The chickens coop is finished - The last sewing machine is delivered

Men talk about their hopes for a project to raise pigs

Eight ladies sign loan contracts for their new sewing machines

Pavel holds Brendi (a La Ceiba cutie)

Briefly, we want to introduce you to Pavel Antonio Averhoff (above). He sold us 8 sewing machines and became interested enough to join us on our weekly trek to the Leon area. He encouraged the ladies of Las Chacaras to take hold of the opportunity and do well. He accompanied us to both locations, and was able to give us an objective opinion from a Nicaraguan viewpoint. Freddy and he got along well. It was fun to have him along.
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Though Silvia is still recovering from the radiation and chemotherapy, she celebrated her 61st birthday with cake ... and had moved her hammock outside to enjoy the breeze. She shared her cake with us, and her family gathered a bag of mangoes even though it officially isn't the season yet. Yum.

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The ladies signed their contracts, and elected Daysi and/or Sandra to come to Managua for training with Enyda. There was room for one to come, but we're hoping Enyda will allow both to come, as it's easier and "feels more secure" for women to have a companion to travel with to the huge city of Managua. We hope they can get their training next Wednesday, and hitch a ride with us.

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Tomorrow we go to Rancho Ebenezer to order the chickens. The chicken coop is ready, but we don't yet have the second and final "official stamp" on a document that allows us purchase the chickens at half the normal price. Freddy is working on this, and we hope to have the letter very soon (like, yesterday).

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More later.

Sewing "ramps up"

Ladies look at possible items to sew - kids' clothing

Today was unexpectedly great! It was filled with encouragement as we go forward without having a "five-year plan" - but part of a Plan nonetheless. We hope the story encourages you.

Many months ago, perhaps a year ago, Freddy met a Nicaraguan woman named Enyda who started a sewing business with the help of micro-finance. Today I simply asked him where we could purchase some "t-shirt" type of material for the ladies of Las Chacaras to learn to sew. I was hesistant to give them the more expensive fabric we have. Somehow, my question made him think of Enyda. He could not remember her name but for some reason he HAD put her number in his cell phone under her business name. Thank goodness! He phoned her and said, "Remember me?" She then asked us to stop by to talk.

Her business is "up and running" in a very big way. Six or seven members of her family now sew clothing of all kinds and bring it to the market here, complete with their very own label. Inside the home, they were 'cranking out the goods' - each at their sewing machine or surger or cutting table. And there were piles of finished product (shirts, dresses, camisoles, etc.) ready to be taken to market.

Freddy explained Manantial's project in Las Chacaras, and she undoubtedly related as she was in the same situation previously ... having a dream and needing the means. She was free with her information of where to get what (i.e. scissors, fabric, etc.). She knows of two companies that will make the "Manantial" logo for our goods. It was nice to hear her story and SEE that she enjoys success. She not only has found her niche in the market, but that she is willing to help the ladies of Las Chacaras find theirs. She suggested one of our 8 ladies come to her house for 1-2 days so she can teach her all she needs to know, not just about sewing - but about where to get what, tricks of the trade and things she had to learn the hard way. Whomever is elected to go can then bring this information back to the ladies of Las Chacaras. She also offered her discount for material from her supplier. What a jewel!

When our visit ended, she sent us home with a big black plastic bag full of scraps that are large enough for the ladies to learn to sew straight lines, make seams and if they're creative - perhaps they can use the pieces of material for something to sell! She has helped us out of such a kind heart. She remembers where she started and is willing to launch others. This is how it is supposed to work (and often doesn't).

Sewing seeds are sowed in Las Chacaras

Pastor Cesar in front of his church, "Manantial"

The men unload seven sewing machines

Dayse "eyeballs" a machine

She can't help herself - she's so excited she shows her skills to the crowd

Because the last blog was so long, the pictures will do most of the talking here. Bottom line:

1 - The church in Las Chacaras has an official name now, "Manantial." It is a great name for a church (wellspring, source) and a compliment too.

2 - Seven (of eight) sewing machines were delivered, and the ladies are excited. They will now learn to sew (3 of the 8 know how already!), test the market to find their niche, and then we pray they'll be paying their loan off before it's due.

Thank you again for your help. Enjoy.