One really fun opportunity with running our center is that through the contacts we meet there we are able to throw special events. This can range from additional seminars that we offer to our students to seasonal parties to ladies events. The latter of the three is something that we have had the opportunity to do several times over the fall months. In the beginning we did some low key events in our homes, but discovered that having these parties was really meeting a felt need in the lives of many women. Most women here are caught up, like many women in the world, with the care of their homes and family. Some of these women also have jobs or studies in the local university. On top of these responsibilites that take up so much time, because of social rules and obligations, many women don't get out of the house very often at all. Therefore, these ladies events offer us the opportunity to serve these women and show them love, while for them it is a great time to let loose and relax with only women around!
We have had many short term visitors over the past few months. Because of their excitement and energy they really help us out by taking care of many of the details of the events and really executing the plans. The picture above was from our fall themed "thankfulness" party. We had a great time with talking about what we are thankful for in our lives, a fun craft, our make-your-own pizzas and dancing!
Another ladies event we had focused on beauty. Like every culture in the world beauty is something of great importance to women. We had another guest from the states who brought out a suitcase full of gifts for the women which really delited them! The gift bags were full of fun American beauty products and even included notes and pictures from women in the States who had put them together.
As a craft for the beauty event we supplied many decoration things so that the ladies could make their own cards to send back with our visitor to give to the ladies who put together the gift bags. It was fun to see how the women got into this craft, really bursting with creativity and fun ideas. It even sparked an idea for possible future events! This gathering ended with a crazy fashion show that the ladies loved! Some of us girls chose funny outfits that we tried to pass off as the season's latest fashions! It was great to laugh and have fun together and to see these women really open up their lives to us.
In my past I have generally worked with teenagers. However, I wondered how that sort of experience would translate to my work here. I am discovering with each new experience that although I am working with a different age group here, that the principles of it remain the same: out of an overflow of the love that I have received I can show love to these women here by serving them and openning my home, time and life to them. It will be different than my past experiences, but I am confident that God is directing my path and is preparing me for the things that He desires for me to do. With that I have confidence to venture into new areas and to try things that I previously thought I couldn't do. I guess thats all part of trusting God and walking within His strength...fotunately, its not about me, but about what He wants to accomplish!
We have had many short term visitors over the past few months. Because of their excitement and energy they really help us out by taking care of many of the details of the events and really executing the plans. The picture above was from our fall themed "thankfulness" party. We had a great time with talking about what we are thankful for in our lives, a fun craft, our make-your-own pizzas and dancing!
Another ladies event we had focused on beauty. Like every culture in the world beauty is something of great importance to women. We had another guest from the states who brought out a suitcase full of gifts for the women which really delited them! The gift bags were full of fun American beauty products and even included notes and pictures from women in the States who had put them together.
As a craft for the beauty event we supplied many decoration things so that the ladies could make their own cards to send back with our visitor to give to the ladies who put together the gift bags. It was fun to see how the women got into this craft, really bursting with creativity and fun ideas. It even sparked an idea for possible future events! This gathering ended with a crazy fashion show that the ladies loved! Some of us girls chose funny outfits that we tried to pass off as the season's latest fashions! It was great to laugh and have fun together and to see these women really open up their lives to us.
In my past I have generally worked with teenagers. However, I wondered how that sort of experience would translate to my work here. I am discovering with each new experience that although I am working with a different age group here, that the principles of it remain the same: out of an overflow of the love that I have received I can show love to these women here by serving them and openning my home, time and life to them. It will be different than my past experiences, but I am confident that God is directing my path and is preparing me for the things that He desires for me to do. With that I have confidence to venture into new areas and to try things that I previously thought I couldn't do. I guess thats all part of trusting God and walking within His strength...fotunately, its not about me, but about what He wants to accomplish!
1 comment:
Women are woman. No mater what or where. I think its wonderful that you have found a way to relate and have fun with your new friends.
What a great idea the gal had to bring over a suitcase of fun stuff for the ladies. Maybe that is something Deird and I can do in March. WHAT a fun way to experience your life.
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