You're Invited to a Party with a Purpose!

I'm so excited I am almost doing a little chair dance while I type this!! I'm finally going to have a Trades of Hope party right here in Holly Springs, NC, and if you live near me, you're invited!!!

You might be wondering things like, "What's Trades of Hope?  And why in the world is Amy so excited?"

I was introduced to Trades of Hope by my friend Heatherly several years ago.  Heatherly is one of their Compassion Entrepreneurs, and she told me all about how the parties she does help women in need all around the world.  You can read more about Heatherly's story here.

Ever since I've heard about this simple way for me to connect with women worldwide right in my hometown, I've been dying to have a party.  You can read more about my growing heart's desire here.

After writing about it in the Proverbs 31 Woman magazine and practically begging for help :), Lynn Ritter, a Compassion Entrepreneur from Trades of Hope contacted me.  We've been planning ever since.

Here are a few of the items that we'll show, and each item has a story to go with it.

Spiral Brass Cuff: These bracelets are made by the women at Noah's Ark Mission who are able to work from home. They no longer have to work 12-14 hour days at the sweatshops like so many women in India. They get to spend time with their families and make a fair wage! Many people in India are unable to read and write, as most cannot afford an education. Noah's Ark Mission has started a school for three of the poorest villages in the area and helps provide clean water! Their goal is to train their artisans to own their own business, so that they can provide for their family!

Wire Love Bowl: Artisans at the Noah's Ark Mission made these bowls working from home. They get to spend time with their families and make a fair wage. No more Indian sweatshops for these ladies! Many people in India are unable to read and write, as most cannot afford an education. So, Noah's Ark Mission has started a school for three of the poorest villages in the area. They also provide clean water! Their goal is to train their artisans to own their own business, so that they can provide for their family!

Shades of the World Scarf: These beautiful scarves are made by the women of Asha Handicrafts Association. They are young women who are being empowered to be self-reliant. In India so many girls get trapped into the sex trade because they are taught they have no value. Fair Trade is helping to change that conservative mindset. By making these handcrafts, they are stepping out and taking care of themselves. These women are becoming respected in their villages. A purchase of this scarf changes a life all the way across the world!

Even though my passion and love for India shows through in the items I picked to show, there are many more beautiful handicrafts from places like Haiti, Africa and even right here in the US.  You can view the whole catalog on the Trades of Hope website.

So....drumroll please...save the date for Saturday, October 20 from 1:30-3:30. And here's the deal.  If you want to buy some items, wonderful!  If you don't want to buy anything or you don't have the means right now, I still want you to come.  We'll have yummy food in a fabulous setting with the funnest (you know what I mean) women in Wake County.  Also, you'll get a chance to learn about the needs of your sisters worldwide and ways you can pray and help.

If you live in my area (Wake County, NC) and you'd like to attend, please let me know by emailing me at amy@proverbs31.org, and I'll send you all the details.  I'll also remind everyone closer to the time, but I wanted to let you schedule the fun as soon as possible. See you on Oct. 20th!