Threads of Hope

I remember my very first church womens' meeting in Paraguay the ladies each had to help sew costumes for the Christmas program. I wanted to crawl into the floorboards and hide. Unfortunately, I don't know how to sew. Sewing's a dying art where I'm from, but I have learned since living in Paraguay how important sewing is for many women in this culture. It's a fantastic way for women to provide income for their family while staying at home.

Rosi is a young talented woman in our church. Even though her mom died when she was an adolescent, she taught Rosi how to sew. Now, Rosi is newly married and she works full time; at night she attends seamstress school. She told me earlier this year that her dream was to own her own sewing machine, so she doesn't have to borrow a machine from someone who lives 2 miles away. Her idea is to open her own shop at home, so she can make better money. Right now she works six days a week as a nanny and maid and only makes $80 a month. She can make twice that with a sewing machine!

When we went to the U.S. this summer on furlough, a dear friend donated a new sewing machine and we immediately thought of Rosi. She received her gift today thanks to the help of our friend Paul, director of Children of Promise,who brought it when he came to visit. There are no words to describe what this gift means to Rosi; she has new hope! Thank you for investing in the future of Paraguayan women and thank you for praying for us as we continue to focus on helping people make a sustainable living through micro enterprise.

P.S. There are two more needy ladies here that are praying for sewing machines. If you have an interest in helping Margarita and Pastor Silva, drop us an email.