tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51929153257111815982024-02-07T16:37:37.503-08:00What's New at Amani!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192915325711181598.post-71835918439977385112009-04-29T08:27:00.001-07:002009-04-29T08:27:35.523-07:00What's New at Amani is moving!"What's New at Amani" will now be hosted at amaniyajuunews.wordpress.com. Please visit us at this new location and don't forget to update your blog reader or subscription with our new address.<br /><br />Thank you for your interest and support of Amani ya Juu!Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257598649680096452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192915325711181598.post-21853620802465332072009-04-28T13:36:00.000-07:002009-04-28T13:43:37.860-07:00Sasa teens explore real-life peace through real adventure<span style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;font-family:Helvetica;" ><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Amani Sasa had a successful adventure trip this month with a group of teens experiencing the principles of peace in their lives. Mary K. helped lead the trip and shared the following report and photos. </em></span> <div style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0.0001pt;"><em><br /></em></div></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;font-family:Helvetica;" ><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">We had a wonderful time on our recent Amani Sasa outing. We went to Malewa park, which was the same place we went to last year. It is about two hours away from Nairobi. Eighteen our of 22 teens from the Sasa group were able to come, representing Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, Sudan, and Kenya. We had heavy downpours of rains almost every afternoon, but we ate and played a lot and had great discussions and class time. We gave the group an assignment to come up with skits based on lessons they learned through Amani Sasa. And they surprised us with 45-minute dramas, well practiced and thought out.<br /><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;">A friend and local gospel singer joined us to help with the high ropes course. She shared her story on getting into wrong company, getting pregnant (she later had a miscarriage), and what it all meant for her life, family, church and ambitions. After she shared, there was silence for a while. Her story was the real-life evidence of the lessons they'd focused on in their skits. Later, we took some time to pray for one another, which felt like a great closure to all we learned together.<br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcNXXk8J0wyFaQt3xU91CINMykGj-POP0kazJFwWzY-JHAHquhtYAqlhQK-Dnp-9pgL6i38HVLci6Ezlwr98dCZjmALdQF_Ug49OG5YSj7DWYALBtN0Cl5WWAg6JDNmwFRmgs0mJq1x5p/s1600-h/100_2289.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGcNXXk8J0wyFaQt3xU91CINMykGj-POP0kazJFwWzY-JHAHquhtYAqlhQK-Dnp-9pgL6i38HVLci6Ezlwr98dCZjmALdQF_Ug49OG5YSj7DWYALBtN0Cl5WWAg6JDNmwFRmgs0mJq1x5p/s320/100_2289.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329844254424523218" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfzMCs0naO_QyrRSMlIPXdv5cokxFoPwZx1gD538GuYb0_Je5NDlH8L6vM6mw24s7x7ThmboSvs6WE3HiyzBgKhny4WwIko8mr5VsWI4PYxR843kOLglPF18dNgI_HMyU0ncRvDcLakcO/s1600-h/100_2260.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfzMCs0naO_QyrRSMlIPXdv5cokxFoPwZx1gD538GuYb0_Je5NDlH8L6vM6mw24s7x7ThmboSvs6WE3HiyzBgKhny4WwIko8mr5VsWI4PYxR843kOLglPF18dNgI_HMyU0ncRvDcLakcO/s320/100_2260.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329844463882074546" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx61NVEVd_YBMQtU-TEtDxULFsIhD7VClQ9wxnRCBZ0gmpZMgAA6y8xpsBgYMUdTI7ZLlVoI63V5y_jfgK08KnFZuGlnjPX9wY3U4Q8fNbWK4i69AfGoH7drdQEXMyL2dgr4ziiPkFXRrz/s1600-h/100_2241.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx61NVEVd_YBMQtU-TEtDxULFsIhD7VClQ9wxnRCBZ0gmpZMgAA6y8xpsBgYMUdTI7ZLlVoI63V5y_jfgK08KnFZuGlnjPX9wY3U4Q8fNbWK4i69AfGoH7drdQEXMyL2dgr4ziiPkFXRrz/s320/100_2241.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329844469337349250" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEbKxMA9bFBr6cu2VHqOhAhHU5RYY38rMIpJmbkXEG5xqC-28j1Y6mE81DseQ7Mgbzayq-EPkAi3hV-bFsuX98fbEwB7583iKI7HwfU543PE3JUIed0UvWNmRwavVfszeFjrFYZpSF78d/s1600-h/100_2299.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 206px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEbKxMA9bFBr6cu2VHqOhAhHU5RYY38rMIpJmbkXEG5xqC-28j1Y6mE81DseQ7Mgbzayq-EPkAi3hV-bFsuX98fbEwB7583iKI7HwfU543PE3JUIed0UvWNmRwavVfszeFjrFYZpSF78d/s320/100_2299.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329844468071318978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PgrfLYF4cXFLRRY2lVOkyy6nsuLCyJN83XyOhMU0Q0XVeRQfMI3qpbenSciFHvlX5IwNJJVfbxoU8-3PqkGmV3JoLgEnyAkM7uQdO3tCLnZ87ua0JwHfABlLkuPeNYY-MJhcUU0JLZK-/s1600-h/100_2301.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PgrfLYF4cXFLRRY2lVOkyy6nsuLCyJN83XyOhMU0Q0XVeRQfMI3qpbenSciFHvlX5IwNJJVfbxoU8-3PqkGmV3JoLgEnyAkM7uQdO3tCLnZ87ua0JwHfABlLkuPeNYY-MJhcUU0JLZK-/s320/100_2301.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329844744265467842" border="0" /></a></div></span>Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257598649680096452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192915325711181598.post-68756556671979121852009-02-13T12:51:00.000-08:002009-02-13T13:26:26.711-08:00Amani Sasa: 2008 in Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-Mp7PqXZhgqu5_vReTixCbK6qxJ3XjUD9NHDtxHYAqhWK6PpfW2ra0WW_MfBdVA3tbaclV6CmrvVmWE9J724TD653UvCWsQSoiayGxA5AedUP_bGcm10wnPRG4gMKoaP3i6OCEMxg2XC/s1600-h/IMG_6925.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-Mp7PqXZhgqu5_vReTixCbK6qxJ3XjUD9NHDtxHYAqhWK6PpfW2ra0WW_MfBdVA3tbaclV6CmrvVmWE9J724TD653UvCWsQSoiayGxA5AedUP_bGcm10wnPRG4gMKoaP3i6OCEMxg2XC/s320/IMG_6925.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302392945278973682" border="0" /></a><br /> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> <i>Mary Karanja (pictured here on the left) serves as the Accountant for Amani Nairobi. Mary also provides leadership for Amani Sasa - an extension of Amani Watoto that uses outdoor adventure experiences to impart the principles of peace to adolescent children of Amani women. Below is Mary's reflection on Amani Sasa's happenings in 2008. </i></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Last year was one-of-a-kind in many ways for the young adults and leaders of Amani Sasa. We learned a lot about ourselves, about God and about those around us.<br /></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> In August, the hike we went on provided a wonderful opportunity to catch up and reflect on the great impact Amani Sasa lessons have had on our lives. Foni, Eunice and Yves shared how even their friends have noticed significant changes in their lives, even explicitly asking them what it is that had changed to make them so very focused. DianaKate experienced growth of a different kind: she is now more courageous. In the last term of school, DianaKate walked with a friend grieving the loss of a parent through that very difficult season. These are just a few of the many tales of how these young adults have been impacted by the lessons and fellowship provided during Amani Sasa ‘08.<br /></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> We wanted to end the year in the same way we spent the year together. What better way is there than by giving back to the community? In December, we volunteered at Happy Life Children’s Home in Nairobi, a home for abandoned and orphaned children. For two days we painted bedrooms, helped with cleaning, and spent the afternoons playing and singing with the children. We were struck by the children’s desperate desire for love and attention - so evident in their desire to be held all the time. We were thankful to be able to share with them the love and peace with which we ourselves have been blessed.