The true value of our work isn't found in the handmade bracelets, but in the journey we take to empower and change the lives of women in Guatemala.
Grand Opening of Learning Center. March 2024
I was so excited to return to Guatemala in March of this year. My trip last fall was canceled due to political unrest that lasted for several weeks, putting the country in a standstill. Although it has been a year since my last visit, we were able to pick up right where we left off and even gained some momentum. One significant change was the opening of our small learning center at the beginning of 2024. Qué Color provides educational scholarships to nine children and our artisan partners. These children are now provided a place with internet access and tutoring in order to help them succeed in school. The learning center will continue to remain open throughout the year. An additional benefit of the center is that it provides a space for the women to meet, work, and fellowship together. Up until now, we did not have a designated space to conduct meetings with the women. This was essential towards our growth, and I already see the potential of moving to a larger space. I have faith that the lord will provide for this in His perfect timing.
Throughout the trip, I stopped by each woman's home to provide her with a water filter. These are vital because water is not safe to drink in their community. Home visits also allow me to meet their family members, experience their living situation first-hand, and pray for them in their home.
Finally, because of the success of our wholesale program, it is necessary to increase production capacity. I interviewed several new artisans and am happy to announce that we have added three new women to our team. I am excited for all the ways this endeavor is growing. I am in awe to see God's hand in all of this and feel very privileged to participate in advancing His kingdom.
The Journey
Bank Accounts, New Manager and A Miracle! February 2023
Now that travel is wide open, I am in a rhythm of traveling to Guatemala every 6 months. This has allowed me to become more acquainted with the women artisans, their production processes, their way of life, and so much more in the area. With each trip, I meet new people and make more connections. This makes subsequent trips even better!
My trip in February resulted in some positive and significant changes for the women. In an effort to foster independence and personal growth, I was able to convince ALL the women to open up their own bank account. (I was surprised to learn that not one of them had one!) Now I am able to pay each of them directly into their bank accounts. This has given them added responsibility to manage their work assignments and purchase their own raw materials. It has also given them an increased level of confidence and self-reliance. They are happy with the change and eager to work.
Another positive change is the addition of my new manager, Florence. She is fabulous! She speaks English, Spanish and Tz’utujil (the local Mayan language). Florence is a native of Santiago and interacts beautifully with the women artisans. She has caught my vision for this Kingdom endeavor, and has not missed a beat since she started. It is impossible to pursue this business without a strong female manager in-country. I am grateful and blessed to have Florence on my team.
But the most exciting thing that happened on this trip was the miraculous healing of one of our artisan partners, Natalia. She had been conspicuously missing from all the meetings and planning sessions. I inquired as to her whereabouts and was told that she had broken both feet and was not able to get out of bed. Of course, I was very concerned. Her circumstances were heavy on my mind for several days. Finally, on my last day in Santiago, the opportunity arose for me to visit Natalia in her home. She was not able to get out of bed to greet me due to her injury. We visited for several minutes, and then I asked her if I could pray for healing for her broken feet. She agreed. I laid hands on her feet and prayed for complete healing and restoration in the name of Jesus…commanding the pain to release and her body to be realigned back to the way it was perfectly created. Natalia prayed simultaneously in her own language. We prayed like this for three separate prayers…checking after each one for progress. And with each prayer, healing progressed! Finally, after the third prayer, I asked Natalia if she had any pain. Incredulously, she began groping at her feet, ankles and knees…searching for the pain. It was gone. I asked her if she wanted to try to do something she had not been able to do? I could tell that she was going to try to stand. Guess what? She stood up right there in front of me! Her two young daughters were so excited. I screamed, “Natalia, God just healed you!” We embraced each other and her daughters too. It was so thrilling that I said, “Let’s walk outside and take a picture.” And, she did. Natalia walked out the door without any pain, and perfectly healed. We took a picture to remember this incredible miracle from the Lord.
I am grateful for the positive changes that have taken place, the healing miracle, and for the opportunity to continue working with these precious women artisans.