little dresses for africa

Another Change the Truth happy ending story...

A couple weeks ago Team 4 member Avis invited me to accompany her to a speaking engagement she had been asked to do. I was excited because a) I wanted to hear her speak about her experience in Uganda b) the name of the group to whom she was speaking was called “Wise Women” and who wouldn’t want to sit in that audience?? c) I love any opportunity to spend time with Avis.

It was a great evening. We grabbed a quick bite to eat first, so we had time to catch up. When we got to the venue, St. Andrews Christian Church, we set up a little table of CTT goodies to sell: beaded jewelry, note cards, fabrics, etc. Soon the room was filled with women; there was a great turnout.

Avis gave a wonderful presentation. It was so clear that her experience at the orphanage had a profound impact on her. You could have heard a pin drop in the room. The Wise Women were hanging on Avis’ every word.

There was a woman in the audience who spoke briefly about some work she’s been doing to help children in developing nations. She sews. She sews dresses and shorts. She sews these for an organization called “Little Dresses For Africa” which, as it turns out, is very similar to the “Mother Bear Project.” (You may recall that the latter is the organization that sends a teddy bear template to knitters who make adorable bears for kids living in dire situations. These were the bears we took to the orphanage and gave out as Christmas gifts last year.)

As soon as I got home that night I googled “Little Dresses For Africa.” It was founded by a woman named Rachel and is based in Michigan. To date she has collected 120,000 hand sewn dresses (and “britches for boys” too!) from seamstresses all over the world. Check out her website here.

I wrote to Rachel pronto.

Ten days later four big boxes were delivered to my front door. 75 dresses and 75 pairs of shorts!!! A myriad of sizes, fabrics and trimmings. Unique interpretations of the same pattern. (Just like the bears!)

Guess what the children will be getting for Christmas next December?

Thank you, men and women who sew these delightful creations. Thank you, Rachel. And thank you, Avis.

I love that we are all in this together!