Ultimately, it's the world around us that inspires–with this message in mind, we asked our CP Gals to seek something outside the home that inspires them directly and to craft about it. For CP Gal, Naomi Atkins, her latest inspiration was a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Africa!
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My daughter Katlyn and I recently returned from a trip to Africa. We traveled with the American Foundation for Children with Aids and did photography and missions work near Bullawayo, Zimbabwe. We also were in Johannesburg, South Africa and got to see Victoria Falls in Zambia at the end of the trip. It was a life changing experience...
Both amazing and heartbreaking at the same time–so many people with so many needs. AIDS is a crisis in sub-Saharan Africa, and many children are left orphaned.
We built two playgrounds (out of very rudimentary materials) for children in two different primary schools. We sewed 150-200 hygiene kits for girls with hand-crank sewing machines so that they can stay in school...they lack basic sanitary supplies, so we made them something they can re-use. We also taught many AIDS widows how to sew the kits so they could start a small business.
We delivered livestock (goats) to families that are caretakers of AIDS orphans. Each family got three goats, with a promise to breed and return three to the foundation within three years.
Most of all, we held hundreds of little hands and cuddled and held more children than you can imagine. They left such an impact on our hearts! They have nothing...most of them walk 3-4 miles to school and back, many without shoes. Their food for the entire day, a small cup of watery porridge that we gave them, but has a days' worth of vitamins and minerals in it. But, they were happy! And so were we...
we lived without electricity, running water, toilets and many other basics for two weeks...and it changed our lives! We didn't have access to electronics, etc. Allowing us a chance to unwind in a very needed way, even though we were working hard!
Most of my project is created with Open Road. The collection comes with an awesome little mini album that can easily help you record your special trips and memories. I put some of my favorites inside, and used the pocket with the journaling card to record a few things I didn't want to forget.
The photos meant so much to me. I felt like I didn't want to overly embellish around them. I used some chipboard frames, die-cuts and journaling cards, and some of the stitched borders. I added a bit of stitching, buttons and tied twine around the album to close it.
Even though summer is winding down, make sure you take the time to record and journal your special 'summer' memories..all of the pretty products and paper aside–that is why we do what we do!
Your photos are AMAZING!!! Thanks for sharing your adventure!
Posted by: Rosie Neustaedter | August 26, 2014 at 05:32 PM
I love reading your story and seeing your amazing pictures. Your book is so pretty and it really showcases your photos.
Posted by: Lisa C. | August 27, 2014 at 06:11 AM