July 6, 2010

Hope you all had a nice fourth of July!!! It was so strange to be here with no celebration and no BBQs. We do have very wonderful watermelon though. The weather has been very cold and rainy but I just keep thinking that there will come a time when you all are snowed in and I get to be out in the sun. My most prized possession is the portable heater I have in my home. If I turn it on to high and close the door, it really does get warm. I’m trying not to think about the advanced technology called a thermostat.

Things have been interesting at the Trampled Rose. It has been so rewarding to be here everyday. We have some good ideas that we are working on for new financial opportunities for the women. The first I am most excited about is having small street stands selling a food called Sambusa. These are pastries filled with either lintels or rice and meat. The stand is basically a deep fryer and can be connected to electricity wherever it is available on the street. This is very easy to make and only requires small start up capital, Once they have established their reputation as being clean and delicious it can be a good income. I also like that the women will get paid for how hard the work. They will be able to begin to control their own lives.

We are also working on improving our jewelry design made by the women. This may mean that we can really wear a piece just because it is beautiful. And….. we may be looking at opening a small shop of restaurant so the women can get practice in counting change and customer service. I’ll let you know as they develop.

For now our beauty and sewing programs are going strong. Our sewing teacher is pregnant with her forth child and has had to have some bed rest. Let’s hope she is better soon.

Personally our family had some bad news. My mother slipped and broke her hip. She had to have a replacement. She is doing well and will be out of rehab by the middle of July. So… I am coming home to help for a few weeks. Let’s plan to get together!!!