</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Our time at the Happy Life Children’s Home gave us yet another opportunity to grow. It opened our eyes to the fact there is something we can do to make a difference, if only by giving our time. The babies’ stories made us grateful for our own homes, family, and friends. Moreover, it spoke volumes of how much God cares about our needs just from watching and listening to how faithfully He has provided for this particular home with food, clothing and friends that walk in and give in kind or financially.<br /></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> And of course, another major milestone was receiving new friends who have just graduated from Amani Watoto into Amani Sasa. We are very excited to have them with us and look forward to seeing how they will grow together with us in the coming years.</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> We are very grateful to those that continually supported us through last year. The Amani Sasa program could not have blossomed as richly as it did without your love.<br /></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><br /></p> <p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Comic Sans MS;"> Blessings,<br /></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Comic Sans MS;">Mary K.</p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><br /></p><p class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-family: Comic Sans MS;"><i>Amani Sasa is a supplemental program </i><i>to Amani's self-sustaining work and is supported by </i><i>donations.<br /></i></p>Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257598649680096452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192915325711181598.post-64149576643401566762009-01-07T11:25:00.000-08:002009-01-07T11:26:51.194-08:00Sankofa featured in WORLD MagazineHappy New Year from the Amani family!<br /><br />We begin 2009 with an exciting feature in <span style="font-style: italic;">WORLD</span> magazine on Amani's Sankofa event this past fall. Written by Zoe Sandvig, a friend of Amani in the DC area, the article is a brief glimpse of the way Sankofa told stories of hope and reconciliation through creative designs and expressions.<br /><br />You can read the article online <a href="http://www.worldmag.com/articles/article.cfm?eid=9911ABDE-CAD2-3DD7-08245DEDB30B64AA">here</a>.Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257598649680096452noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192915325711181598.post-17764751722114178092008-12-14T17:45:00.000-08:002008-12-14T17:46:29.885-08:00Christmas Greetings from Amani!<div style="text-align: right;"><b>December 2008</b></div> <br /> <span style="font-size: small;"><span class="title" style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(85, 107, 47); font-family: Georgia; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span><b>Dear friends of Amani,</b><br /><br /></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="title" style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(85, 107, 47); font-family: Georgia; line-height: 150%;">As we celebrate the peace of our Lord this Christmas,</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b> we also want to celebrate an amazing opportunity He has given us to continue to share His peace globally.</b></span><br /><br />The Amani family has grown tremendously since its inception in 1996. As part of the Amani philosophy, the family always looks to find ways to pass peace to others. In this way, the women of Amani Nairobi reached out to plant centers in Rwanda and Burundi. In recent years, as Amani's message of peace shared through beautiful products has been carried around the globe, we have seen the Amani family grow tremendously in the United States. This partnership has provided stability and growth for the Amani women in Africa. It has also added great diversity to our family where we are mutually impacted by the peace from continent to continent. <b>As a result, the Amani family in Africa has decided to plant another center - this time in the US!</b><br /><br /><span class="subTitle" style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(85, 107, 47); font-style: normal; font-family: Georgia;">Join us!</span><br />Passing peace in this way from Africa to America is a groundbreaking step for Amani and has been met with much excitement and anticipation. This new home for Amani will be located in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood of Washington DC. Please join us in this celebration of growth as we set up AmaniDC. You can lend a helping hand if you are in the vicinity, donating materials for the offices or retail store, or give a donation to help offset start-up costs. What do we need? <a href="http://amanidc.wordpress.com/2008/12/08/help-us-say-%E2%80%9Ckaribu%E2%80%9D/" style="color: rgb(47, 79, 79); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: bold;">Click here for an updated list of items</a>. On <b>Thursday, December 18th, AmaniDC will host an informal, pre-opening event</b> to introduce Amani to the area just before Christmas. If you live in the DC area, please come check out the new location. Bring some cookies to share and your Christmas list! <a href="http://amanidc.wordpress.com/2008/12/05/amani-dc-housewarming-open-house-december-18th/" style="color: rgb(47, 79, 79); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: bold;"><i>open-house details</i></a><span class="subTitle" style="font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(85, 107, 47); font-style: normal; font-family: Georgia;"> </span>AmaniDC will open officially on <b>January 7, 2009</b>.<div style="text-align: left;"><br /> <img src="http://img.mailchimp.com/2008/12/14/347cd2c7e2/banner3.jpg" style="width: 219px; height: 143px;" alt="" border="0" /></div> <b><br />The Amani women in Africa have inspired us to own our part of passing peace on American soil.</b> AmaniDC will be more than just a retail outlet for Amani products; it will be a welcoming space much like its mother center in Nairobi where peace and love prevails. Over the years, we have learned priceless lessons from the Amani women in Kenya. We have learned what it means to love in spite of our differences, to extend grace even when we have been wronged, to forgive our enemies, and, most remarkably, to live in peace and unity together as a diverse and transformed community. We desire for this to be a place where all are welcome. AmaniDC will provide a gathering place for visitors, friends, and customers to share a safe and peaceful haven. We welcome you to come and visit us!<br /><br /><b>Amani has come to America.</b> <b>In taking this bold step of faith, we owe much to our African sisters who planted seeds of peace in the hearts of women throughout the world.</b> Our African Amani family will continue to walk with this new young Amani center as she grows, modeling what it means to live to in peace and harmony in the DC community. We invite you to join us in this journey.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(128, 128, 128);"><span class="title" style="font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(85, 107, 47); font-family: Georgia; line-height: 150%;">May you enjoy the abundance of our Lord's peace this Christmas season as we celebrate His birth and work of transformation.</span></span><br /><br />Glory to God in the highest,<br /><br /><i>Becky Chinchen <br />Executive Director</i> <br /><br /><br />PS If you would like to read more about AmaniDC please take a look at our <a href="http://amanidc.wordpress.com/" style="color: rgb(47, 79, 79); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: bold;">blog</a><b>.