Meadowsweet, or 87 cuff.

suzi failing - 87 cuff
just love it
and your blog!!!!
suzi

Alise - I love the cypress and the heart behind this ministry. 🙂

Tihana - oh whisper zest is so pretty 🙂

Joy - So hard to choose! I think gypsy or 31 Cuff. I don’t know… too hard!

Michelle - Beautiful jewelry. Reminds me of the Beads for Life party my friend and I hosted last year. These women are so beautiful and talented. Can’t wait to check out 31Bits.

Farrah - Oooh! Waverly, Humming Burst, and Timber! What a fantastic mission!

Kathy Eller - Love love love this company and their mission!! I have always thought of their jewelry as a little funky…there is some really classy stuff on that site!!
love the Willow Knot Bridal!!

Melissa - I love the 87 cuff also- so great!

Heidi - I love the bella necklace!

Katie - I have a friend who is a missionary in Gulu! It’s amazing how God is working through so many different people.
I love the Glory Fringe Necklace. The leather is great.

Karenth - I love the Laurel Locke!

Dani - Love Gypsy! I thought it was a ring at first, which would have been awesome! The Daphne bracelets are great! I need one in all colors.

Amy - I big puffy heart LOVE this cause! Their jewelry is so fantastic! I would be proud to wear any of it! I love the bright and cheery Waverly as well as the beautiful Glory Fringe. Thanks, Meg! 🙂

Ashley - Love the Mayfair!

emmeline - hmmm – rockhopper or crushed jewel – but it’s hard to pick! gorgeous stuff!

ang - Cypress and the 87 Cuff!!! LOVE them!!1

Jessica P. - I love the caramel dust necklace! It’s so beautiful!!

Leslie DuRant - What a cool way to help and wear beautiful jewelry!!!! My favorite is the meadsweet in aqua!!! Aqua is my new favorite :}}}} I bought two purses from a market in Charleston, S.C. that were made in Africa. They are beautiful too!!!! I love the giveaway necklace in mustard. It is georgous too!!!

Preethi Narayan - I like Acorn layers and orchid loops!

K - MEADOWSWEET for sure! Everything is LOVELY!

K - OOOH! Love ripple, 87 cuff and a few more! All gorgeous!

Anna Marie - I really like the simple and classic look of the Meadowsweet. My sister’s birthday is in 2 weeks. I think she would love the teal color.

Allison - Are you kidding??? I love them all…thank you so much for introducing me to this cause and this site…I can see many purchases for myself and for gifts in the future!
I never win anything so I went ahead and ordered myself a Meadowsweet necklace in the teal…so pretty! Thank you so much for the code!

Lynne - I want one of everything. What great gifts these will make. LOVE the 87 cuff, but my fave is the yellow necklace(seriously) that is the giveaway. It’s not on their site yet. Thanks for the giveaway-what an awesome company!

Elizabeth - Oh my goodness, what a great company! I love all their bracelets! especially sprout. and thicket and 87, oh my is that the most perfect summer bracelet or what? Thanks for hosting this giveaway and showing off this awesome company! xoxo

Andrea Jeanne - Hard to choose — I like the Cypress bracelst the best (I think!)

Christy - Mayfair…so pretty!

Bobbie - I love the waverly. Seriously the muslin (I’m guessing?) part is so clever and cute!

Denise - I love the Riverbed necklace.

Deb A. - Everything is beautiful. I love the meadowsweet necklace! Such great choices though! Thanks for the chance to win!

nicki - I must agree, the very best would be to meet these talented women face to face! But many thanks for the giveaway…I love the Waverly, Orchard Bunch, Daphne’s, and Meadowsweet. 🙂

shara - i love the bella necklace! (which is also my daughter’s name 😉 everyone at my church has a 31 bits necklace and i’ve been totally wanting one too.
but i REALLY love this one! my favorite color!!!

ko. s - I love the Feather Blu bracelet. Gorgeous items!

Amy - Gorgeous! I love the one that you’re giving away most! I’m going to Uganda this summer! So excited!

Lauren Fortney - love this company!!! how awesome. my favs are the gypsy and the 87 cuff. beautiful…all of it!

Ani G W - I like Thicket and Gwazy Twist. Both are bracelets. I also like the 87 cuff too!

Michele - I love the Rockhopper…so lovely! =0)

Amber Fussell - Hard to choose because they are all so beautiful and different. I love the Mayfair and the Meadowsweet!

April R - Wind-spark Bridal – white for me and the forget-me-not bracelet for a friend and my daughter
wow…the unique beauty of the smiles of those women…wow
and thanks for sharing this…did I say “wow” already?

Lorie - My sister bought me one of their necklaces a couple years ago for Christmas. I LOVE it. So colorful! I think my favorite is Orchard Bunch (necklace), but I’m totally in love with the one you’re giving away. Who wouldn’t love gray and mustard yellow. Thanks for the opportunity!

Happygirl02 - i LOVE the 87 Cuff. Great colors.

Rebekah - The Waverly is amazing – I would choose the blue!
What an amazing company. Thanks for sharing!

Meg Hansen - Meadowsweet or Sprout. But honestly, they are so gorgeous. All of them!

Heather E - LOVE the Sprout and Gwazy Bloom bracelets! What a great cause to support!

Lisa - wow! just. wow! can the world be any more amazing?!
it really is so full of amazing and inspiring people.
can’t pic a favourite!
beautiful photos. beautiful story. beautiful hearts.
xx

Renee - if i win your giveaway, i’ll get the teal “meadowsweet”
if i don’t win, i’ll get the yellow 🙂
i hope i win. because then i can buy one and get one for free!

Julie H. - This is a bit random but I was curious where you found your gray polka dot material that you used for the back drop of the necklaces. I’m looking for something just like that to make for my baby’s bedding. I appreciate your effort to let me know. Thanks!

Kristin S - I’ve seen paper beads before but these are really pretty and more vibrant. Thanks for sharing!

Hannah - i love the one you’re giving away! what a beautiful business!

Stephanie - So many beautiful pieces, I really like the Hazel Belle bracelet.
Thanks Meg!!

ranee - i love the watson braid bracelet…what a great organization…thanks so much for sharing! i just might have to buy some gifts here!

Melanie - Like you, one of my favorites is the 87 Cuff! 🙂

LibraryGirl62 - Aurora, Orchard Bunch, 87 cuff…to start 🙂

Donna - I love the Crushed Jewel bracelet. Although, truthfully, I love everything in the shop!

kristy - I love The Waverly! But Whisper Zest would be my second favorite. What a fabulous company!

Ronda O. - Gypsy! These designs are beautiful!

Barbara Smith Wilke - I think I love meadowsweet best…. but they are all gorgeous. what a great idea.

Meaghan - Wow! those are all so pretty! I am going to use your code to buy the Orchard Bunch for my dad’s girlfriend. Personally, my favorite is the Willow Knot!

Kasey - I love the Gwazy Bloom bracelet!

Sarah - I would love the light pink sprout bracelet! 😀 I love all their stuff. So pretty!

Amanda - what an awesome business for these women!! so inspiring.
I’m actually going to Uganda this June 🙂

Michael Ann Anderson - I love the 87 Cuff! I am glad you introduced me to this fabulous company!
Mike
mike69361@gmail.com

Melissa - The yellow waverly, the meadowsweet in all three colors or the gwazy bloom bracelet, I loved the color combo on that one! What a great shop, thank you so much for sharing it, I will be purchasing from there for sure!

