After-Market Mayhem!

What a wild and crazy day! I was so grateful for Crystie and Amy -- new volunteers from our loyal partner, North Metro First Baptist Church in Lawrenceville. These ladies came to The Refugee Sewing Society loaded with chai, snacks, knitting needles, crochet hooks, and lots of YARN!

Kelly and I had planned a debriefing time following Saturday's Market Day. As usual, we were caught off guard by the number of women who flooded into the auditorium at Clarkston Community Center. This circle gathered around us to discuss what Americans like to buy -- colors, shapes, sizes, items. Does this look like a lot of ladies to you? Yeah, we thought so, too!

After tea, snacks, and lots of discussion and translation, it was time to get to work. Our crochet and yarn group was eager to get their hands on the new yarn. All the leaders and volunteers were busy signing up women and handing out materials. These ladies (below) weren't praying -- though we sure needed it! They were discussing what they had learned during our debriefing. As they examined the new-fangled American yarn, they talked about unfamiliar concepts like "matching colors," "styles and trends," and "what American babies wear." Meanwhile, the sewing room filled with students. Though we're cramped for room, I love to watch our students get down on the floor and spread out fabric to cut or pin. In Bhutan and Nepal, this was the most common way for people to sit. Works great in America, too!
We were proud of Leela (below in the brown coat). She worked very hard before Market Day, sewing 22 market bags as well as crocheting and knitting many other items. She sold the largest number of products and made the most money. It has been exciting to watch her grow in confidence and determination. She's very willing to surrender her time to help newer students and to translate for us. We are beginning to watch leaders emerge, and we know God will use them as The Refugee Sewing Society expands.We continue to need yarn, knitting needles, and sturdy cotton fabric. If you have any tucked away in a drawer, please send it our way. In the meantime, please keep praying for The Refugee Sewing Society and its very weary leaders!