</b> <br /><br /><hr /><br />If you are interested in donating to set up costs, please <a href="http://amanidc.wordpress.com/2008/12/08/help-us-say-%E2%80%9Ckaribu%E2%80%9D/" style="color: rgb(47, 79, 79); text-decoration: underline; font-weight: bold;">click here</a> to give a gift in-kind, or consider donating below. Asante sana!<br /><br /> <form method="post" action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr"><input value="_s-xclick" name="cmd" type="hidden"> <input value="1744580" name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden"> <input alt="" name="submit" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" border="0" type="image"> <img src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" alt="" border="0" height="1" width="1" /></form>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192915325711181598.post-46530850751244515742008-11-13T09:21:00.000-08:002008-11-13T10:19:41.283-08:00Experience Sankofa online!Didn't get to attend one of the Sankofa shows during our US Tour? We'd love to share a glimpse of these remarkable events with you.<br /><br />You can watch the show online thanks to Forest Hill Church, our hosts in Charlotte, NC. Check it out at: <a href="http://foresthill.lightcastmedia.com/console.php?u=3037&c=697757024">http://foresthill.lightcastmedia.com/console.php?u=3037&c=697757024</a>.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >Note: Due to a technical glitch, the narration pieces before each of the three sections of the show are not included in this recording. </span><br /><br />Also, here are a few photos of the DC event, courtesy of Jillian Pichocki Photography <span style="font-size:85%;">(<a href="http://www.jillianpichocki.com/" target="_blank">www.jillianpichocki.com</a>)</span>.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1es7DSSeuLySsLwwg5Cxa-ekSqnBF87euR8o9ImEC5N3B9pXl9PnowZGmvfOfjiLpxiUpVKr9WRCHEmvN8MbFCdqif3FEbS92zdW6QMERLJi7VJl6QhqtNLQjTemqTrzoq9rvXBmXmzSf/s1600-h/3007100278_7594ab361a_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1es7DSSeuLySsLwwg5Cxa-ekSqnBF87euR8o9ImEC5N3B9pXl9PnowZGmvfOfjiLpxiUpVKr9WRCHEmvN8MbFCdqif3FEbS92zdW6QMERLJi7VJl6QhqtNLQjTemqTrzoq9rvXBmXmzSf/s320/3007100278_7594ab361a_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268203098634060770" border="0" /></a>Goretti in Transformation.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMOeHkD0nTlCMV73HECO7pVpN26yrdGzKKgKTv-t_GirWHa_YfL-ewyYTpeED8y5SKV9RKDbkGlgd1m-ljcA1NTIWv4TA3CSFOcSdXOdLjnDj-uY74LWbRrZ_94IphnAwDNZvI1n6l59y/s1600-h/3006262541_82fe11e6bf_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggMOeHkD0nTlCMV73HECO7pVpN26yrdGzKKgKTv-t_GirWHa_YfL-ewyYTpeED8y5SKV9RKDbkGlgd1m-ljcA1NTIWv4TA3CSFOcSdXOdLjnDj-uY74LWbRrZ_94IphnAwDNZvI1n6l59y/s320/3006262541_82fe11e6bf_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268203091322713506" border="0" /></a>Stella in Transformation.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4h1m_4KzLLU2T2QlzojkJW6ydzm8rjPBGQcJnfHePf5MeFRGnbBYHz9nR6WIhhCNW2-QhO1Qt3F6a28vCpXHnql7ZtK4HBe2GrYYpJMp3bfU3CIumllexJwA0MQTdYD78KbqfbBBYWYB/s1600-h/3006261325_8feaeec87d_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja4h1m_4KzLLU2T2QlzojkJW6ydzm8rjPBGQcJnfHePf5MeFRGnbBYHz9nR6WIhhCNW2-QhO1Qt3F6a28vCpXHnql7ZtK4HBe2GrYYpJMp3bfU3CIumllexJwA0MQTdYD78KbqfbBBYWYB/s320/3006261325_8feaeec87d_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268202667467417106" border="0" /></a>Gladys in Transformation.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOw5Ac-HU1zVqPjS7rDIyUraGNOHJ-5uvl6HsxkrwUzfMrytGOyRkp0RPR_lJAvO2-FxbxcH2VBh1_-J90ThCGm1y6aIJ4FChxAJ-5PI3x7tIKoz4yhuv6MRaPzVMmhTTFm_NJAAPvMb5/s1600-h/3004041919_9d37d38ed4_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOw5Ac-HU1zVqPjS7rDIyUraGNOHJ-5uvl6HsxkrwUzfMrytGOyRkp0RPR_lJAvO2-FxbxcH2VBh1_-J90ThCGm1y6aIJ4FChxAJ-5PI3x7tIKoz4yhuv6MRaPzVMmhTTFm_NJAAPvMb5/s320/3004041919_9d37d38ed4_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268202661683562514" border="0" /></a>Rahab and Goretti in Transformation.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_ru2CjMtiPtDHxygjSZgusZCXXyV1luxd6yG4D8nPt5Z_Yo9Zy1WyAy-oXHDckm7y5evwadXSLsyjLDqvFXdjUqvYogWXSw5hi-mpd0cl_kwGyzX5yHlx6SJccZkRMQeB0nWJpbIqo5x/s1600-h/3004875222_25e6e04a21_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_ru2CjMtiPtDHxygjSZgusZCXXyV1luxd6yG4D8nPt5Z_Yo9Zy1WyAy-oXHDckm7y5evwadXSLsyjLDqvFXdjUqvYogWXSw5hi-mpd0cl_kwGyzX5yHlx6SJccZkRMQeB0nWJpbIqo5x/s320/3004875222_25e6e04a21_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268202406180828594" border="0" /></a>Gladys, Catherine, and Stella in Transformation.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmj162s1KC1bULx4Q6lm_UKMvyrQuarxg8AkYcDxB6Ds6iMGlxZ3RRsp7wohN55lKp5hqhlG_A6ODPHR-X9DSTMIhUPuT96agTTErokNTw-j3c9qHtODwmhqll2ErCayRPwSjO7SRW37jP/s1600-h/3006332413_1042392648_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmj162s1KC1bULx4Q6lm_UKMvyrQuarxg8AkYcDxB6Ds6iMGlxZ3RRsp7wohN55lKp5hqhlG_A6ODPHR-X9DSTMIhUPuT96agTTErokNTw-j3c9qHtODwmhqll2ErCayRPwSjO7SRW37jP/s320/3006332413_1042392648_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268203357381308514" border="0" /></a>Rahab in Celebration.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOCAJ6ptJNzKgdoDEgxqNcUx3XVCmHlP81SaThW6QnrHzmH0Oc6PhBvVI5DR5eQndxWvmysgWPnDDZZHqyLG2BUHLyXJrRPP3W9Fvhon6d2Hxfn07NNRMZ3Jr7qiKkqulbx1sADg5KYeK/s1600-h/3007141388_1eb8d7f4c8_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOCAJ6ptJNzKgdoDEgxqNcUx3XVCmHlP81SaThW6QnrHzmH0Oc6PhBvVI5DR5eQndxWvmysgWPnDDZZHqyLG2BUHLyXJrRPP3W9Fvhon6d2Hxfn07NNRMZ3Jr7qiKkqulbx1sADg5KYeK/s320/3007141388_1eb8d7f4c8_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268202400797106882" border="0" /></a>Final touches backstage.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4QZpv50hnvkCCJNYdORBngyA2AH5KC3lvm1jRDtE9KDjr70rkQfD8H-1c9npjYEkH1L_g-l8zVBsgW6TPTRX6pUX8ol1QUHM3zMb3ea_k3-bP5CINWXdt87Ek9BEBNbh-g5TC14KUZS2/s1600-h/3006328795_3928dddaa3_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4QZpv50hnvkCCJNYdORBngyA2AH5KC3lvm1jRDtE9KDjr70rkQfD8H-1c9npjYEkH1L_g-l8zVBsgW6TPTRX6pUX8ol1QUHM3zMb3ea_k3-bP5CINWXdt87Ek9BEBNbh-g5TC14KUZS2/s320/3006328795_3928dddaa3_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268203109938903346" border="0" /></a>Narrators shared vignettes of the experiences women bring to Amani.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMagvscW0Vz7oiuipPZlf9Exn1LMgn6_ozNjjp8NpGxjZitRnsXUu2_gV-__au_39WwRuHw210lVmpMqYixykPeMJIo7S_JpyC4elKVsEwlwKeIiUmkSnIkBn6aCLa30G_LM0dcEnFyzI/s1600-h/3004812168_6237a56f99_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMagvscW0Vz7oiuipPZlf9Exn1LMgn6_ozNjjp8NpGxjZitRnsXUu2_gV-__au_39WwRuHw210lVmpMqYixykPeMJIo7S_JpyC4elKVsEwlwKeIiUmkSnIkBn6aCLa30G_LM0dcEnFyzI/s320/3004812168_6237a56f99_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268202404327350514" border="0" /></a>Modeling the Pamba Collection.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdgX-nm2hFU5L6jEkqvJ1_DIlEBACAUDfYvhY45I0oOKAUvLpR_AErozMIG08HBxI4D-bBYwB4cERdDsQ8SOOK2-YCVa_LwrRle7fkqO2B5FYa-bDxGdyduTfNlbtxzYlhKoVEqczFVYf/s1600-h/Kathy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdgX-nm2hFU5L6jEkqvJ1_DIlEBACAUDfYvhY45I0oOKAUvLpR_AErozMIG08HBxI4D-bBYwB4cERdDsQ8SOOK2-YCVa_LwrRle7fkqO2B5FYa-bDxGdyduTfNlbtxzYlhKoVEqczFVYf/s320/Kathy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268202402736010626" border="0" /></a>Thanks to our many volunteers who helped make the US Tour possible.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fd9-SAx-SvGI6C9Pu7ifLDQu32k3Mw1wyw426rQhx3bt2FOkDl07v_S9SHLr0JV83XafTkvOWFUgHYqSxXmAVCLlDSP06QuoHnWUxe9_JWr_CtdL9SMwArMhTcZbQWG-clthJLeNMHTJ/s1600-h/3007101732_c23bbe1bb9_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fd9-SAx-SvGI6C9Pu7ifLDQu32k3Mw1wyw426rQhx3bt2FOkDl07v_S9SHLr0JV83XafTkvOWFUgHYqSxXmAVCLlDSP06QuoHnWUxe9_JWr_CtdL9SMwArMhTcZbQWG-clthJLeNMHTJ/s320/3007101732_c23bbe1bb9_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268203108683256274" border="0" /></a>The Amani family came together in celebration of this momentous occasion!