Liz - I really like it all, but the orchid loop may be my favorite!

Yvonne - Hi Meg…this is Yvonne, I found your blog from “stumble upon” and I love your blog too much! I finished reading all your posts, inclusive of archives until the 1st day you started blogging in 2007 ….all finished in 3 days.
I love the story of your family (yes and Waffle too)
I love the funny pictures of Annie with her butt shown and jumping on the trampoline
But most of all, I love the verses written by Talby on the wall. I love the verses sewn on Talby and Annie’s pillows….and all that you have shared about Jesus 🙂
Love from a far far away land,
Yvonne

Laura Phelps - always so lovely coming here…all you hear and read in the news is BAD…NEGATIVE…what is wrong with the world…
this is refreshing…to see THE GOOD in people
to see people helping
reaching out
educating
loving
all good stuff.
thanks for sharing this!
prayers for your trip to Uganda…(I feel it…:-) )

Tracie - I love the layered look of the Aurora! So pretty and I could get the look without actually getting my necklaces tangled!

jen smith - so hard to choose but i love the feather blu bracelet.

Stephanie Carroll - LOVING the aurora!!

shelli - oh wow. ok. LOVE the glory fringe necklace and love. LOVE. gypsy bracelet…thanks for the opportunity to win and opening my eyes to this beautiful shoppe.

Tracy - They’re all beautiful, but I especially love the Aurora!

Jessica - Love 31Bits. I have a couple of their pieces already & I wear them all the time. I really like the riverbed this time around!

Christy - I love it all, but I particularly love the Sprout. It’s something I would wear all the time.

Gerri - 87 Cuff…Love, Love, Love. Thanks for sharing Meg, I love this and I’m going to share it with all my jewelry loving friends.

Becky J - Butterscotch is my favorite necklace..may these dear African women be blessed…Brrrr, everyone keep warm out there today!! 🙂

Lindsey - Wow! Thanks for intruducing us to this business! Love, love, love everything about it. I love the 87 cuff also, also the Orchard Bunch in all three colors. Gift ideas for so many friends and family!

debi brown - 87 cuff is beautiful and so are all the women of 31 bits!

Becca - OH my goodness….those ladies’ smiles are radiant and it is obvious how happy people can be without much…..I noticed this when I visited Tanzania to hike Kilimanjaro. The hardest workers were the happiest of all Tanzanians, while the people who were dishonest and wanted to make a dollar without lifting a finger seemed defensive and angry. I do love Africa and wish to explore it more….helping teach, take care of children or volunteering in some way. I spent the last year mailing children’s clothes (that I gathered from the gymnastics school where I work) to children at an orphanage in Moshi that I visited. I love getting pictures emailed to me of the kids wearing the clothes. I show them to the kids at the gym to inspire them to have a giving heart and to know that it IS possible to make a difference. Like these women, who are making a difference in their own lives…..that is the greatest lesson anyone can teach! Sorry for being wordy but I also share in your passion for Africa……oh yeah…I like willow knot bridal….

Halley - Love the idea of empowering women! I love the Glory Fringe necklace and the Cuff 87 bracelet. Thanks!

Stephanie - They are all absolutely amazing…..the product, the cause, the women. I am loving the necklaces that are in the bridal category.

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - The Aurora necklace is perfect for any outfit…whether over a plain Tshirt or your best Sunday dress. I love this company and have always wanted to find a store that carried their product so I could see it in person. The discount code may seal the deal for me:)

Julie Wearmouth - Meadowsweet in apple red! Love it! Fantastic company with an awesome purpose.

Virginia Bibler - such a beautiful cause! and such beautiful jewelry…loving the orchard loop and the orchard bunch! thanks for sharing meg….pinning now!

Jessica @ MyArdentLife - I really like the Orchid Loop! Definitely hard to choose just one, though! Great giveaway!

Anna - Beautiful jewelry and beautiful cause. I love the willow knot necklace and the gwazy blue bracelets.

Lisa Shay - meadowsweet – yellow!
These are stunning.
what a fabulous business. love.love.love it!

julie - Love the Blossom Bridal in grey and Sprout!!!!! Another great giveaway for a great cause. You are just awesome!!!

jenni - That is funny, I swear I did not even look at your choices until I had made mine but I definitely love Aurora and 87 Cuff

Katie g - Love the 87 cuff bracelet too.

Peggyrice@gmail.com - I’m so happy you updated your “happy things” side bar. Makes me happy. My daughter’s third grade theme is Africa this year. I’ve emailed her teacher all the links to 31bits and I’ve volunteered to help throw a “house party” at their school in Paris. Love all of the pieces! Thanks for sharing.

Aimee - Oh yay! I love companies who work with women in this manner. One of my favorites is Sseko Designs. Do you know their sandals? I LOOOOVE mine so much!
31 Bits has gorgeous jewelry. I may have to buy myself some for my birthday. 🙂 My favorites are Glory Fringe and Pixie Rowe – Bridal (who says you have to be a bride to wear it?). 🙂

Jenn - Wow. I can’t believe those beads are paper? I loved the waverly necklace the best, until I saw the 87 cuff. LOVE that bracelet. Might have to save up and get it! Empowering women to live life and kick a** at their profession = awesome. Who knows how many lives have been changed by this!

Stephanie - I love the Waverly necklace! Love it!

Rebecca W - hmmm i’d love to go order one…..went all the way to check out…but shipping to canada is $25. that’s INSANE!!!!

Melinda - I love the Waverly and the Orchid Loop! Wonderful web site and cause. I will share with my friends and family to spread the word.

Jodi - I love the colorful 87 cuff!!!!

Erin - Meadowsweet is one of my favorites. How do you choose?! There are so many great pieces.

Christy K - I love the Sprout and the Puddle Wrap! Wonderful cause and beautiful pieces! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!

Cindy - They are all beautiful! Love the Willow Knot, the Gwazy Twist, the Prim Rose. Even their names are beautiful! I sent one of their necklaces to a friend last year for her birthday and she absolutely loves it! She says she gets compliments on it all the time…which in turn gives her the opportunity to share their story 🙂

Chandra - I like the Heritage long.

Caitlynne - I love the aurora! I think it would look so pretty with a sun dress in the summer!

Audrey - I love the Willow Knot! all of them are too pretty to choose just one, my favorite bracelet is the laurel locke

Becky Joyce - Love this company. And I love the orchid, mayfair & aurora. Who am I kidding?! I love them all!!

Angela - They are all so beautiful, but if I had to choose I would say either Whisper Zest (light grey)or Camellia (grey or fuschia).

Maria Burke - Wow, they are all so beautiful! I LOVE the meadowsweet – love all the colours together, but if I had to pick, I think I reeeealy love the yellow. I agree with another commenter – wish they had some African women modeling the jewelery.

amy jupin - those ladies have such happy smiles!
the necklace is so cute but my fave is aurora or maybe hazel belle.
and the website and advertising is soooo cute too!
you have such a good heart, meg.

Southern Gal - I love the Aurora or the Honeyglow…I think. 😉

sandi - 87 cuff and nectar loom both bracelets. as well as several of the necklaces and other goodies. seriously, everything is gorgeous and would match well with anything in anyone’s closet. great give away.

