Friends,
Carol has been taking beading classes in Chicago from Melinda. When Carol mentioned that we were going to Senegal, and that she wanted to teach beading to the Women's Skills Center instructors, Melinda was interested in coming, too. So, Melinda and her daughter, Karen, are with us on this trip. Karen is a graduate student at Vanderbilt in community mental health.
On Monday, Melinda began teaching the WSC instructors beading. This in not your ordinary, string-beads-on-one-thread style of work. The results range from intricate spiral ropes to flat bands of colorful beads. Sizes and colors are artfully woven together to make striking results. The first meeting was a great success, with the students completing a bracelet in about three hours. Of course, once other women in the ministry saw the results, they became instantly excited and wished to be involved, too. The result has been an explosion in the size of each meeting - as well as additional sessions and private tutoring. Melinda is certainly the most sought-after of our group!
This morning (Wednesday), Melinda and Karen got a later start than the rest of us from our rooms. Dogs barking all night contributed to interrupted sleep. We had knocked on their door and knew they were OK - just running behind. After we others
had been at the church for 15 or 20 minutes, the worried questions began: "Where's Melinda?" "Is Karen OK?" "Is Melinda OK?" Beading students were already gathered. Thought was given to sending a car to inquire after them. Anxiety was high! Then Karen and Melinda walked in and a huge sigh of relief was heard - beading will begin shortly! And now, one-half hour later, one only notices a quiet concentration from the classroom.
Senegalese women are very conscious of their appearance and are always dressed purposefully and attractively. No "throw on whatever I have" in this culture! Creating jewelry for women will be a marketable skill. Designs blending western and Africa styles could be particularly successful. The WSC can pass these skills to young women who could, with micro-credit loans, begin small businesses and eventually reach financial security. This is one more avenue the WSC can provide to support the standing of women in Senegal. We are very thankful that Melinda and Karen have chosen to join us on this trip.
-- Tom
Carol has been taking beading classes in Chicago from Melinda. When Carol mentioned that we were going to Senegal, and that she wanted to teach beading to the Women's Skills Center instructors, Melinda was interested in coming, too. So, Melinda and her daughter, Karen, are with us on this trip. Karen is a graduate student at Vanderbilt in community mental health.
On Monday, Melinda began teaching the WSC instructors beading. This in not your ordinary, string-beads-on-one-thread style of work. The results range from intricate spiral ropes to flat bands of colorful beads. Sizes and colors are artfully woven together to make striking results. The first meeting was a great success, with the students completing a bracelet in about three hours. Of course, once other women in the ministry saw the results, they became instantly excited and wished to be involved, too. The result has been an explosion in the size of each meeting - as well as additional sessions and private tutoring. Melinda is certainly the most sought-after of our group!This morning (Wednesday), Melinda and Karen got a later start than the rest of us from our rooms. Dogs barking all night contributed to interrupted sleep. We had knocked on their door and knew they were OK - just running behind. After we others
had been at the church for 15 or 20 minutes, the worried questions began: "Where's Melinda?" "Is Karen OK?" "Is Melinda OK?" Beading students were already gathered. Thought was given to sending a car to inquire after them. Anxiety was high! Then Karen and Melinda walked in and a huge sigh of relief was heard - beading will begin shortly! And now, one-half hour later, one only notices a quiet concentration from the classroom.Senegalese women are very conscious of their appearance and are always dressed purposefully and attractively. No "throw on whatever I have" in this culture! Creating jewelry for women will be a marketable skill. Designs blending western and Africa styles could be particularly successful. The WSC can pass these skills to young women who could, with micro-credit loans, begin small businesses and eventually reach financial security. This is one more avenue the WSC can provide to support the standing of women in Senegal. We are very thankful that Melinda and Karen have chosen to join us on this trip.
-- Tom
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