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZ43STD_uE2Q0PmsJ-fjtjNa6pEjUdg6oJNDCZO8PAKqIyZvcSMQMJc41u6LuhI47nboYeB5bDSpmSwoSX3GYilw0XqUY_VRCTUSjSihyphenhyphen9QVt2g0q6X_s98zEJY9uY53COlV6VbHOmEq8/s1600-h/3007109214_2d40b104e6_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZ43STD_uE2Q0PmsJ-fjtjNa6pEjUdg6oJNDCZO8PAKqIyZvcSMQMJc41u6LuhI47nboYeB5bDSpmSwoSX3GYilw0XqUY_VRCTUSjSihyphenhyphen9QVt2g0q6X_s98zEJY9uY53COlV6VbHOmEq8/s320/3007109214_2d40b104e6_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268202391630083202" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257598649680096452noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192915325711181598.post-55826349791401939632008-11-04T14:17:00.000-08:002008-11-04T14:39:44.181-08:00Looking Back. Walking Forward.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQ3TAzAw5bduwGETePSW3LGVy2GXZ42LETAuaEZ0VzEqtKwY3QvlhI2jnPOFDO2ey9LTLiA4IrhImrA-GGJGHKzRt7Oy0v11GAe1bm7HAlunouwZNVc6eRwbF82gNRbzYg7Y-mcW2sA3b/s1600-h/Sankofa+sign+001.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQ3TAzAw5bduwGETePSW3LGVy2GXZ42LETAuaEZ0VzEqtKwY3QvlhI2jnPOFDO2ey9LTLiA4IrhImrA-GGJGHKzRt7Oy0v11GAe1bm7HAlunouwZNVc6eRwbF82gNRbzYg7Y-mcW2sA3b/s320/Sankofa+sign+001.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264933706375422322" border="0" /></a><br />Thank you to everyone who attended and supported Amani's Sankofa US Tour! <br /><br />We were amazed by the warm welcome that the team received in Orlando, Dallas, Charlotte, and Washington. The tour was a busy two weeks of shared stories, new experiences, incredible shows, and lots of food and hospitality. <br /><br />All ten women from Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi have safely returned home. The sign pictured here shows the sign that welcomed the team back to the Nairobi center.<br /><br />Also, Zoe Sandvig of Prison Fellowship attended the DC area Sankofa event on October 17th. She wrote about her experience for The Point. Check it out <a href="http://thepoint.breakpoint.org/2008/10/fashionable-pea.html">here</a>.<br /><br />Thanks again for joining us in this journey to look to the past and walk to the future!Brittanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17257598649680096452noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192915325711181598.post-44706882961035671402008-07-29T10:19:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:36:24.829-08:00Sankofa 2008: Look back. Walk forward.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxNmhvHjNOfBfWwmgwx6LnBc5KGX56sM1Ro0M9yX7A9LChJ-JTqgbXeZ9qz1e0J4bRRe3b0Maj_YEuxX6Q1CYuob0WnNsJ32i3zWjn6eZbP_D18wi58VPl3nzKTYk5Wnmj7D184Q2vJgi/s1600-h/AYJTour.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 283px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxNmhvHjNOfBfWwmgwx6LnBc5KGX56sM1Ro0M9yX7A9LChJ-JTqgbXeZ9qz1e0J4bRRe3b0Maj_YEuxX6Q1CYuob0WnNsJ32i3zWjn6eZbP_D18wi58VPl3nzKTYk5Wnmj7D184Q2vJgi/s200/AYJTour.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237381827534190562" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Amani family is proud</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> to announce that the Sankofa Fashion Narrative will come to the United States this fall!<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://amaniafrica.org/shop/index.php"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgjbudqcn0g1u-uCQWoULDpE3wl_TnV3e_Y033-w4Y459bRCy_YO4vbvdlfG7EOR02ft9yPPo2t6kufj6GOct89X1uOPOPnVyLmytJPjutZW2fJb6ITx8JyNdToiTSRaCQq5Ndq62kyD3/s200/sankofa_tourdates.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5237380322618797602" border="0" /></a>“Sankofa: Look Back, Walk Forward” will tour the United States in <span style="font-weight: bold;">October </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">2008</span>. The tour will kick off in <span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://amaniafrica.org/shop/category.php?catg=21"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Orlando, Florida on <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Oct 4th</span></span></a>. Other stops will include</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> <a href="http://amaniafrica.org/shop/category.php?catg=23"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Charlotte, NC</span></a><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"> on <span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Oct. 10th</span></span> and <a href="http://amaniafrica.org/shop/category.php?catg=24"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Washington D.C.</span></a></span> <span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">on</span> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);">Oct 17th</span>. We invite you to join us in one of these cities to celebrate with the Amani family and support the cause of God’s peace in the world.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">“Sankofa: Look Back, Walk Forward”</span></span> is a<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqDidSs1UHJSk1o-VrKkmHlCvcVR-cfKy5IUSCkseG5Rdgz1J1Az3MqcqGCJKm4nQQbadxbYJ0VS-MfAfFO6J0dfhfbItn9RAmTMUtiOBzDt4fZ1v16TfM0nwLGfkosLu2K6qnvLSIN_q/s1600-h/DSC_0336.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 81px; height: 123px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqDidSs1UHJSk1o-VrKkmHlCvcVR-cfKy5IUSCkseG5Rdgz1J1Az3MqcqGCJKm4nQQbadxbYJ0VS-MfAfFO6J0dfhfbItn9RAmTMUtiOBzDt4fZ1v16TfM0nwLGfkosLu2K6qnvLSIN_q/s200/DSC_0336.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5228489278462899122" border="0" /></a> high-end fashion narrative produced by the women of Amani ya Juu.<br /><br />Through brilliant costumes, choreography, lighting and music women from seven countries – Burundi, Congo, Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan and Uganda – use the fashion runway as their stage to depict courageous journeys from war-torn homes to their new life of wholeness and reconciliation at Amani ya Juu.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amaniafrica.org/shop/index.php"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><a style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(102, 51, 0);">Purchase your Ticket online now!!</span> </span></a></span><br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU57RkeU9I9ByrFAVVWm-eij7iiHICf95L6nhkTn0TmkHruSFNVj2lE2bmR4ZQIjgJYr8iXSmj5OixsTO8u4Suf3FiyRLkgxMIWtSXAlKn2ep3U5dET4zi-xVxzCoOYYTEJEJDH6frbf78/s1600-h/sankofa_tickets.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU57RkeU9I9ByrFAVVWm-eij7iiHICf95L6nhkTn0TmkHruSFNVj2lE2bmR4ZQIjgJYr8iXSmj5OixsTO8u4Suf3FiyRLkgxMIWtSXAlKn2ep3U5dET4zi-xVxzCoOYYTEJEJDH6frbf78/s200/sankofa_tickets.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231489330209867938" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: right;">The women of Amani are thrilled to bring their story to the US through Sankofa. Please consider supporting them by <a href="http://www.amaniafrica.org/shop/category.php?catg=18"><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Donating</span></span></a> to a few specific needs for the team traveling from Nairobi.<br /><br />If you live in one of our five host cities, we also invite you to <a href="http://www.amaniafrica.org/contact.php"><span style="text-decoration: underline; color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Contact</span></span><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 0);"> </span></a>us if you are interested in helping with local preparations for Amani's Sankofa presentation in your area.