Alison K - the waverly! It’s awesome! What a great company and the jewelry is amazing! I think I may buy a few birthday presents. Love the idea of giving while gifting 😉

Nicole - It’s so hard to choose! Everything is beautiful!! I do love the 87 Cuff. I’m into large bracelets and cuffs right now.

Trudy - I love everything about this!! I love the Willow Knot-Bridal. I think I’ll buy it even though I’m already a bride for 12 years! 🙂

Elise - waverly! in blue – love that!
thanks for sharing this awesome company!

Julie L. - Loving the Mayfair necklace – gorgeous tones! Amazing company and product.

Stacey - Ripple is my favorite!

Tina Jacobsen - I love Glory Fringe and Buttercup Necklace!! Beautiful jewelry from amazing and beautiful women!!

allison - That necklace is gorgeous! I would love to have it!

Jennifer - I love the Mayfair. Beautiful!

Mary - Love that waverly necklace – those mustard beads and the cotton neckline!

Michelle - love the Glory Fringe necklace & 87 bits bracelet…so beautiful!

Mindy Harris - i like the sprout bracelet!

kristi - I love the laurel locke bracelet, but so many of them are beautiful! hard to pick a favorite

Janelle - The Waverly piece is uber gorgeous! I have a very similar necklace from The Apparent Project in Haiti. I’m actually waiting for a box of their beads so I can help promote them!

Jennifer - I love the 87 cuff…

Wendy - Ooooo … so many happy things! I like the Laurel Locke bracelets.

ashley :) - i love the mayfair, meadowsweet and the willow knot – bridal. and by love, i mean, will be purchasing. tough decision which one! i cannot wait to share this site with my friends and family!!

Amber - Love this company! My favorites are the 87 cuff and the willow knot necklace!

Christyn - I love the Willow Knot- Bridal and Caramel Dust.

Tracy - What a wonderful cause! I love the cuff bracelet.

Stephanie campbell - Meadowsweet and blossom bridal. Love that cream bracelet.
What a great company!

Jolene (Homespun Heritage) - ~Yes, Meadowsweet is beautiful~ I like too many of them to find just ONE favorite, though!

Megan B - I quite like the Meadowsweet necklace. They are all gorgeous, though. Great cause!

Connie Krebs - What a beautiful line made by beautiful women! I am in love with the jewelry and how simple and attractive the website is. I believe my favorite is The Apple Drape. I am organizing a flash mob for Africa this summer and will definitely keep this company in mind!

Katie Sawrie - They are absolutely beautiful! I love the ‘Glory Fringe’, it would go perfectly with anything. This is a perfect place to use in the future for gifts!

Jenna - Hi Meg,
I am a huge fan of your blog and everything that you support and stand for. I think that what you are doing everyday is just amazing. I am a long-time reader of your blog but this is my first comment…ever! I am getting married in August and with that typically comes a honeymoon. Through reading your inspiring blog posts and by following a life long dream we will be honeymooning in South Africa! I love this post and think that it is an amazing and unique company and business model that more people in the world should strive to create. You are a wonderful person and I just love reading your blog. I truly hope that you get back to Africa soon!
Oh, and of course my favourite product is the bridal necklace Rosy Posy (too cute!)

Kristen - What a great organization! Reminds me a little of ten thousand villages. I loved reading some of the women’s stories. My fav necklace (other than the one being given away) is the Rockhopper. The blue totally stood out to me. Thanks for the giveaway and letting us know about such a great organization…I know where my go to gift site will be from now on!

Danelle - Beautiful! I love the 87 cuff.

Annette - Like them all. Prim Rose bracelet my favorite. What a good cause!

Arlene - Such a good cause! My favorites are the Waverly and Ripple =]

bread and jam - I love all of the bracelets. But the 87 Cuff is my absolute favorite. It’s okay that you like the same one. We’ll just have to decide who gets to wear it on what day. So we don’t look like losers, matching and all.

erica - i love glory fringe! what beautiful jewelry!

Dawn Eshnaur - I absolutely love the Sprout bracelet! Because of your blog, I have ordered numerous things from them! Most of them I have kept, but I have shared as well. I actually wore some of my bracelets to work yesterday! I love what they are doing!

ginny - i love gypsy!

tiffany gardner - feather blu = beauty

Sarah - I love all of it, Caramel Dust would my favorite…actually meeting the women in person would be a lifelong dream achieved. So beautiful.

Suzy - Meg,
I love Cuff. What a great idea. People are amazing, aren’t they? Thanks for the chance to win and for spreading this news to all of us!

Jamie - I really like Riverbed.

Tanya H - This is awesome! I love Rockhopper, Timber and Camellia. I love the things you share with us!

Trista - I like the rockhopper. I also love that my purchase will help empower other women! Love that. Thanks for sharing Meg!

Rhonda Fendt - Amazing story… amazing womem! Thank you for sharing. I really like crushed Jewel and Riverbed

Emily a la Blog - Waverly is my favorite. I miss Uganda and those beautiful smiles.

Elizabeth gleason - Ohh I want one… I came back from animal kingdom in Disney and they had all sorts of necklaces and I opted for an African cookbook. So glad you shared the web address. It was meant to be!

Becky - I’m not getting married, but I love the Powdered-Tangle necklace!

Karen - I LOVE acorn layers, meadowsweet and the 87 cuff. HAPPY. LOVE this.

Morgan Echtenkamp - What a neat cause and awesome jewelry! My favorites are Willow-knot and Powdered-Tangle.

Lindsay F. - I love 31 bits! My faves are Meadowsweet, Orchid Loop & that 87 cuff!

Tracy - ~caramel dust~

Ashley - 87 cuff and Pixie Rowe are amazing. And Meadowstreet.

Melissa - They are all beautiful and unique, but I think the glory fringe is my favorite!

Amy - I think the Sprout bracelet is just beautiful! What a wonderful company and way to bring hope and change to someone’s life! Thank you for sharing!

Ann Parsell - Very pretty and love that it’s helping other people. I’m loving that meadowsweet and waverly-drawn to the yellow!

Tracy Sheehy - Oh I am so excited about this ministry. We just found out this week we have a court date to adopt our son from Uganda. We will be heaind there at the end of March!! I love the Acorn Layers necklace but they are all beautiful!

Grace - I love the 87 cuff, so colorful!!! Thanks for sharing, such a great company!

Jermaine D. - Wow, they have really transformed paper bead jewelry and come up with super unique designs! I really like this one you are giving away and the mayfair necklace and watson braid bracelet!

Katy @ Live Laugh Love Craft - Wow.. I am speechless! What an amazing company!!
You were right, it was hard to pick. 🙂 I think my favorite is Meadowsweet – Any of the colors.
Everything is beautiful! Especially the meaning behind it all. <3

Sarah Morgan - I love all of their jewelry – it is so beautiful. I love the meadowsweet necklace..

Gabrielle - All beautiful pieces but I’m loving the 87 cuff!

Vicki - I love the Gypsy cuff! so pretty. Thank you so much for sharing this! I’m going to spread the word for sure!

Tami Veer - I love the teal and yellow Meadowsweet!

lu - Beautiful pieces and a beautiful cause…love 87 cuff.

Regina - Prim Rose bracelet. 🙂

amber@SAHM's musings - Love companies with a purpose. I think the Meadowsweet necklace is pretty!

Ana G - The Bella necklace is very pretty:) Thanks for the chance to win!

