Two nights ago my sisters and I were texting back and forth with my parents. This conversation would have been like any other evening, but this time we were asking for updates, checking in on their location, and asking if they were anywhere closer to being home.
Let me explain.
My parents have been in Africa, in both Ethiopia and Tanzania, for the past three weeks. Even though they travel there annually, I still get nervous when we go a few days without hearing from them. Most of their trips in the past consist of a medical team performing physicals, surgeries, and the like in a clinic and orphanages in rural Tanzania. This trip was a little bit different. It was their first time in Ethiopia, and they were spending time meeting and researching where they can continue serving and giving to this country and its people.
To say I’m a proud daughter is an understatement.
Even though I’ve never myself traveled to either of these countries, each time my parents go, they come back changed. I know it’s said often, but I think it’s safe for me to say that while yes, they go to serve and give of themselves, they come back having received much more.
I love how God works.
I want to share a portion of an update from my parents, while they were spending time with Project Mercy, in Ethiopia:
We were amazed at the poverty of the area; in fact I think that is what our brains aren’t quite able to quite comprehend yet. We walked a dirt road about 1.5 miles from the compound to the location of the hospital. … I don’t know if I can adequately explain the living conditions – it is absolutely mind boggling. The houses are either the traditional tukul, which is a round hut made of eucalyptus poles and then covered with straw mixed with the soil and cow dung. Many of them (most of them in that area) share the space with their cow, goat or whatever animal they have during the night hours. The ‘step up’ from the tukul…or the modern house was a rectangle mud hut made from the same materials but usually with 2 rooms so the animals slept in the separated room. They cover the floor with a mat woven from a plant called a ‘fake banana’ plant. A softer mat is woven from a different fiber on the same plant – and they unroll those on the floor for sleeping. All the farming tools were handmade; some carts had handmade wooden wheels.
Even reading the description–as she continues, she describes the school, the hospital, the roads, the water–it is difficult to read, knowing that it is not just in other countries that these conditions exist, but also right here. Right outside our front door.
Each of our hearts are tugged in different ways, right? It’s how we listen to those gentle pulls that matters.
I recently had someone say my parents had been added to his hero list. I couldn’t agree more, but they are not the only ones. When I first learned about and the hope they are providing to so many–they were an instant hero list addition.
I first learned about back around Christmas time. I wanted to compile a group of companies that give back and give more, so I wrote about it here. I asked many of you for suggestions and was one I kept hearing time and time again! After researching a bit and looking through their collections, I knew I loved their mission, vision, and heart. As you look through the individual collections you’ll be amazed at the stories of hope that accompany them–
I specifically chose to share a story from Ethiopia–I know this post is getting long, but keep reading! I have some beautiful jewelry up for grabs!
Just outside of Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, looms Mount Entoto. Once home to emperors and monastaries, the sacred mountain now houses a community of over one million Ethiopians with a positive HIV status. They have flocked to the mountain seeking the waters that stream and pool there, which are considered healing and holy.
However, some have found true healing in a small outreach working on the mountain: the Entoto jewelry workshop. Entoto makes sure that those living with HIV are assured access to the life-saving medicines that reverse the course of the disease. By taking the antiretroviral medications, HIV becomes almost undetectable in the bloodstream. The disease does not define these women anymore.
Now, the women earn a dignified income by making distinct accessories. Each bead in our Ethiopian collection is created from artillery shells that farmers find in their fields from former war conflicts. Once used as a means of violence and destruction, these shells are melted down by village artisans, made into beads, and given a new beautiful purpose when created into the pieces you now wear. Noonday Collection partners with these women by creating exclusive designs that tell a story of powerful redemption. They receive a living wage, health care support, and also educational support for their children.
“I have new dreams for my son,” says 26 year old Emebet, pictured above. She has been working for Entoto making jewelry for 6 years. She came to the mountain 9 years ago when she discovered she was HIV positive. Unlike most women who come to the mountain from far away, Embemebet grew up in the capital city of Addis Ababa. Her journey wasn’t very far to the mountain, but it was still a painful journey. Her previous husband didn’t tell her he was HIV+ and she didn’t find out until he passed away. Her current husband also came to the mountain to seek healing. They have been married 5 years and they have a miracle baby together, Yabsera, after suffering the loss of two babies before him. Her disease, which used to define her, is now not even a daily thought. She enjoys working alongside the other women in the thriving jewelry workshop.
Their newest collection launches today, and you guys??
It. Is. Gorgeous.
Absolutely gorgeous!
So without further ado, I want to show you the 2 bracelets I am giving away today!
2 bracelets. 2 winners. Also?
Mother’s Day is around the corner!
{And yes. I did a little photos session for the Colette headbands the same day we took these photos, so I probably should have been smart and changed my clothes! oops.}
One of you will win the Very Versatile bracelet, and one of you will win the Tessa Bracelet!
I will take one of everything, please. However, the real question is this:
are you listening to the tugs and pulls on your heart? Or are you quieting them because they are too risky, too “out there,” too insignificant, too simple–too whatever.