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKR7zs6WGTmh-q7R2wPVZDSRsaEXBd51XWikpNniPRa-kKoTfP-NM2MvtgO_TgELqkUqSxjO_diuWH4FhUB_KZBjLv6EFTtyrj4-kJSypf0lFaojnvQ16M320FZviQc4NrjeV7AKx_scN/s1600-h/sankofa_birdsingle+copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 40px; height: 40px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipKR7zs6WGTmh-q7R2wPVZDSRsaEXBd51XWikpNniPRa-kKoTfP-NM2MvtgO_TgELqkUqSxjO_diuWH4FhUB_KZBjLv6EFTtyrj4-kJSypf0lFaojnvQ16M320FZviQc4NrjeV7AKx_scN/s200/sankofa_birdsingle+copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5231487391143813154" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192915325711181598.post-61920232325815358692008-05-27T11:46:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:36:25.292-08:00Amani Sasa Camp Update<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-kal3XZuFnvjE_W43ozb-6vhoHGONjel4nZTr0TQSwF43GzMtH3ZkhGFAdwb73TNZQTwnSpvDPQsNvmwYNrHXxDaWQ6mRyeAoo9kdiASGIgQrvVBs7t8HFmy7GUWH9AtNGP562t47z6P/s1600-h/P4270158.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 253px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM-kal3XZuFnvjE_W43ozb-6vhoHGONjel4nZTr0TQSwF43GzMtH3ZkhGFAdwb73TNZQTwnSpvDPQsNvmwYNrHXxDaWQ6mRyeAoo9kdiASGIgQrvVBs7t8HFmy7GUWH9AtNGP562t47z6P/s200/P4270158.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205136765046386018" border="0" /></a>This April Amani had the Amani Sasa "Peace Now" Youth four day camp. The youth traveled to Malewa- Bush Ventures, 2 hours north of Nairobi. The 18 teenagers had been looking forward to the camp for a while. It was a new experience for many - a camp site, thatched shower rooms and dining hall, tents, high ropes course, clean and fresh air and the natural sounds of birds and animals.<br /><br />Our first day consisted of a CPR (Creating Positive Relationships) short course on the theme ‘Our sexuality is a special gift from God worth respecting and protecting.’ It was relevant and geared towards their age group. The campers interacted and listened to personal experiences by the facilitators from Dawntreader Adventures, Nairobi Chapel and Tanari Trust.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFF-vm0OcF1u-VID6mHXUbCMgPFguX-wOUYYMwMSpE666zXSbRr6doaIXVfzCeo6B35WL2EjiR7L6mMri-4MbiHCtJDJURDw3mxKgLH-iiD2xnjSS6Xi726_WPzkbuwcNzN9Ctbpz9SiA3/s1600-h/P4260139.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 284px; height: 161px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFF-vm0OcF1u-VID6mHXUbCMgPFguX-wOUYYMwMSpE666zXSbRr6doaIXVfzCeo6B35WL2EjiR7L6mMri-4MbiHCtJDJURDw3mxKgLH-iiD2xnjSS6Xi726_WPzkbuwcNzN9Ctbpz9SiA3/s320/P4260139.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205136430038936898" border="0" /></a>The second and third day offered the teenagers a chance to do low elements as well as the high ropes course. The low elements challenged them in teamwork and assisting others while having fun in the process. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvj5q3X6gOX7S-CxeaTpOoqtLyODiyCJPtt9AUFvj7OsWcVBrNWrw9BwBzJg8BP0RU6X1xP3hXF6TYOS6SKd_1fHBwqXtWMP8nECaxlLVbx_gAOZTUKV7twfRca42Uz6qnXctX3Ob7XGw/s1600-h/P4260156.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvvj5q3X6gOX7S-CxeaTpOoqtLyODiyCJPtt9AUFvj7OsWcVBrNWrw9BwBzJg8BP0RU6X1xP3hXF6TYOS6SKd_1fHBwqXtWMP8nECaxlLVbx_gAOZTUKV7twfRca42Uz6qnXctX3Ob7XGw/s200/P4260156.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205136627607432530" border="0" /></a>The high ropes course challenged them as individuals to conquer their fears. This was a different experience as they took the roles of encouraging those climbing and even those that were afraid to try. They realized that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses and together we compliment each other and make a better, peaceful community. For example, the ropes and harness experience caused each camper to realize there are times when we will need to trust those around us. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The entire trip was a great success.</span> The teenagers bonded through times of fellowship, exercise and devotions. We also watched environmental documentaries which reminded us of the importance of taking care of the environment.<br /><br />We would like to convey our heart felt gratitude to everyone who made the camp a success through giving of their time or other resources. <span style="font-weight: bold;">May God bless you for making these memories and teachings a reality!</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEng8QrOjIVMtCHvMEOPh6cj2XArOP_ez8coHlmM-7ysbvbKHYQJLUWlKiKVBfaVj6ojVZ-ipPEXC6jSciww7Tm5rOvQEtq_4VuI0iDWpeClIFxMUuF6XsTS1lfwqwQ6M6O-nZL4T8zXCZ/s1600-h/P4250116.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEng8QrOjIVMtCHvMEOPh6cj2XArOP_ez8coHlmM-7ysbvbKHYQJLUWlKiKVBfaVj6ojVZ-ipPEXC6jSciww7Tm5rOvQEtq_4VuI0iDWpeClIFxMUuF6XsTS1lfwqwQ6M6O-nZL4T8zXCZ/s320/P4250116.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5205136288305016114" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192915325711181598.post-58453283311904878272008-05-09T08:22:00.000-07:002008-05-12T12:40:37.148-07:00A word from BeckyMay 2008<br /><br />Dear Amani Family –<br /><br />Thank you for your support to the ministry of Amani. It reminds us of our good and generous God who faithfully provides for our needs. God is our stability in a world absent of permanence.<br /><br />Amani has experienced the lows and highs of life lately. The death of Charles Mwatha, our faithful keeper of the gate, came as a shock to the Amani family. Our thanks goes to those who have prayed and sent gifts to help his wife, Anna, as she suffers the loss of her husband and faces an even more challenging life without her provider. Women of Amani have been with Anna 24/7 to be by her side during this difficult time reminding her of God’s love.<br /><br />Thank you for your friendship and support. Your involvement directly impacts us at Amani giving us encouragement and hope.<br /><br />“…Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”<br /><br />In His peace alone,<br /><br />Becky Chinchen<br />Executive Director, Amani ya JuuUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192915325711181598.post-19688481509736754432008-05-05T07:35:00.001-07:002008-12-08T23:36:25.383-08:00CharlesApril 30, 2008<br /><br />Dear Amani friends,<br /><br />This is a sad day for the Amani family. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Charles Mwatha</span> (husband to Anna), our faithful gate keeper, was killed on Monday. We are all grieving the loss of someone who was loved by all. Everyone who visited Amani knows Charles because he was the one everyone first met as he opened the gate.<br /><br />Charles was due to testify in court next week against a policeman who had beat and robbed him last year as he was on the way to the bank with his hard earned savings. Charles’ family had pleaded with him to drop the case, especially after he received several threatening telephone calls, but he was determined to follow through for the hope that justice would be done.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFweJa2f_MuSvyrBfQbgLXzAqmcZ7kD0PwcwUnKA4c750rq73SN74jdHkoNnBKNkzlWwNclzy5AA0mrDg2qzcy5yNxiXbpBDEO9AyKv4WJ_ycZISq8oBG1vUKwQJ8kwCkT6jvDIxYZDqD2/s1600-h/Charles_photo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 311px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFweJa2f_MuSvyrBfQbgLXzAqmcZ7kD0PwcwUnKA4c750rq73SN74jdHkoNnBKNkzlWwNclzy5AA0mrDg2qzcy5yNxiXbpBDEO9AyKv4WJ_ycZISq8oBG1vUKwQJ8kwCkT6jvDIxYZDqD2/s320/Charles_photo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5196902580134190898" border="0" /></a>Charles leaves behind his wife Anna and an extended family for whom he was responsible. Please pray for Anna that God’s peace and comfort will carry her through this tragic time in her life. The Amani women are with Anna constantly giving her the love and support she needs.