Shawna - Really beautiful! My favorites are the sprout bracelet and riverbend necklace. Lovely.

Yby5 - What choices and how spectacular they all are! I do love the Glory Fringe necklace, Meadow Sweet necklace and the Starboard bracelet…I can think of so many people that I would buy them for too. I would proudly where any piece and spread the word. Thanks for the chance.

Jennifer - LOVE the Felicity bangles! Will be taking advantage of the discount to support this amazing organization.

Katie - I think the Meadowsweet is pretty adorable, but really, ALL of their jewelry is gorgeous! Would love to win the Waverly!

Lucy F - There are so many wonderful things on 31 Bits! I love the Camellia-Bridal necklace and the Laurel Locke bracelets!

Nichole - I’d have to go for Sprout. I own two of their pieces currently, totally awesome. People love them, so I like to spread the word.

Michelle Whitlow - How cool!!! I love to see stuff like this! So great that these ladies can make a difference 🙂 I looooove that necklace…the bracelet…oh.my.word.

Jackie - Loving the Mayfair!

Yolanda - Glory Fringe or Humming Burst…lovely!!

stephanie - My favorite is probably the Waverly that you have on the blog, but I also love the Mayfair. The yellow really is pretty and it’s not a color I ever wear.
I’m so glad you highlighted this company … I have heard of it, but kept forgetting to look it up! I’ll definitely be remembering it next time I need a gift!

Emily - I would sport the 87 cuff every.single.day. of the summer. I think I may have to go shopping. It’s for a good cause, right?

Mandy - LOVE Willow-Knot – Bridal!! Gorgeous!

Brittany - So pretty, I love that they have wedding stuff! My favorite would be pomegranate or 87 cuff. Thanks for sharing, these will make great gift ideas!

Hannah O - sprout and glory fringe! amazing.. thanks for sharing!

Ashley K - I really love the Aurora. But there are so many to choose from. what a great cause.

Hannah - Meadowsweet I think:)

Cheryl E. - L.O.V.E. 31 Bits!
L.O.V.E Rue
L.O.VE. Timber
L.O.V.E. Mayfair
L.O.V.E 87 Cuff
L.O.V.E. their misson!!

Tessa - I love the Meadowsweet necklace in teal or the Daphne bracelet in yellow. Wow – love the jewelry! I am adding this to my birthday wish list! 🙂

katie - 87 Cuff is my absolute favorite! I love your blog. If I were even one bit crafty I would totally want to be at your craft weekend!!

Andrea Siebert - i love everything…and the waverly :o)

Annie - WOW WOW WOW! What an amazing group of women. What a beautiful collection! Thank you for shedding light on such a wonderful cause. How to choose a favorite? Glory fringe, Mayfair, Willow Know Bridal necklace and the Blossom bracelet are simply stunning pieces. I love your blog.

Amy P. - Love these! My favorites are the orchid loop necklace and the 87 cuff. But everything is beautiful!

lalalovely lindsay - i love the meadowsweet necklace! such great choices though! thanks for the chance to win!
lalalovelylindsay.blogspot.com

happygirl - Pretty. I heard they made these from old magazines. I think this is worth supporting. 🙂

Esther Sam - I love the caramel dust necklace, it is by far my favorite!

Kristie B. - I like the 87 Cuff. Looks like it would go with anything and is a good conversation starter!!!

Dani - I LOVE the wedding collection! So perfect.

marlie byrd - beautiful creative talented women of uganda! mine would be waverly meadowsweet hyde thicket and i love 87 cuff!!

Robin - It was tough to choose, but I love the Meadowsweet too.

She Loves Life - Wow, everything is beautiful at 31 Bits! My favorite (other than the Ripple Necklace) is the concept that you can help empower other women out of poverty while they are doing something to nuture their creativity AND everytime you wear one of their beautiful pieces it reminds you to think beyond yourself to these beautiful women in Uganda.

Rebecca - How do you choose one? They are beautiful. Thanks for the discount code….I love Willow Knot and it loves me!

Susan Lanthrip - Love Rosy Posy Bridal! Beautiful pieces and a beautiful story.

Seriously Sassy Mama - Orchard bunch, crushed jewel, meadow sweet….who am i kidding I love all of them. I found this shop about a year ago. I love their stuff.

Courtney R. - The Willow Knot Bridal Necklace – BEAUTIFUL!

Amanda - Besides the Waverly (which I adore), I really like the Rosy Posy necklace and the Felicity Bangles in the bracelets!

sara @ it's good to be queen - i love 31 bits and i love the powdered tangle. 🙂

Naomi Williams - I love the meadowsweet — all 3 colors TOGETHER! Gorgeous! Love this company…wish they had some african women modeling the beautiful wares…

Sarah Wolfe - These are all so pretty. I like the one you’re giving away 🙂

melanie - Is it bad luck to be one of the first to comment? 🙂 I love the MeadowSweet and OrchardBunch necklaces and the 87 cuff as well. This is great for me as I am allergic to metal. Thanks so much.

Anne-Marie P. - I like a lot of it, but I think glory fringe is my favorite! What a great cause!

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the Water4Christmas etsy shop is OPEN.

there is LOTS of fun stuff over there to shop for.

and give CLEAN water by shopping.

:) 

 

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evan - that’s my pillow!! 🙂 how cool!!!

Laura Phelps - second year in a row that I missed the deadline to donate a craft.
I am not good with deadlines.

Tina Jacobsen - Just did some shopping!! Just bought my 6 year old daughter an Africa shirt!! Her Sunday school class supports a child in Africa and she was excited to get one of the shirts!! This is such a great way for her to be God’s helper in this world!! 🙂 Have a great weekend Meg!!
Tina J

Desiree' - yay!! just got a shirt!! thanks for making a “boy” item! 🙂

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - I cant wait to go check everything out! Today is my day to get some online Christmas shopping done before we go get our (first ever!)real tree. Have a lovely weekend.

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giving is FUN!!!

Give a Stove this Holiday – The Adventure Project Campaign on Vimeo from The Adventure Project on Vimeo.

Jody was the leader of the trip i took to africa.
she is the second woman speaking on that video.
she's awesome.
i am so proud to know her.

GIVING is FUN.

what an awesome cause!

can you imagine half a million people in tents????

can you imagine losing your child because of smoke from the fire you cook their food on?

these stoves save lives.

they provide income, jobs and diginity for women in port au prince.

they give TIME to women in haiti.

they make an awesome christmas gift too…. donate in someone's honor.

🙂

giving is fun.

visit TheAdventureProject.org for all the details.  

……………………………………….

and in other news….

my friend Pam moved to africa on saturday.

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it was a hard goodbye to say.
we cried a lot.

sigh.

Pam

what an adventure!  
God is going to do GREAT things through them in Liberia.
wow.

pam…i miss you so much already!!!!!
you are amazing.
YOU ARE.

i am so happy God gave me Pam.
my life is completely different because of her.
i know about clean water.
i went to africa.
i love africa.
i love Jesus even more than before i met Pam.
because i understand Jesus more than before.
i see people differently than i did before i met Pam.
i want to give more because of the example Pam set.
i want to see my kids deeply like Pam sees hers.

she rocks.

pam…i hope you don't lose internet.
ever.