Whatever the excuse–it’s not the truth. So let’s start listening to the tugs and pulls and do something about it.
I know this week has been full of features–I hope you loved the Colette from Oh Sweet Joy and ! More Kacia and Harlow and our boring lives tomorrow, this weekend, and the weeks to come!
be sure to check out Rachel’s new blog design!!
The first huge tug that I think (I confess) I have completely obeyed is God telling me to pull my daughter out of public school after this school year and homeschool her. This is something I never would have considered, in fact I have resisted it for two years. But He has changed my heart as I have acted in obedience and now I’m really excited, although still a bit scared, about it all! :) Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for the giveaway! I’m loving the Shalom necklace, but there is no way to decide between the two awesome colors :) Also, I am totally blessed to see more and more organizations/companies like this. Doing a good work, my friends!
I LOVE the circles forever bracelets and the Tagua seeds bracelets (The coral one is beautiful!).
This is so lovely. My nephews were adopted from an orphanage in Addis Ababa. Just reading this warmed my heart.
I love this ministry and this jewelry. I bought a bunch for gifts when I was over there. Thanks for posting on it and raising awareness for the Global Kingdom.
I’m in love with the Very Versatile bracelet! Veryyyyyy fun!
I LOVE the stacked arrows necklace.
Thanks for your word on heart tugs, Kacia. Praying I can be obedient with whatever He gives me to do.
I love the Flock Together Love Birds. And wow! What a mission. Beautiful.
love the Collector’s Seed Bead Necklace
I’m cheating because I’m torn between three items! I love the Nahuala Rectangle Trays (Set of 3), Flock Together Love Bird, and the Many Ways Bag. They’re all so great!
This is beautiful. I’m so glad your parents serve in this way! What a great blessing and example.
I love love love the Ruth bracelet LOVE !!! THANK you for giveaway !!
Loved this post so very much, as I’m living and serving in Costa Rica right now…loved every ounce of this post! Thanks so much for the beautiful giveaway…I’m loving the Very Versatile bracelet!
beautiful. that’s all i can say. i love everything about this post and giveaway!!! XO
I love the Chevron Dangle Earrings! And Kacia, I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the way you introduce companies and giveaways. They are always heartfelt, well thought out, and creative.
Huge Noonday fan, Love what the stand for and Love the new spring line ooh.
My favorite is the Mukisa neon necklace
The circles forever bracelet!
I seriously left (and gained) a part of my heart in Africa. I traveled throughout Kenya and Tanzania and changed for me is an understatement. It truly transformed me, my heart, and the world around me that I wanted to create. I admire your parents (and kind of love them) simply for what they are doing! Just exciting to read their experiences. (And I love noonday!)
I love the wound-bright-bracelets
I love all the scarves and the packaged pretty earrings!
Circles Forever in Brass is beautiful
Love Noonday and adore Ethiopia. What amazing parents you have!!
Love the very versatile bracelet, and the mission behind it! I felt pulled to stop ignoring the homeless with signs asking for help on the side of the street on busy intersections. I used to look away and try to avoid eye contact. I recently started picking up extra granola bars at the grocery store every week to keep in my console in the car for giving away. It is such a small step, but it has been a blessing to look and acknowledge and smile, instead of pretending I don’t see. I know more is needed, and I am waiting to see where I am pulled next!
I have six siblings from Ethiopia and have been there twice so it has a special place in my heart. I love hearing about ministries that support the Ethiopian people.
My favorite is the Olivia necklace! Definitely my first purchase from the Spring collection!
I love the chimes necklace! Thank you so much for introducing me to this company. I want to buy EVERYTHING.
xo
Oh my word the line is STUNNING. Love all of it.
And you know I’m listening to my scary heart tugs… ;)
I am a new follower and I love the noonday minted necklace :) actually all of their jewlery! :)
Beautiful post and beautiful jewellery!
Wow. Amazing. Everything, all of it. The story, the craftsmanship, the grace. Thanks for introducing me to this!
Okay. I LOVE Noonday Collection. Really inspired by this new collection. But my all time favorite piece is the “My Catch All Bag”.
What a great giveaway!
Love companies who help women create sustainable crafts/business to better their circumstances.
Love the Acai Ombre Necklace and the Inca Steps Necklace {probably in teal?.. can’t choose!}
Thanks so much for all your inspiration Kacia! You always have such powerful words and posts that help us to stop and think about the world around us :) I love Noonday Collection, such an inspiring and touching story behind the company.
My favorite is the Tessa bracelet, it’s adorable and so versatile!
God bless you and your beautiful family!
Such a beautiful blog post. I adore the Very Versatile bracelet. Beautiful!
*love* Noonday Collection and their purpose!!!
I love the brightly wound bracelets!
My favorite item with Noonday is the dewdrop necklace!!!
What a great company and jewelry. There are so many fun pieces. I really love the mukisa neon necklace and very versatile bracelet.