The lovely gringa in this photo is Lindsey Parry, who runs a non-profit here in Boquete called Sewing Seeds of Love (SSOL). She employs and supports Ngobe Bugle women to sew clothing designs Lindsey creates for sale in the US under the label 4 Love Clothing. She has been in the US for several months now, working extra jobs to earn enough money to continue the non-profit and promote the fledgling 4 Love clothing line in the US. Below is a letter she sent out to friends. A copy of it was forwarded to me. I am posting here in case anyone feels inclined to contribute a small gift to a worthwhile cause at Christmas. I'm sure even the smallest donation would be gratefully accepted. See letter below. Here are two website addresses to become more informed about her organizations:
http://www.4loveclothing.com
http://sowingseedsoflove.org
I can’t believe it is almost November and there are already Christmas
decorations everywhere I look. I’m in shock over how fast this year has flown
by, but in the midst of life and daily responsibility it is quite empowering
to take a step back and reflect…
This year has brought about a number of trials and tribulations for me
personally as I continue to face the unknowns in my journey to walk God’s
path for me. Fortunately, each time I’ve felt fear and worry over the future
stir in me, I’ve been led to rely on this particular bible verse:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to
God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard
your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians
4:6-7).
Each time I recite these words, I’m filled with peace and encouragement as
the truth they hold resonates with my spirit. In times of doubt they restore
my faith and give me the strength to continue to run the race with
perseverance.
If you’re in the midst of a struggle or anything, I encourage you to read
(and perhaps memorize) this verse. When you feel fear creeping in, whisper
these words and allow the peace they bring to fill you.
The adventure of life is one heck of a ride. On one hand it’s filled with
trials and tribulations and on the other, it’s filled with SO many reasons to
celebrate…like Christmas, which is just around the corner!
As many of you know, I’m a huge advocate for giving the women and children
that SSOL serves “life experiences”. I want to expose them to things they’ve
never done before. And with Christmas, I want to make it as special as
possible…
While it’s common around the holidays for the children (at the orphanage
only) to receive gifts, few people take time to truly do something special
for these people. To help amp up their Christmas experience, I’ve come up
with the following “Christmas experiences”, one for the children at the
orphanage and one for the children at our on-site project and the 4Love
women:
Christmas at the Orphanage:
Surprise the children with an afternoon and evening of Bounce Houses, Slip n’
Slide, music, grilling out for dinner and ice cream sundaes for 60+ children
and all the workers.
Estimated cost: $700
Christmas for the women and children of SSOL and 4Love:
A day at the beach where transportation and lunch is provided for the women,
children and their families.
Estimated cost: $500
For the past three years, SSOL has partnered with the local orphanage to help
provide gifts for all 60 children on Christmas day. This year we would like
to do the same for the 20 children who attend our SSOL on-site project…
In the past, gifts have ranged from colored pencils and coloring books to
some sort of game or soccer ball, depending on the child’s interest. Since I
know each of these kids extremely well, I’ll personally be shopping for their
gifts to ensure they receive something they’ll truly love.
An average of $20 is spent to give each child a really nice
gift. Total cost for the children at our on-site project is $400.
I’m currently in the states and will be heading back to Panama on November 17th.
Since there are better deals (and the quality is much better) stateside, I’d
like to buy the majority of these gifts while I’m here.
If you feel moved to help with any of these proposed “Christmas experiences”,
donations can be made through our website here or if you prefer to send a check, they can
be made out to Sowing Seeds of Love and sent to Kim Register: 209 Waterbury
Ln. IHB, FL 32937
A warm hug and a big thank you to each of you who help make Christmas a
little brighter for these children year after year. Without your support,
none of this is possible.
Love,
Lindsey
Copyright
© 2014 Sowing Seeds of Love, All rights reserved.
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Sowing Seeds of Love
209 Waterbury Lane
IHB, FL 32937
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