🙂

keep her family in your prayers as they all adjust to life as family in AFRICA.
it is so cool to have gotten to watch how God worked all of this out for them…
step by step.

they were obedient.
literally watching God provide their basic needs in his perfect timing.
i have never witnessed anything like it.

and now… they live in liberia!!!

i can't wait to go visit her. 

(i love this post about pam…..) 

Jenna - my sister and brother in law just moved to Ethiopia at the end of October. they are ALSO doing business as mission. they are involved with a group that gives micro-loans to African women [some men]. i am so proud that they were obedient like your friends. thanks for this post. i enjoy reading your blog. i will pray for Pam and her family. what an exciting adventure for them in life following Jesus…

The Orchard - What a fantastic opportunity for your friends! My friends from high school lived in Liberia as children. They just made a documentary about a trip they made and it is getting a lot of buzz. Here is a link to their page and documentary.
http://liberia77.com/
Thanks for sharing about your friends!
Tricia

rental mobil - Very nice, thanks for sharing.

pam - Thanks so much for all the prayers everyone! 🙂 Meggie – this post came on the heels of a very homesick day. Wow. God’s timing is perfect. More tears. I love you. Can’t wait to see you on this side of the ocean!

Beth - Just lifted your friend and her family up in prayer. I mean, do we really know how hard it would be to pick up and move to ANOTHER COUNTRY? Wow, I am impressed! Her family is awesome!

amanda - this made me teary! I have a friend serving w/ her family in China and my heart nearly busts when I think of her. So proud of her … and she makes me love Jesus more too. what a sweet post … so glad I stopped by here this morning. Blessings – hope you and your fam have a happy thanksgiving. 🙂

Wendi - I love your heart, Meg. It’s so fun to see God moving in friend’s lives– and friends of friends. It’s a universal joy that sisters in Christ can get all excited about.

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Pam, I don’t even know you but I Love your heart!! My family will be lifting you up very high in prayer!

Katy - this post brought tears to my eyes as my husband and i just moved back from living in africa. its such a huge adjustment but so wonderful. my heart has been heavy for my ‘2nd home’ this week. it steals your heart… but you already know that well. 🙂
praying for them right now.

Lisa - I love Haiti! Been there two times and fell in love with the people. What a simple and practical way to be able to help others!

Rebecca - thanks so much for the post about the adventure project!
i’ve been to Haiti and know a stove will be a perfect “gift” for someone on my christmas list!

Melissa - God is great! I’m so happy for your friend, it’s truly wonderful what’s she is doing. My family will pray for them in Africa.

Laura Phelps - “I see people differently because of Pam”…
WOW
can I just say…
this morning at mass that was my THANKS to GOD
because as I grow closer and closer to Him, I have noticed that my SIGHT is better
I SEE PEOPLE
the people working at McDonalds
the man who bagged my groceries at Trader Joes
the lady that always sits alone in the back pew of daily mass
I have an overwhelming sense of “we are all brothers and sisters”
and yes
GIVING IS FUN
LOVING IS FUN
A RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD IS FUN
Pam and her family are in my prayers
it is beautiful to witness God working through people we know and love
just so awesome 🙂

Heather - Please email me! I have a question about your blog! 🙂
HeatherVonsj@gmail.com

happygirl - I’d like to do this project. Do you have any problem with me reposting this? I think this may be my “after Thanksgiving” project. Thanks.

Lea Carter - In 2010 my sister, her husband and my 5 nephews moved from SC to Botswana, sent by their church as missionaries. Your words…
“it is so cool to have gotten to watch how God worked all of this out for them…
step by step.
they were obedient.
literally watching God provide their basic needs in his perfect timing.
i have never witnessed anything like it.”
…are exactly how I described their move. It is amazing to watch God work in their lives. His provision is amazing (so many stories I could share about this!).
This morning they boarded a plane for the 16 hour flight to the USA. I am so looking forward to seeing them! I can’t wait to spend some time with them. Because it is so short, it will be so special.
Praying for your friend and her family as they begin this journey! Go God!

Kimberly - What an amazing adventure awaits her. God is doing amazing things in Africa. I went to Namibia in September and I know someday I will return. I will keep her in my prayers.

TinaM. - Wow!

Elisabeth F - This would be a perfect Christmas gift for my MIL who loves to cook, but needs no gifts! Is there a quick link you can add to send us to these ladies site?

tiffany gardner - AWESOME

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water4christmas.

first watch this video…

Choose Life from Living Water International on Vimeo.

………………………………………

Remember the Water for Christmas etsy shop? 

Well, the Water for Christmas team is at it again, excitedly working on getting their etsy shop stocked and ready to go for a November 25th opening. 
They are currently accepting donations to help stock their shop and are looking for your support. 

You can donate one item or lots of items. 

Big items or small items. 

Every donation counts. 

And every donation WILL make a big difference for someone living without access to clean water. 

Can you help?  

SAY YES!!!

1. Consider making a donation to the Water for Christmas shop.

2. Mark your calendar to shop with a purpose on November 25th. 

3. Both of the above:)

All proceeds go directly to fund clean water and sanitation projects, specifically in Sierra Leone, West Africa. 

For more information, please visit http://onebillionthirsty.org/etsy-shop/

your items do not have to be Africa or Christmas or Water related.
anything you make is great!

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i am making these again.

……………………………………………. 

*read about my Mary Kay review here & enter to win $100 in MK products.
*read about my thoughts on the Bounce Dryer Bar here & enter to win $50 Visa card.
*read my recipe for turkey cutlets made with Hellmans mayonnaise here
     and enter to win a $100 gift card to Cooking.com! 

Meredith Salmon - I made it in last night with 3 petal bags. I am so glad I got something in.
Your shirt is great by the way.
Happy Thanksgiving.

Ellie - That shirt is wonderful, there is a family here that has some for their little ones so I immediately recognized it. I am going to check out the shop.

Ashley - I know this sounds odd, but my son would flip over an Africa shirt. He is obsessed with going, the animals, an helping people because, in his words,” God want us to help other people. It is the right thing to do!”

Tracy Fisher - I didn’t realize I had to send the donation now. Oops. I leave town in 2 days. And I guess you have to submit a form and wait for a reply. So sad but I don’t think I can pull it off. I promise to be more “on the ball” for the next one. What a great cause. Children always tug at my heartstrings. Happy Happy Thanksgiving to your family. Tracy

Vanessa - Hi There!
email me o visit my blog or etsy. I can donate soaps from my shop. Will be a blessing.

Laura Phelps - brainstorming…brainstorming….
and i have an idea 🙂
yes
of course i will help
and the kids are on board too
luke just asked “why did God make these people poor?”
🙁
I told him, “God didn’t make the people poor, but He did make people that can help them.”
it will be a small contribution, but i know that every bit counts

Amanda Angert - YAY! I was hoping they would do this again!! I better get cracking….. 😉

Yaz - I would love to purchase a shirt for my son! hopefully there will be a sz 6/7 in there. I ll keep on the look out!

stephanie - OOOOHHH! Yes! I want to do this. I have been so down because my husband has been unemployed (we retired from the military) for 6 months and we don’t know how much we’ll be able to do for our own kids, much less giving to someone else like we did last year. But I have fabric! I can sew! This will be great. Thanks! 🙂

TinaM. - Wow.. that’s great!