<br /><br />In His peace,<br />The <span style="font-style: italic;">Amani ya Juu </span>familyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192915325711181598.post-20786316693679280642008-01-22T08:31:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:36:25.482-08:00Update from Amani Family in KenyaJanuary 23, 2008<br /><br />Amani friends –<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Thank you, again, on behalf of all the Amani women in Kenya for your gifts of love during their time of suffering. </span><br /><br />We have completed the <span style="font-weight: bold;">third distribution of food to 70 Amani women and their families </span>and now we think, barring more major violence rocks the country, they have made it through the worst of it. Their income was seriously interrupted during the post election chaos, the tribal threats put fear in their hearts and the transportation system was either unreliable or took them through dangerous sections of town.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The three distributions were just the kind of “push” they needed until they could return to work at Amani.</span> Now most of the women are back making beautiful products of peace once again. They are also earning an income that will sustain them and their families and praying for peace together with their Amani family. <br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Alice collects her food</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi474Caw0A2NiF_agNWPlLNm1rh_tx1Axy97ufGMm0lYuovGMBM-77eDMxNZh6-nuiKNaxTqJ04Nqd7qAcC1ymqz6VR6r7b9wlxFIy3ELkfyeVr7CzBwxBN8d1Ip-A8l1HRreG7ihc26maM/s1600-h/Alice.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi474Caw0A2NiF_agNWPlLNm1rh_tx1Axy97ufGMm0lYuovGMBM-77eDMxNZh6-nuiKNaxTqJ04Nqd7qAcC1ymqz6VR6r7b9wlxFIy3ELkfyeVr7CzBwxBN8d1Ip-A8l1HRreG7ihc26maM/s320/Alice.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5158345177156877794" border="0" /></a>One of the recipients of your generosity, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Dorcas</span>, expresses well her response to your love: <span style="font-weight: bold;">“Our friends from around the world make us feel like they are sitting right here with us during the heat of the moment.”</span><br /><br />Most of the Amani women end up sharing their food with their neighbors. Their neighbors, who have to travel far to find their own food from the Red Cross, are always amazed: <span style="font-weight: bold;">“Who is this that brings your food to you?” It gives the women an opportunity to talk about Amani ya Juu.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Zed, of Ethiopia</span>, invented a new slogan with her reply to her friends who were complaining: <span style="font-weight: bold;">“Why can’t we have peace!”</span> Zed said: “Amani si Amani without juu” (Peace is not peace without God)<br /><br />Every day this stalemate between the opposition and the ruling party causes the ethnic divide in the country to grow deeper. No one wants another tribal war that devastated the countries of Liberia, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia, Sudan, Congo, Mozambique….<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Stories behind some of your gifts towards the Amani food distribution program are astounding!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yalelete</span>, who used to work in the Amani Garden Café in Nairobi, and her family of 10 children repatriated to Chicago about 2 years ago. They sacrificially gave $300 as a gift to the Amani women!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Goreth, of Amani Burundi,</span> gave not only $100 but is collecting cabbage to transport to the women in Kenya!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Your gifts of prayers are also appreciated.</span> <br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Rosemary</span>, who has made several trips to Amani in Kenya, prayerfully empathizes with the Amani women:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">“Becky, I am finding it hard to concentrate on everyday living when I do not know if my dear friends are safe and well…My heart just breaks for Kenya and especially for the innocent lives who are always caught in the crossfire. I am often reminded of a sentence in the Hotel Rwanda movie where the line is spoken , ‘Americans will lay down their fork and watch what is happening and comment how terrible and then pick up their fork and go on eating’. I do not want to be one of them as my heart breaks and my soul cries out to God for this land and the people I love. Please let me know when you can if my dear sisters, as well as you, are safe. Let us know how we should be praying.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Love and prayers, Rosemary”</span><br /></span><br /><br />Please continue to remember the women of Amani.<br /><br /> • pray for continued safety for the Amani women.<br /> • Pray that the Amani women will speak with a voice of truth as ethnic hate language circulates viciously around their communities.<br /> • Pray that a solution of peace and justice will be found by the leadership of Kenya.<br /><br /><br />In God’s peace alone,<br /><br />Becky Chinchen<br />Director, Amani ya Juu<br /><br /><form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"><br /><input value="_s-xclick" name="cmd" type="hidden"><br /><input border="0" alt="Make payments with PayPal - it's fast, free and secure!" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" name="submit" type="image"><br /><img border="0" alt="" width="1" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" height="1" /><br /><input value="-----BEGIN PKCS7-----MIIHZwYJKoZIhvcNAQcEoIIHWDCCB1QCAQExggEwMIIBLAIBADCBlDCBjjELMAkGA1UEBhMCVVMxCzAJBgNVBAgTAkNBMRYwFAYDVQQHEw1Nb3VudGFpbiBWaWV3MRQwEgYDVQQKEwtQYXlQYWwgSW5jLjETMBEGA1UECxQKbGl2ZV9jZXJ0czERMA8GA1UEAxQIbGl2ZV9hcGkxHDAaBgkqhkiG9w0BCQEWDXJlQHBheXBhbC5jb20CAQAwDQYJKoZIhvcNAQEBBQAEgYA350StLQDNHfrhiQDiKvCCEFXwNgk7yMVD6fTuuUOlgZG7RCUR6gQ2ZBpLlkk+FmCpv27Veb4ZQko/gwn5GQBcCMGRgWOoHllvpVYB0J2xmcfrzytD8ESlawS+cAc5GqsRdEibhqoI8JMMWBKzapozbkXRFxdmANLra2Yy6iJEEDELMAkGBSsOAwIaBQAwgeQGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAUBggqhkiG9w0DBwQIPMx5/cosLBOAgcDG1rj6SErgKw+V356PVbmD3LwuI69Fr+5Smi3ipAqBskk1E2MZSihqzRcM6ktTSTtH2GQV169n4uE0Cd0VVaaUKr88GzasCeIIJSeVN9A68DyW7c7fJSEwWfCoeK6uJcWLfTAegUtFRwM1LAL6vAgjD0m9YymUC8rgotw7r2qjhjcIYt0bPKHfTC32O7d4qf+K700ktwPTyo5DvyDzDLIc1zQu8DOxzvVpTQIaLVH5usm0r9tw0RXlkGZ68gxkNXugggOHMIIDgzCCAuygAwIBAgIBADANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQUFADCBjjELMAkGA1UEBhMCVVMxCzAJBgNVBAgTAkNBMRYwFAYDVQQHEw1Nb3VudGFpbiBWaWV3MRQwEgYDVQQKEwtQYXlQYWwgSW5jLjETMBEGA1UECxQKbGl2ZV9jZXJ0czERMA8GA1UEAxQIbGl2ZV9hcGkxHDAaBgkqhkiG9w0BCQEWDXJlQHBheXBhbC5jb20wHhcNMDQwMjEzMTAxMzE1WhcNMzUwMjEzMTAxMzE1WjCBjjELMAkGA1UEBhMCVVMxCzAJBgNVBAgTAkNBMRYwFAYDVQQHEw1Nb3VudGFpbiBWaWV3MRQwEgYDVQQKEwtQYXlQYWwgSW5jLjETMBEGA1UECxQKbGl2ZV9jZXJ0czERMA8GA1UEAxQIbGl2ZV9hcGkxHDAaBgkqhkiG9w0BCQEWDXJlQHBheXBhbC5jb20wgZ8wDQYJKoZIhvcNAQEBBQADgY0AMIGJAoGBAMFHTt38RMxLXJyO2SmS+Ndl72T7oKJ4u4uw+6awntALWh03PewmIJuzbALScsTS4sZoS1fKciBGoh11gIfHzylvkdNe/hJl66/RGqrj5rFb08sAABNTzDTiqqNpJeBsYs/c2aiGozptX2RlnBktH+SUNpAajW724Nv2Wvhif6sFAgMBAAGjge4wgeswHQYDVR0OBBYEFJaffLvGbxe9WT9S1wob7BDWZJRrMIG7BgNVHSMEgbMwgbCAFJaffLvGbxe9WT9S1wob7BDWZJRroYGUpIGRMIGOMQswCQYDVQQGEwJVUzELMAkGA1UECBMCQ0ExFjAUBgNVBAcTDU1vdW50YWluIFZpZXcxFDASBgNVBAoTC1BheVBhbCBJbmMuMRMwEQYDVQQLFApsaXZlX2NlcnRzMREwDwYDVQQDFAhsaXZlX2FwaTEcMBoGCSqGSIb3DQEJARYNcmVAcGF5cGFsLmNvbYIBADAMBgNVHRMEBTADAQH/MA0GCSqGSIb3DQEBBQUAA4GBAIFfOlaagFrl71+jq6OKidbWFSE+Q4FqROvdgIONth+8kSK//Y/4ihuE4Ymvzn5ceE3S/iBSQQMjyvb+s2TWbQYDwcp129OPIbD9epdr4tJOUNiSojw7BHwYRiPh58S1xGlFgHFXwrEBb3dgNbMUa+u4qectsMAXpVHnD9wIyfmHMYIBmjCCAZYCAQEwgZQwgY4xCzAJBgNVBAYTAlVTMQswCQYDVQQIEwJDQTEWMBQGA1UEBxMNTW91bnRhaW4gVmlldzEUMBIGA1UEChMLUGF5UGFsIEluYy4xEzARBgNVBAsUCmxpdmVfY2VydHMxETAPBgNVBAMUCGxpdmVfYXBpMRwwGgYJKoZIhvcNAQkBFg1yZUBwYXlwYWwuY29tAgEAMAkGBSsOAwIaBQCgXTAYBgkqhkiG9w0BCQMxCwYJKoZIhvcNAQcBMBwGCSqGSIb3DQEJBTEPFw0wODAxMDcxODMzMDRaMCMGCSqGSIb3DQEJBDEWBBT0bLoRRX4nLmcHLRyGVRG0cfmAMjANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQEFAASBgB1Wl4x/D7+oOOa/A5b+GKQ1bvaW6SH7GwUJRib8Lnym4HGDwI9SCe7wTp757UGrcvkU0d29CCTtAfWamQyBSvv1M8g3gZYz24rPcrfc1si66ZjfwZPXdXcp4pz+bW7oBFWIDm1l3+r3bqG+3bAg45Tig2Pxx6iGVTUlWOpuSXCb-----END