In the summer of 2008 I spent a large chunk of my summer volunteering in Tanzania with people affected by HIV/AIDS. It was a life changing experience (the details of which I won't get into here). During the five weeks I lived there I got malaria, got very lonely at times (I went all by myself) but more importantly I met inspirational people that changed my life forever. I was shocked at how people that I thought needed so much help were incredibly strong, resilient and tremendously loving.
I wanted some kind of gesture that I could do for these people that had inspired me. So, being the crafty person that I am, I decided to make them something. Now I was in a rural area (sorry, no Hobby Lobby here!) so finding supplies wasn't easy. After a long time of searching I found some colored cord at the local market and I took off making a few dozen bracelets. I was even asked to teach the women at the community center how to make bracelets because they thought they could sell them for income. Also a new friend there insisted on making a bracelet for me and I came home wearing a bracelet of my own that stayed on my wrist for more than 3 years.
{Teaching how to make bracelets}
Making and giving these bracelets is one of my fondest memories from this trip so as soon as I read Blair's post I knew I had to get involved. I made some bracelets out of the same cord I purchased in Tanzania and sent them to her recently. She mentions receiving my package in this post!
This fun blogging experience was so exciting for me. It also made me think a lot about my experience in Tanzania and for that I am grateful.
What do you guys think? Have any of you volunteered and brought fun personal gifts with you? Are any of you off to make some bracelets? I sure hope so!
*Bonnybee