Tracy Fisher - This year I am going to be on top of things. I will donate. Something. Somehow. What a great cause. Have a happy Thanksgiving! Tracy Fisher

Terrie - Okay…I have decided…I’m making hooded baby bath towels!! Thanks for the great way to donate!!!

happygirl - Thanks for showing your love of Christ through your blog. And putting your money where your mouth is. :$

Terrie G - YES!! I want to donate something to sell!! Will see what I can come up with!!

Holly - yay! I love the shop. Such a fun way to get some Christmas gifts for a good cause!

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live without?

i got an email from Water4Christmas challenging me to Live Without for the next 6 months starting in april.

living without something different each month….a new challenge.

i went through the email and i got nervous. 

and squirmy.

and sweaty. 

i thought "what?  not even coffee at home?!  umm…..NO……i don't want to give up anything."

i almost deleted the email!!!

that is when i knew i HAD to do it.

i have to take part in this challenge because my first reaction was NO WAY.

i want to look the other way.

i want to just send money.

and sending money is fine….but feeling just a slight tiny tinge of what it's like to go without is more real to me.

the money i would have spent on coffee….restaurants….clothing….will go to charity:water

$20 can provide someone with clean water.

twenty dollars!!!

i am so guilty.

i drop twenty bucks on nothing….on crap that i can't even remember!

so in april i will be joining the Live Without Campaign.
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what about you?

************************************************************************

this was on the Water4Christmas blog and it touched me.
enjoy. 

Liberia: soap and healing. from charity: water on Vimeo.

 

 

Mary - My son-in-law works for Clear Cambodia, a water filter project. After visiting Cambodia last month it is amazing how many people live without filtered water and what a difference it could make in their lives.
http://mjbabs.blogspot.com/

Janine - Thanks for the thoughtful response and for clarifying things. I may have been kind of confused. I thought charity:water which is a big charity – (they raised over 7 million dollars last year) was the ones advocating this. On a small scale it is something that can be meaningful. I do understand the meaning behind the sacrifice – it’s awareness. I think it’s because I am usually aware of the luxuries I have due to past circumstance, that I don’t necessarily see the need for giving them up now that I can have them but I understand that others may need to. And, I don’t indulge all that often mainly out of habit. Plus I am a bit of a locavore if possible. I live in an increasingly more crowded suburb and I support the local businesses, and charities. As big as we are, small townness still survives, if only barely. (I don’t get my coffee from starbucks but from a local mom & pop grocery with a coffee stand, for example) I do get a bit defensive about trying to save that way of life.
I know everywhere in the world there is need, and if Africa is where you want to pitch in that is wonderful. Clean water is definitely a worthy cause. I did watch the video so I can see the good they do. If everyone chooses their own corner of the world to help, the world as a whole will be a much better place. Please know my gripe was never with you.

jeana - absolutely would love to join in! (and that wasn’t an easy yes)

MEG DUERKSEN - janine:
this isn’t a big charity like the red cross.
water4chirstmas is a group of women that i know.
and we donate to charity: water.
we are aware that everyone in our communities will not be doing this.
so that fear of driving people out of business is not there.
i am not afraid of starbucks losing money from a month of going without.
nor a massage therapist.
nor a movie theater.
you can choose to give in any way you’d like.
you could give and still spend on coffee if you wanted to.
it’s more a call to be conscientious about the luxury we have….the money we waste….being good stewards of what we’ve been given.
i am offering others a way to be aware of the world around them.
that there is a place to give that makes a difference in a way that is tangible.
you have the information and you get to choose what you want to do with it.
i believe in chairty: water.
in the video you can see truly how water projects change communities in west africa.
that means something to me.
that is important to me.
it doesn’t have to be to everyone.
i understand that.
i am not upset at all….just wanted to address my thoughts your concerns.
thanks for sharing your opinion.

Janine - I wasn’t going to do it. I was going to bite my tongue and not say anything. But I can’t. I have a problem with this, and it has nothing to do with you, but with the organization. I know all charities play upon our sympathies to get donations but this marketing campaign bothers me. And that is what this is by the way, a marketing strategy to garner donations. It’s the intent behind it all. They don’t care if you give up something, they don’t care if you think it will make you a better person, all they care about is you donate to them at the end of it. They want money, plain and simple. They want you to have something that is a daily reminder of them and maybe have some extra cash at the end of the month that you’ll give to them. The truth is whether they realize it or not, they want you to hurt your own community, by stopping your support of local businesses to help them. What if everyone in your community did this? What do you think would happen if no one showed up at the hair salon for a month? How many people wouldn’t be able to feed their families, pay their mortgages or rent due to lack of income? Or your local restaurant, retailer, etc. for a month? They would go out of business. You are hurting local families and the local economy which in turn helps no one. They are taking advantage of good people and I don’t like that. Maybe donate to a different water charity because although the cause is good I don’t think the way they present themselves is above board. I am stepping off of my soap box now. Thank you for the space to vent.

karen - wow..that’s a big challenge. and you are so cool sharing this with us!

Cha Cha - What a great idea, this will be an amazing time of growth for you I am sure. Good Luck
Cha Cha

Ami - Not that you need any more things to give up, but this is kind of a fun one for a great cause:
http://www.onedaywithoutshoes.com/

Jennifer - I’m going to do it too! I was giving up Dr Pepper for Lent already, so I will be giving Dr Pepper money instead of coffee money, but man, I’m already having a hard time with it and this is a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

Lisa - Love that you are going to do this and that you shared it with us. I’ve totally done the same thing where I try to ignore something that will “cost” me something big. Glad you listened to that voice telling you to obey and do it!

sue - Wish i could!

Lauren - I have not heard of this but I think it’s a really cool idea! Every time I take a bath I think how lucky I am to just turn on the tap and out flows all the clean water I want.

lesley - Way to go!

Tammy - I’m in.

maureen - I love charity: water and am so glad you introduced my family to this great cause. My daughter was so inspired by Scott Harrison’s September campaign video that she decided to give up her 8th birthday and ask friends and family to donate $8 to her charity: water campaign. mycharitywater.org/ellagrace She’s half way to her $5000 goal. It makes me believe that even, I–coffee addict that I am, could give it up too.

Sugar Mama - I haven’t checked out the link yet… but I’m already feeling a nervous knot in my stomach. I don’t consider myself a “high maintenance” woman, but I KNOW there are things I could give up and focus more on true needs.
Okay, I’m taking a deep breath and going over to click on the link…..

stephanie @ providence handmde - Oh, my. Giving up is on my mind as I gave up sweets for Lent….we’re one day in and I’m about to lose it. I also think fair-trade coffee is a great idea…we’ve tried to switch to that anyway. What could we replace that with? Desserts? Whatever it is, I’m on board. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

Meredith - What a wonderful idea! Live without and help so many.
More than a year ago I would have said I don’t know if I can live without my TV, my specialty face soap, and so many other things that I thought that I needed. My husband was without a job for several months and living without became our new thing. What I thought I couldn’t live without, I now realize I can and do it with a giant smile. You said it in one of your Africa posts, these people have so little but yet are so happy. Our things do not bring us happiness like so many of us think, it is our relationships and serving others! That is why we are here!
I love reading your blog! I love hearing about your faith journey! You have an audience that is listening and you are inspiring so many. You are opening many eyes to many things. I look forward to hearing about your living without journey!

Tracey Husted - I gave up my thrice weekly shopping trips to the thrift store for the month of March just because. I’ll have to think of something else for April.

