I’ve spent my day with friends packing feminine hygiene kits for Mali.  If I don’t keep working I think I might just break down into tears.  On December 2nd I returned home from Mali, where we took our first 75 DfG kits.  We distributed them there  in schools to girls who were thrilled to receive them.  I came home motivated to invite everyone I could to help make more kits for our return visit February 10th.  Our newly-created Utah Valley Days for Girls Chapter went to work.  The five of us started mobilizing women all over the valley, and beyond.  We’ve met with book clubs, women’s groups, quilting groups, Relief Societies and Young Women’s organizations.  We’ve handed out pre-cut kits and instructions, fabric to wash, fabric to iron, fabric to trace, and fabric to cut.  We’ve given sewers and sergers pieces to turn into beautiful shields and liners and bags.  We’ve had generous donations come to us from many kind and helpful people.  Our cars and homes are filled with fabric and parts and pieces of these lovely kits.

Today it all began to come together.  We assembled 654 kits!  Each kit contains a drawstring bag, 2 shields, 8 liners, 2 Ziploc bags, a pair of underwear, a wash rag and a bar of soap.  The cost for one kit is about $7.00 if we get all the parts on sale or at whole sale prices.  Then there is the work involved in making each piece.  It takes skill and love and time.  Not to mention sacrifices made by those who might otherwise be doing something else, or those many who have donated supplies of every kind.

I spoke to the husband of one of our star sewer/sergers this morning.  His wife, Tracey, has made 800 liners in 2 weeks.  He told me how this activity has brought their family together in the evenings as they’ve watched movies and sewed and snipped and folded.  It’s not just a fun project, it’s life-changing for all involved.   It changes how we think about the things we have and need.  It makes our needs feel smaller and more insignificant.  Most of all, it makes everyone who helps feel HAPPY.  I was happy all day today, except for when I felt like crying.  I am overwhelmed at the goodness and love expressed by so many.

I will post photos soon.  You will not believe the goodness you see.

I know you want to help us.  How would you like to sponsor a kit for a girl who needs one?  $7.00 will pay for the materials.  We’ll find someone to help put the pieces together.  Please chip in what you are able.  These kits keep girls in school, educating future mothers.  These kits change lives.

You can send donations to Days for Girls Utah Valley Chapter, in care of  Ann Lewis at 24 West 500 South in Orem, Utah 84058.  I thank you from the depths of my African Heart.

All donations are tax-deductible.

OK, here come the photos:

HOW CAN WE KEEP FROM SMILING??