SEWING CENTER BEGINS 2ND YEAR

Well we’re back in the saddle again. After two weeks of cleaning and preparing the building for class, we have started once more.

Eight ladies took an intensive 2 week refresher course and passed with flying colours. We went over such basics as how to maintain the machines, thread the machines, wind the bobbins, and practised and practised how to sew a straight line. They also learned about cutting out patterns so all the pieces are the correct size and had more practise sewing straight lines. Practise makes perfect....most of the time.

The eight ladies passed the course and received their diplomas (I made) and are ready to work. All of these ladies except one, are moms who would like a job to earn money to feed their families....some have up to 7 children!
They are currently working on making headscarves...a really great thing to have when you don’t want your hair to fly around in the wind. We are selling them at a very reasonable cost in order to provide lots of work for them all. Concentration is important but there are times of joy and prayer also.

Last week one of the young ladies in the class (wearing the green shirt) was on her way to high school in the evening on a motto concho and was involved in an accident. Filomene received 14 stitches in her knee and will not be able to return to work or school for a little while. Unfortunately, these things happen quite frequently here. Please pray for safety for all who travel daily here....it can be absolutely crazy at times! If you’ve ever visited the Dominican you will know what I mean.

Esther Jo is a student from New Jersey who has been living in the mission house in villa Ascension for the past 6 weeks. She has been working with Jane in the sewing center and has been a great source of help and inspiration. THANK YOU Esther for all you have done here in villa Ascension. We are all eager to have you return.