Jamie - Thanks for posting and making me aware. This is an AWESOME opportunity…totally going to do this.
Love the blog…I tend to smile because of all of the bright colors!!

La - Don’t they mean giving up buying coffee “out” ie: Starbucks?
Why would you have to give up coffee you drink at home? I think buying fairtrade and brewing at home would be a great solution (says the caffeine addict who quickly needs to find a workable option). 😉

Carla - Great Idea. I’ve just quite chocolate for Lent. Ouch. Now, its just a suggestion but here’s my tuppence worth. What about not giving up coffee but just making sure your coffee is fairtrade. Coffee production is a really big earner for most African countries and fairtrade ensures the small farmer gets a fair deal. If everyone stopped drinking coffee, it would be a bad day for him. Just throwing it out there 🙂

~Debra - Count me in!

sarah - i love this meg! you’re so brave! i am so excited for you and excited for what God will teach you through this time of discipline and surrender. those things you feel you can’t give up? i think a time will come when you’ll realize how easy it is to live without them…you can do it!

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one year ago….

i was in africa.

i had just slept in a bed at the YMCA in freetown and had seen a whole new world.

i was a crying mess.

i felt so spoiled.

my heart was forever changed.

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i am still so proud of him.
he and i have written letters all year.  
he sent MY family gifts and a letter in his handwriting at christmas.
i hope i get to see him again someday.
he is doing custom embroidery work on a steady basis now.
it was a privilege to have met him.

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Meg_2

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how has an entire year gone by?

i want to go back.

i want to see those faces again.

i want to see God there again.

this was my post the day i came home.

(all of my africa posts are together on the rainbow africa button at the top right.) 

Love - i just got back a few weeks ago and already figuring out how to get back. my heart is always there.
love the one of the baby smiling up from mama’s back. =)

amy jupin - i still love each of these pictures.
what a story they tell.
some of your best work here, meg. so good.

Melissa - I am curious as to who you went through to go on the Africa? Was it the YMCA? I would like more information. I really want to go, but there are so many groups out there I just am not sure where to start.

Jenn B - I have been to Africa twice once on a missions trip and once with college and you are SO right – it changes your life. Thank you for sharing your story. I love your photos!

dotsie (aka podso) - I’m so glad I stopped by today to see your wonderful, emotive pics of your visit. It is very true, you cannot spend time in Africa without being changed, and leaving some of yourself there.

kari - oh meg…the memories that flood back each time i see these pictures. it’s been heavy on my mind and heart as well. miss you, friend.

crystalbeutler - Wow. What an incredible experience. You pictures are so beautiful — the people are beautiful. I would love to hear the story of how and why you went to Africa. My cousin’s daughter is going over this year. I don’t know much about it — only that it involves sewing machines. She asked me to donate money. It sounds like the opportunity of a lifetime. Making a difference, changing lives . . . humility, gratitude. It doesn’t get better than that. I know two girls who need that experience. 🙂 Maybe one day, it will happen.

ronda beeman - What an incredible God we serve! To see Him working in all kinds of places, especially in countries that need His love. Thank – you for the pictures and for the encouragement and reminder to be praying for His love to spread to every single corner of the world.
Such a blessing to see the smiles on these kids!

Heather - It sure doesn’t seem like its been a year. I remember praying for you and waiting hungrily for the pics you would share. I love the guy sewing – it needs a caption something to the effect of, “yes you too can have gorgeous muscles like these! Purchase your singer treadle machine now for only 4 easy payments of….”
I want you to go back, too! Would it be a do-able trip for you and your oldest before she graduates and leaves home?

amanda - I remember these pictures … those in the church were haunting (in a good way) – I couldn’t shake those sweet faces for a few days. Wow, it doesn’t seem like it’s been a year!

evelyse - what an awesome experience!

Tracy Fisher - Just as you remember them… they are still thinking of you. 🙂
What a treasured memory. Don’t you love how the mind can keep that stored forever?
Tracy Fisher

Haven - My sister just came back from Sierra Leone, and is so ready to go back. She went as a photographer through the Women of Hope International to not only capture the people of Sierra Leone, but to teach some of them to take pictures for the organization. Thank you for sharing these pictures. This really puts things in perspective of what she saw, because she is still working on her pictures. She was not able to show us quite yet! I am very anxious to see them! Anyhoo, thanks again!

danielle - awesome, meg. i hope to do a short term mission trip in the not so distant future.

jaz - This is when I very first saw your blog, and I was absolutely and utterly blown away 🙂
xoxox

Kelly - A bunch of our area churches do an annual missions conference. This year was unique in that all the missionaries here work with ABWE in Togo. ABWE is currently building another hospital in Mango,Togo which is a really big deal. Another ministry in Mango they talked about was a sewing school run by a native man named Nogbebji. (Here is an article about the school – http://www.abwe.org/news/article/missions-and-microeconomics-the-mango-togo-school-for-sewing/)
Our area churches have decided to send a work team to help with the hospital next spring. My husband and I are praying about going. I told our pastor I would LOVE to see the ministry of this school! All that to say, I was thinking of you & your trip during the last two weeks of our missions conference. I can’t believe it was already a year ago!

Courtney Walsh - Cannot believe that was a whole year ago, Megan. That’s crazy. Such an indelible print they’ve left on your heart…
And I’m sure you left the same print on theirs.

Tonya - these pictures make me cry every time. i have to keep these pictures and images in front of my face to keep my mind on all of God’s creation…not just my own little world. Your time there and the way you have captured it has made a difference in me.

candace - the picture of you showing the kids the image you just took…..i can hear my little friends from africa saying “snap it. capture me.” and how precious is that little boy just to the right of the man leading prayer…his hand over his heart instantly made mine melt!
you sure do know how to capture and share the beauty of God!

Sara - The 8th picture…the small boy crying while being held, brings me to my knees in prayer for these people. Dear Lord, we are so blessed. Thank you for sharing.

kae - i love the way you have captured the moments/images. very inspiring & touching! & i really love the way you keep in touch with that guy sewing. you’re an inspiration to me in many ways…as a mom, as a crafter, photographer, blogger, etc. thank you!

Valerie @ Chateau A La Mode - What a beautiful post. You have a beautiful heart Meg. Thank you for sharing your journey.

jen smith - aren’t missions trip amazing?! my husband and i have been on many many trips(mexico, bahamas, peru, philippines, argentina) and the one thing i have learned through them all is people are the same no matter where they live and god is still god no matter where you are.

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Meg, wow. Has it really been a year? I remember crying as I read every post. Our blessings are so great. So big. How often do I take them for grated and complain and worry and worry more? Meg, thank you so much for being such a beautiful, beautiful vessel that God shines so brightly through.

Sarah @ Handbags*N*Pigtails - What beautiful pictures, Meg. I know you have a very passionate heart for Africa and its people so Im curious: do you feel as if God will ever call you there to serve?(I mean for more than just a visit).

Kimberly Dial - Amazing … I loved this post! Thank you for sharing!

Kimberly Dial - Amazing … I loved this post! Thank you for sharing!

Maria - Wow, a whole year already….I loved your pictures of Africa, they were so vivid and alive. Thank you for helping us to remember.

Lisa - Goose bumps seeing the pictures again! I still remember the boiled eggs and the vitamins and all their sweet faces…awesome.

