Sidewalk Sales!

I was invited to have a table in front of a store on the square for sidewalk sales this past weekend. I had a great day as there were many people who were showing interest in what we are doing in Zambia! I sold a lot of jewelry and shared many stories. I met a wonderful couple who had just returned from Sierra Leon in June. It is great to talk to people who have a passion for Africa!
It was very windy and a couple of times we almost lost everything on the table but were saved, though many others near me had things blowing all over the place. We did lots of chasing and picking things up because of the wind.
My kids were up at different points with me and always prove to add fun to any situation where there are people to talk to. Kate loves to help organize things and put purchases in bags for people. Of course telling anybody who would listen that she wants to go with me next time and she thinks that it should just be so.
This was a good day for exposure as the square was very busy and it was really a beautiful day.
I am kicking myself for not taking a picture of us up there! I am getting better at setting up a table with a banner, fabric from Zambia a basket from Zambia, etc, etc. Always a work in progress.
Please continue to pray for us as we move forward in getting the word out about Extending Hands! It is exciting and a lot of hard work but we love every minute of it.

Pictures and stories

These are just a few of the short stories of some of the wonderful widows and women that I had the privilege of spending time with. They are all beautiful and strong in their own way. Most of us will never live the lives they lead and never know the extent of the poverty they are experiencing. Yet, the joy they have in their smiles and the life that exudes from their singing is beyond anything I have experienced. They are able to pour out love and dance with abandon because their hearts are full even if their hands are empty.

My heart is focused on making this ministry succeed for the sake of the hands that should NOT be empty. Helping these widows not only empowers them with skills and a sense of worth but will also benefit the many orphans that are left in their care. We have to come alongside these widows/vulnerable women who are clinging to the hope that we bring, not in the form of handouts but in opportunity.





Grace is taking care of 6 orphans, some grandchildren and nieces and nephews. She is now trying to do little things to live but does not have enough capital, she shares.

Joyce married in 1969 at 13 1/2 and was with her husband until 1993. She had 16 children, 6 have died. Property grabbers left her with nothing. Reberiah has helped her and educated her. If empowered with capital, she can do something and give it back, this is her desire.



This is Eunice. Her husband died in 2004. She says they are eating but things are not good. She is asking that we can continue this program to assist the family.


This is Royce. Her husband died in 2002 and she now cares for many grandchildren.