PKCS7-----<br />" name="encrypted" type="hidden"/><br /></form>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192915325711181598.post-81885630781818441072008-01-07T10:36:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:36:25.722-08:00Amani Friends Respond to Women in CrisisJanuary 7, 2008<br /><br />Amani friends,<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">First we want to <span style="font-style: italic;">thank you</span> for your overwhelming, generous response to the needs of the Amani women during this post election crisis in Kenya!</span> The women are extremely grateful for their Amani friends around the world who have shared with them during their time of need.<br /><br />Over the weekend we were able to complete a full round of food distribution to <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">68 families</span> in various parts of the city of Nairobi.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FipR5X_i1ABTaRu0abIVjR3ngL3gAGw_No74UAD-IdV37Zk4G46P3vspSZ4MoexT8GGEIJafwYQMz29XKOELEZQU63X-HtG8onIViAhEpOCfkDNBra-nCOZt9LNf1GyfbOdGXLps_Mzq/s1600-h/van.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 205px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8FipR5X_i1ABTaRu0abIVjR3ngL3gAGw_No74UAD-IdV37Zk4G46P3vspSZ4MoexT8GGEIJafwYQMz29XKOELEZQU63X-HtG8onIViAhEpOCfkDNBra-nCOZt9LNf1GyfbOdGXLps_Mzq/s320/van.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153514253776911810" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We will begin with another distribution on <span style="font-style: italic;">Wednesday</span> if possible. Country wide rallies are being called by the opposition party on Tuesday which could turn violent. If there is calm on Wednesday the food distribution program will continue until the women can get back on their feet again and return to work at Amani.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The contents of the food package to each family:</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MjS3vPy8DrkM1LT9iW1DFmWVAIj3h4fu4CU810NZ7-5HwXjBlr6a7xjILo_AJsHy-VrfMlyKKCK2ljE1kodxdwcvEV5BTUv9Eg0Pit1SpQijjuaxOwXCfihHIJf5rT3MSHCQdynE3Oys/s1600-h/food.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 431px; height: 329px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-MjS3vPy8DrkM1LT9iW1DFmWVAIj3h4fu4CU810NZ7-5HwXjBlr6a7xjILo_AJsHy-VrfMlyKKCK2ljE1kodxdwcvEV5BTUv9Eg0Pit1SpQijjuaxOwXCfihHIJf5rT3MSHCQdynE3Oys/s320/food.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153514605964230098" border="0" /></a><br />-- 2 head of cabbage <br />-- 4 bananas<br />-- 2 kg of potatoes <br />-- 4 oranges<br />-- 1 pack of salt <br />-- 2 packs of corn flour (to make ugali)<br />-- 1 kg of sugar<br />-- 1 pack of tea <br />-- 1 kg of rice<br />-- 8 onions <br />-- 8 carrots<br />-- 1 kg of beans (for protein) <br />-- 8 tomatoes<br />-- 1 bar of soap <br />-- 3 tins of charcoal (for cooking) <br /> --kg of cooking oil<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The core values of Amani are to live in peace and reconciliation.</span> This is the training the women have received while at Amani.<br /><br />Below is the letter that was put in each food packet to encourage the women to live out love and peace in their volatile communities.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" > Dear _______________,<br />Greetings of grace and peace in the New Year. We are so saddened by what is happening in Kenya. Our hearts are heavy with news of people being killed, displaced and property destroyed. May the Amani ya Juu in our hearts prompt us to reach out in love, peace and forgiveness to those around us. May we remember all the resources we have in Christ – love, grace, peace, forgiveness and prayer – helping us to stand firm in our faith and give us the stability we need during these difficult times. May we rise above the evil that is gripping the hearts of those involved in the violence so we can be a light of God’s peace during this dark hour of Kenya’s history. This gift of food was provided by our Amani friends from around the world. They are also praying for us. We thank God for His provision during such a time of need as this. Our love and prayers to you and your family.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Thank you, on behalf of all the women of Amani.</span><br /><br />Becky Chinchen<br />Director, Amani ya Juu<br /><br /><br /><br />Emergency Food Distribution Fund: <form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post"><br /><input name="cmd" value="_s-xclick" type="hidden"><br /><input src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif" name="submit" alt="Make payments with PayPal - it's fast, free and secure!" type="image" border="0"><br /><img alt="" src="https://www.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" border="0" height="1" width="1" /><br /><input name="encrypted" value="-----BEGIN PKCS7-----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-----END PKCS7----- " type="hidden"><br /></form>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192915325711181598.post-31459387227247436272008-01-03T07:30:00.000-08:002008-01-03T09:30:17.249-08:00Violence due to Kenya electionsDear friends of Amani –<br /><br />Greetings from Amani in the New Year. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">We never dreamed we would meet the new year with violence in Kenya over the disputed elections.</span> Kenya has always been a haven of peace for refugees for many years. Never did we imagine that Kenyans would become refugees in their own country. Hundreds have been killed, 75,000 people have been displaced, millions of dollars worth of property has been destroyed – all because of tribal differences.<br /><br />We are on the brink of a civil war. The images seen on TV are frighteningly similar to Rwanda and Liberia. Kenyans are carrying machetes, wielding clubs with nails and burning people inside churches as they carry out their ethnic cleansing rampage.<br /><br />Some of you have asked about the Amani women and we thank you for your concern. Many of the areas around the city where the women and their families live have erupted into violence. A number of the women are afraid to venture out of their homes for fear of being caught up in the mayhem. Ruth, who works at the Amani Café, was robbed at gunpoint when she left her home to look for food. The thugs told her to give them all her money or they would shoot her. The husband of Simprosa, who is the sales clerk in the Amani Boutique, tried to go to the local market to buy food but was accosted on the way. Thieves threatened to beat him if he did not part with his watch and money. A sister of Mary Karanja, Amani’s finance administrator, had to move from her house in the middle of the night. She had received word that gangs were going door to door killing people of her ethnic community. We have not heard from Mama Alice, an Amani cook, who lives in Kibera (a slum area on the outskirts of Nairobi where heavy loss of life and property has occurred) and are very concerned about her well being.