Dana @ Bungalow'56 - Puts my little adventure completely into perspective.
Thanks Megan,
Dana

Jenny Joy - I remember reading about your journey. In fact, I remember it well. So powerful. So emotional. It filled me with hope. I could feel all the love that you had for that experience and how much it changed you. I’m so glad you gave us all the reminder. Thank you!

april's craft nest - oh meg, these photos are wonderful. you can feel the emotion in them. the little boy with his hand on hhis heart in church- oh my gosh! the little boy sleeping on the backpack….the oerhead photo of the shantytown, your friend with the muscles at an old sewing machine. these images will stay with me. thank you!

Routhie - All the emotions I had reading your Africa posts always bubble right back up when you speak of your time there. I would love to make such a journey and help. Surely something larger could be organized?

Janine - You don’t have to go to Africa to “see God”. It’s just easier to there because of the dire situation. You just have to open your eyes a little wider to see the need at home. Going there was a great thing indeed, and clearly the need there is immense. But do what you can from here. Focus your energies in your own community and you’ll see the same rewards.

Cassie - me too, meg.
me too.
i have been SO reminiscent the past few days thinking about “one year ago today we were getting on the plane.” or “one year ago today we met david and sheku”.
and i ran into sheila yesterday at the school and we had a “moment”. 🙂 her thoughts, too, have been taking over by memories of africa and longings to go back.
all that to say “miss you” and “love you” and “thinking about you”.
did we really go there??

Heather - Those images are simply stunning. And make me wonder what the heck I whine about. Really, though. What do I have to whine about? Thanks for this reality check on a dull, cold March morning as I feel sorry for myself that both of my kids are sickish and I’m closing in on 41. Sigh.
That pic of the young man at the sewing machine is so beautiful. And you are so blessed to have made this friend and to have kept in touch. You really never cease to amaze me.

Cara - I can’t believe it has been a year already since you were in Africa! After reading about your trip, I started dreaming about my own trip. I’m hoping to go on a similar trip sometime in the next few years. As usual, your photos are stunning!

Kimberlee J. - There is much to say about this.
A million questions I have for you about these beautiful people.
I hear a tugging for sure.

Meghan B - My how a year flies, but because of your images I’ve thought of your trip many times since you’ve come back. They pop into my head when God wants to remind me of the countless blessings I have in my life and His call to serve others. Thanks.

Tara - love every image….
reminds me of my time in India….
I want to go back, too, because a part of my heart is there…..

Tricia Anne - Oh how those images tug at my heart.
I have never had the privilege of doing mission work abroad.
I can see how your life was changed after going.
I can feel it in the picture you posted.
Thank you for doing so. Sincerely, Trish
ps. I am a new follower of your blog and so glad to have found you. I am looking forward to becoming better acquainted. Have a nice day. :o)

happygirl - Thank you for sharing your images and thoughts of Africa. Isn’t it amazing. God has made this world so big and so diverse. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to travel and experience all the differences. I’m glad your heart was able to grow in this experience. I know you’ll pass a heart for all people to your children. <3

Katy Stone - come visit me! 🙂
oh, how i love your pictures. i still have to pinch myself sometimes that the Lord has called us to call this place home for (at least) a year.

se7en - Wow a whole year has past… your trip blogging had such an impact on my life and your journey raised my already aware awareness too new heights. We live in Cape Town, South Africa – so much closer than you do to the very heart of poverty and it is so easy to drive by and donate goods and hand out a few coins at the stop light… and never feel the pain. So thank you for your heart wrenching trip, I remember crying over those kids and their eggs the same day I had gone to by candy for sunday school class. You certainly helped me to take nothing for granted and to give away far more than I thought we had just because someone else really did need it more. Thank-you.

leonieke - seems to me you have a interesting life.. all the travelling combined with your family.. wow!

Lori - Such beautiful, meaningful photos. The artist’s eye has truly shown through.

jen @ tatertots and jello - Wow – such powerful images. I hope to go one day. You are such an inspiration to me.
oxxo
Jen

Melissa Morrill - I can’t believe it’s already been a year!! I loved all your posts about your Africa trip and the day that you left I cried with you!!
You are such an inspiration to me.
God is so good Meg.

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project 320.

are you missing out?
have you gotten to be a part of this project?! 

the girls at Project 320 are raising money for charity:water again this year.

last year they raised $10,000.

amazing.

here are some of the prizes they are giving away this year…

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ALL of the money donated goes to charity: water.
ALL of the money goes to build wells for clean water in countries that have none.

but ladies….you know it's not about the prizes.

if you have $10 extra.…give today.
that is a pizza for dinner.
that is a container of laundry detergent.
that is 2 starbucks.
that is a shampoo and conditioner.
that is a DVD or CD.
it's $10. 


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julie's words:

"Is it fair that today I whine & worry over trees & toys,
when today 4500 moms just like me are worrying whether their
children will live or die?"

visit the Project 320 blog and see HOW you can donate.

and

read about charity: water and WHY you should donate.

we are so blessed.
we have so much.
let's give to those who don't.

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Jenny - I love this, Meg. Thanks so much for sharing!

Kristin Hayne - Thank you for promoting this and having such a huge heart for the world and it’s water crisis. I donated yesterday and I will be promoting it on my blog as well. Good for you girl!!

Terri Christian - This just melts my heart! Your blog is so great anyhow I enjoy it so much but when you post about Africa and the things we, everyday, people can do it just melts me! You are awesome!

Simple Daisy - Thanks for sharing this!
It’s so important to give back ….but especially at this time of the year:)

Heather @ Cookie Mondays - thanks! 🙂

Elizabeth - In our family we generally choose names and give one gift — and the cousins (kids) choose names and give one gift. This year, we changed everything and decided to donate to a cause that we found worthy. Our family has donated to charity:water — I think you were the first person that “told” me about it, so thank you!

Lisa - I don’t know you obviously, but I feel similar to you. I am a mom of 4 kids trying to love God, love my family and serve the world. I think that is what you are doing as well. With baby after baby I sorta put “serving the world” on the back burner. Now with my youngest almost 2 I have recently been rejuvenated, so to speak, to serve and let the Lord use me more mightily. I guess I share this to say that I get so excited to see other moms stepping out there and trying to make a difference not only in their homes but in the world too! My prayer for myself is that my heart would never grow callous to the poor and those suffering injustice! I always want my heart to be tugged by these things. Thanks for being another reminder of our blessings and how we can be a blessing to others! Sorry this is kinda long! 🙂

Jen - My comment disappeared?! Anyway, was just saying that I love, love, love the video. The precious gift of water is just wonderful. x

Jen - x

Dana@Bungalow'56 - I for one have not heard of this project. Thank Meg, It’s something I can show my girls and we can hopefully become aware of all of our blessings while also helping at the same time. It is so important to share these messages as so often we start to believe everyone lives in the same bubble of luxury we do.
Dana

Jen Christians - Thanks for posting my picture… You are wonderful! (As always)I really appreciate you and all you do!

ingrid - thank you so much for sharing this. i’m going to post this on my blog as well. i have all but 2or3 followers but even 2or3 can make a difference. our family is participating. will also be praying

Julie - Thank you so much for having a huge heart for the world and for water.
You are my favey fave.

Kate @ Songs Kate Sang - Meg, thank you so much for telling people about Project320! Your voice is so beautiful and so many people listen! {{hugs}}

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