Amani ya Juu

After being here for almost 8 months I just now- FINALLY visited Amani ya Juu (higher peace).  I have heard so much about it and I'm so thankful I got to go today.  Honestly, I didn't know that much about it.  I thought it was some sort of sewing project for women with AIDS.  I found out today that it is so much more than a sewing project.  

Most of the women are marginalized and must carry the burdens of poverty, corruption, and war.  The intent of this project is to empower women phycially and spiritually in these unjust conditions. 

We got there early enough to join their devotions and prayers.  What a treat!  After that they welcomed us and introduced themselves to us.  They went around the room and about 30 women told us their names and where they were from.  About half way around a lady said "Hi, my name is Lucy and I'm from Southern Sudan."  Of course my ears perked up as I have learned so much about Sudan in the past couple years.  (I have actually been to a forum where I was in the same room with a man from Darfur.  I wanted to talk to him so bad- but never got the chance.  I feel like I know many people from Sudan from the books I've read)  Afterwards all the women came and hugged and hugged us.  I have never felt so loved as a visitor!  Finally- Lucy and I made eye contact.  We walked toward each other- she was beaming.  I told her how sorry I was for her home country; how I have wept for her people and for the war that continues there.  I told her that I have been praying for Sudan and reminded her that God has already won the battle and He IS there... in the midst of that war.  I was a sobbing mess by this point and she began to cry.  At this we decided to just hug for a while and cry.  It felt good.  A perfect stranger- but sisters in Christ meeting for the first time.  I got to hear just a little of Lucy's story.  She fled Sudan with only her husband.  Now- she has 5 beautiful children in Kenya. 

[For those of you who are like myself 2 years ago and know little to nothing about the war in Sudan- here is a paper I wrote a while back for a quick/ simple picture on what Sudan has been enduring.]

Later I found out that Amani ya Juu started with 3 women.  Two from Sudan and one from Rwanda.  Among those 3 was Lucy.  Now it has grown to 50 women from 18 different ethnic groups all across central and eastern Africa.  A sister center has been established in Kigali, Rwanda to meet the many desperate needs of women in this war torn country.  A portion of the start up costs for the project was provided by the women of Amani Ya Juu in Nairobi through the savings of their proceeds.  The project in Rwanda is also self-sustaining and promotes the same philosophy and mission.   

Tye Dying... or "bateek".  This is fascinating.  They make their own fabrics by taking a stamp and dipping it in hot wax then press a pattern on the fabric.  After it dries they dye it Then wash it in cold water so the wax falls off.   

Lucy on my right and Monik from the Congo on my left.  She has only been in Kenya 4 years.  Don't you just wonder what all these women have been through in this lifetime?  

Another lady (not pictured) fled from Rwanda during the genocide where she lost her grandparents among other family members)

Us girls with our Amani Loot!  In the background there are about 98729457 families (white) with their adopted kenyan children.  This must be the place for play dates.  Just smidgen of jealousy in my heart.  (But it's good jealousy... if you can have that.)  
My purchases today:  ( I know it is backwards- that is the way Mac's do things).  It's a sign for the front door that says "Karibu" (Welcome). 

I was really excited.  Not only was the purse super cute and going to a great cause but it was on sale!  It was originally 2,200 ksh.  THEN it was marked down to 1690 ksh, THEN marked down again to 840 ksh!!!  Some of you might be laughing that I'm being frugal to charity... but remember- missionary here: still have to be careful with the $$.)  PS- got my pink shirt in Kibera for about $1.   :)    

So this leads me to my next question.  Most of you ladies have been to pampered chef, tupperware, candle parties- right?  Well, there is such thing as an Amani Ya Juu party.  Only- it goes to a much better cause.  What you do- is someone hosts a party and Amani Ya Juu distribution center in Washington D.C. sends you 70lbs worth of Amani stuff.  Your friends come and buy.  You send the $ to Amani and then send the stuff that didn't sell back to D.C.  It doesn't cost you a dime.  If you want you can specify that you want all purses or all childrens stuff.  So if we threw a party would you guys be interested??  Let me know if you'd show up so we can decide to do one when we get back.  :)  Or you can simply go to the website- pick and order.  But the party would be a great way to see, touch, and smell the cuteness!