<br /><br />Fuel and food, if available, has skyrocketed in price. A head of cabbage, for example, has jumped from 25 cents to $1.25. The women can not afford to buy food at these exorbitant prices so many have gone for days already without food in the house. We need to get food to them urgently not knowing how long this crisis will drag on.<br /><br />We have put a <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">food distribution plan</span> together and are collecting food from the productive farms north of the city, where it is affordable and available, and transporting it to the Amani center in Nairobi. Today, with $100, we were able to buy enough food to feed 10 families for two days. If you would like to help in this distribution program you can send a gift to:<br /><br />Amani Foundation<br />P.O. Box 28133<br />Chattanooga, TN 37424<br />*Please write <span style="font-style: italic;">"food distribution"</span> on memo line of your check.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">*Or donated online at http://www.amaniafrica.org/shop/item.php?itemID=63</span><br /><br />The whole purpose of Amani is for the women to learn how to work and live together in harmony and become promoters of peace in their communities. During this darkest hour of Kenya’s history may the women shine as lights of God’s peace.<br /><br />In the power of God’s peace,<br /><br /><br />Becky Chinchen<br />Director, Amani ya JuuUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192915325711181598.post-78380378324959919882007-12-10T09:06:00.001-08:002007-12-10T09:07:22.275-08:00Amani in World Magazine!Amani was recently featured in World Magazine. Check out the article: http://www.worldmag.com/articles/article.cfm?eid=AFCF4B84-ED87-101B-166F5CA7F13E7C0D.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192915325711181598.post-10188294306132005162007-11-28T11:52:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:36:26.074-08:00News from the Sankofa Fashion Show!Sankofa was a wonderful success! Thank you to everyone who was supporting and thinking of us during the months of preparation leading up to the fashion show.<br /><br />Below is a run through of the show. There were three sections, each with different styles of clothing depicting stages of life for Amani women!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Separation:</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9VMJoEM3oD8mGJcUnfrwuyIdQdiQkCp_9QYdvEhMS3WY9J6O4gM3oOFlgjZgf88y9HwagcyQ-Nb33i2wjMStcpMl6Dgl_0hC4q60NCeZ4yjUvhPwsTW2sOV6Om4gOrV4mEhB5144rsgM/s1600-h/DSC_0245.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9VMJoEM3oD8mGJcUnfrwuyIdQdiQkCp_9QYdvEhMS3WY9J6O4gM3oOFlgjZgf88y9HwagcyQ-Nb33i2wjMStcpMl6Dgl_0hC4q60NCeZ4yjUvhPwsTW2sOV6Om4gOrV4mEhB5144rsgM/s320/DSC_0245.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137983564048859298" border="0" /></a><br />All the women at Amani came here with broken hearts, longing to be healed. Many of the women come as strangers to Nairobi, looking for a community to call home. All have experienced a separation from the life they once knew. They are survivors searching for peace, and a way to make their hearts whole again.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Transformation:</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxGdBlM_qzITr7Urx8DObZKiIIeDDLDQuQk2HBz99p5TVyeB4YOrqMk4tytmll3DbJyMobTuA_qK0LCeTj4rnxcMLLHca6t6ApGYQgG3Tnb1J3LFYrbvbw-HE5lUw9coGzsghgAykIPd2/s1600-h/DSC_0105.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 160px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbxGdBlM_qzITr7Urx8DObZKiIIeDDLDQuQk2HBz99p5TVyeB4YOrqMk4tytmll3DbJyMobTuA_qK0LCeTj4rnxcMLLHca6t6ApGYQgG3Tnb1J3LFYrbvbw-HE5lUw9coGzsghgAykIPd2/s320/DSC_0105.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137983319235723410" border="0" /></a><br />As the women learn to stitch, learn to adapt and learn to live in peace, they begin to pick up the pieces of their hearts. They find hope again and are transformed into women of faith who desire to share God’s peace with others.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Celebration:</span><br />The women of Amani share joy despite their different backgrounds and are united<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZs6aySUGP1AG609Pr8b9n0qrw1Pgpf7Cry3Yl_ybR0BK1Ouc5Xk2agPoIl89pd0T8QFZE5GG2ZcQs2nIe6gfCZ9I8WGW98dbCnXg-YtEgXJ1yPB18PBg5Yepq7whocJigrZlDpVvqbeU/s1600-h/DSC_0570.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZs6aySUGP1AG609Pr8b9n0qrw1Pgpf7Cry3Yl_ybR0BK1Ouc5Xk2agPoIl89pd0T8QFZE5GG2ZcQs2nIe6gfCZ9I8WGW98dbCnXg-YtEgXJ1yPB18PBg5Yepq7whocJigrZlDpVvqbeU/s320/DSC_0570.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5137983740142518450" border="0" /></a> into a new family built on God’s love. They become confident women leading others in peace and reconciliation. In the midst of continuing hardships there is freedom to celebrate.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5192915325711181598.post-38419211040831462432007-09-27T09:53:00.000-07:002007-10-31T08:07:57.418-07:00What is Sankofa?<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Amani Pamba</span> Clothing...</span><br />Creative design and ingenuity in Amani’s products reflect the restoration and transformation process at work in every person in the Amani family. Amani’s new clothing line <span style="font-style: italic;">Amani Pamba</span> (meaning “Peace Adorned”) reflects this essential element. The goal of <span style="font-style: italic;">Amani Pamba</span> is to share the message of God’s peace in a fresh and innovative way through fashion and design. Amani designers are creating “wearable art” using colorful motifs and patterns of African cultures to create pieces that reflect God’s designs seen every day all around us.<br /><br />To launch the Amani Pamba line, Amani will host a fashion event on <span style="font-weight: bold;">October 27, 2007</span>. This event, called <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Sankofa</span>, will be an opportunity for guests to catch a glimpse of these new designs presented with a combination of modeling and theatrics. <span style="font-style: italic;">Sankofa</span> will tell the story of transformation in the lives of the women at Amani. <span style="font-weight: bold;">“Sankofa” is an Akan word meaning “We must go back and accept our past so we can move forward.</span> We do this so we can understand why and how we came to be who we are today.”<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The event...</span><br />Plans are well underway for this exciting event. Six Amani women and four professionals will model approximately thirty designs. By exploring colorful motifs and patterns, this event will tell the story of <span style="font-style: italic;">separation</span>, <span style="font-style: italic;">transformation</span>, and <span style="font-style: italic;">celebration</span> common to the lives of Amani women. These three thematic movements provide space to explore the painful yet redemptive journeys of Amani women through traditional dances and evolving motifs. Some elements will appear in a variety of ways such as the scarf strangling the neck, binding the head, or flowing loosely to represent the changing rolls of one’s suffering. Colors such as yellow for peace and red for the blood of Christ will appear in various forms. Throughout the event, music from all over Africa will add dimension and cohesiveness to the individual representations of each element.<br /><br />We are excited for this groundbreaking event and the opportunities it presents to share the story of Amani in fresh ways. <span style="font-style: italic;">For information on becoming involved with Amani Pamba or the Sankofa event, please contact <span style="font-weight: bold;">programs@amaniafrica.org</span>. </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0