I've been running a bit under the radar since returning from Rwanda. There was a lot to process. I fell in love with this country. Rwandans say "God might visit other countries by day, but every night He returns to rest in Rwanda". But now it's more than geography....
Coming to work at the center on my last day there were bundles to open. It is good to have presents to open before work. The coreopsis blooms smiled at their marks on cloth. Anna Marie had chosen to dye her scarf in cochineal the day before but after seeing the...
Katie and I traveled the rocky road to work with the ladies as usual. I began by teaching how to build and manage an indigo vat. Until their seeds grow for Polygonum tinctoria and woad they will work with Indigofera tinctoria that I will supply. I brought silk pieces...
There is no doubt in my mind that I have felt more welcome being amongst Rwandans than any other country in my memory. They are respectful, reverent, generous of spirit and heart even in the midst of their dark struggles. Katie has introduced me to many of her Rwandan...
Day two the dyework began in earnest. Simon interpreted my instructions for Virginia, the dyer, so she can proceed after I leave with a full understanding. We started by soaking the madder roots, which were already ground to make for a quicker extraction of the dye....
It's been a week now that I been travelling Rwanda. I've met those in utter poverty and chronic sickness, the middle class and the wealthy. Most of the time has been with the poor and it is hard to express the juxtaposition of their complete faith in God's salvation...
A large part of my trip to Rwanda is being with these woman to help open up some new color options in their dye work. It is a collaboration with True Vineyard Ministries, a counseling and support system that works with 35 woman who come to the center each day to...
We had the good fortune to be guests at a traditional Rwandan wedding. On the street outside the host home it was a mix of guests and townspeople. Most exciting for all. The fashions were elegant I made friends with this group of young ones as we waited. There are...
My first days in Rwanda have been beyond words. It's a beautiful place full of color, heat, warmth from the people I have met yet also incredibly jarring. Katie and I are staying outside Kigali for a few days at one of her dear friend's farm. Our first morning we...
I am winging off to Africa in the morning. Rwanda specific. We moved the flock to a fresh pasture this morning and dear Crystal still takes the last position but she sure does love the trek. She and I travel along together ever so slow but with focus on the reward....