We’re in the process of launching a new line of jewelry.  It is so exciting to see new designs and plans coming together after months of….well, labor.  We’ve labored over our new line to make it the best it can possibly be; more trendy, cutting edge, fun, and wearable.  As mother of three kids, I can say from experience it’s somewhat similar to the birthing process.

You conceive an idea, and it has to germinate in your mind.  It grows and begins to take shape, begins to have a specific form and substance.  Then you feed yourself other ideas and exercise by trying to put it together, see if it will turn out the way you envision it.  Then you try it on, wear it around, just like you do when your tummy starts showing…and wait for the comments.  Just like an expectant mother, this is not always a favorite part of the process, but, it will happen regardless!

Then comes the inevitable moment when the birth takes place.  Now, there is nothing to compare with having a child and holding that brand new son or daughter in your arms for the first time.  That is an indescribably beautiful moment.  But seeing the end result of months of work arriving from Africa in beaten up, road weary boxes has been beautiful, too.  Beautiful because it is another milestone of our journey; giving of what we have in time and creativity to ensure that we can provide jobs for needy families for another season.  Beautiful because the quality of work from our groups always amazes me.  Beautiful because of the echo across the miles of thankful hearts who joyfully embrace each and every task.

Today was the day, we could not put it off any longer.  What do we name these new creations?  How do we stamp them with the identity we see in them, of reflecting their origin as well as the encouragement we hope they will foster in the lives of their wearers?  That’s what the challenge was, and in just a few weeks you will see the new Neema (Grace) necklace, as well as the Tamu (Sweet), along with several others.  I have seen these traits reflected in the lives of our artists, and pray that sweet grace will adorn all those who wear and support this project.

Pictures of the newest additions will follow soon…..I promise! 

Blessings,

Faith

One of the benefits of visiting Africa, in addition to the amazing people, is sampling some of the wonderful cuisine.  Chapati, a type of yummy fried bread, sicumiwiki (pardon my spelling), a staple of the Kenyan diet, is made with kale and lots of spices.  So good and nutritious!  But my favorite dish so far has to be Peanut Soup. After being served this dish on my last trip to Kenya, I was determined to come up with a recipe.  Here’s the end result:

Start with:

  2 medium onions, chopped           

  4 cloves minced garlic                 

  2 C. sliced carrots

 8 C. vegetable or chicken stock         

 2 – 14.5 cans chopped tomatoes      

¼ tsp. pepper  and 1/4 tsp. chili powder (I used chipotle chili powder)                                    

2/3 C. extra crunchy peanut butter    

Let this mixture simmer on low, uncovered, for 30 minutes.

While this is simmering, cook up some rice of your choice.  I know brown is healthier, but I adore jasmine rice!  When the soup and rice are done, serve it up in a bowl with some chopped cilantro for garnish.  Deee-lish! 

I’m no Pioneer Woman, but I have to tell you, this is a yummy, easy, nutritious dish!  If you have kids and think they won’t like the crunch of the peanut butter, try it with creamy.  You can always add some crushed peanuts on top for the adults.

Top it off with some fresh mango for dessert, and you’ve have a truly African meal experience.

Anyone else have an African recipe?  Feel free to share! 

For now, Nimeshiba (I am full with food) and Ninafurahi sana (I am very happy)!!!

 Wow, what a fun, exciting week!  When Monday rolled around we were hovering at just over 500 fans and today, almost 1800!  I can't thank ALL of you enough for the support.  I know we have introduced many new people to the products, but more importantly, the project.  I personally work with these artists and travel to Kenya for training and encouraging.  All the people in our work project have an opportunity to be involved in ongoing Bible study/discipleship.  Like us, they are at different point in their faith walks, but they all have a chance to hear the gospel and walk in the truth as a result of this project.  It is truly changing lives!  I love, love what I get to do each day!

Now, what you've all been waiting for:  THE RESULTS!  I won't keep you in suspense any longer. 

After quite a heated race, we had two people with over a hundred referrals.  If you followed the postings, you will not be surprised that it was BARBARA WILDER and LAUREN TOMASCHKO!  At 5 pm CST (sorry for the confusion there!) Barbara had 126 and Lauren 112 at my count!  WOW!  They both will receive the additional necklace, as both of them acheived more than double the requirement for the category.  Pamela Garmany was in third place with a hefty 55 referrals.  All three of them will receive the 3 free necklaces and a $75 gift certificate.  Many thanks to the three of you for your awesome efforts.

Second category was 20-49 referrals:  These winners will receive the 3 free necklaces and a $50 gift certificate.  And the winners are: Anne Goodrich, Ann Poulson, Courtney Staley, Healy Hawkins, Janice Lunsford, Jen-Seaton Cleveland, Jessica Clingerman, Joy Hays, Kelsi Antram, Kate Gaines, Paisha Chadwick, Rachel Janke, Sara Phillips, Sara Watkins, Shanda Marsh, Tessie DeVore, Varsha Mendonca, Virginia Cox, Amanda Stuard and Rachel Maddox.  I was amazed with all of you!  Some of you didn't even start the contest until halfway through and still acheived this level.  Awesome!  Thank you SO much.

The third category was 10-19 referrals, and these winners will receive the three free necklaces:  Abigail Chrisitane, Christy Anderson, Chelsea Pickett, Christy Wyatt, Emily Cathleen Sutton, Jordan Boykin, Jennifer Hendrix, Missy Hickman, Melissa Richard, Susannah Johnston, Victoria Smith, Ashley Harris, Katherine Goodrich, Tiffany Dury, Michelle Witt, and Tina Rowland.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

The winners of the $5 gift certificates are many, and we are so thankful for all of you who participated:  Anna Reid, Brenda Parr, Cassie Pate, Clancey Hopper, Caryn Rominger, Carol Boykin, Connie Williamson, Carolyn Walker, Catherine Campbell, Darlene Jones, Debbie Reid, Emily Murchison, Gina Cox, Hannah Gibson, Holly Lowmiller, Holly Moore, Kait Johnson, Teresa Gerace, Amy Bishop, Amy Guidroz, Amy Klugh, Amy Cantalina, Amanda Hall, Ali Brown, Abigail Morris, Audra Rogers, Amanda Scheiber, Ashley Smith, Brenda Davis, Amy Leoffler, Courtney Hatcher, Bobbie Jo Nelson, Catherine Campbell, Brandi Simmons, Ashley Wood, Brooke Saari, Becca Moore, Cindy Alexander, Christy Anderson, Courtney Gainer, Chelsea Harrell, Corina Cain, Carrrie Carter, Erika Wilke, Erica Clauson, Effie Jones, Grannie Jean, Heidi Coberly, Hannah Finley, Heather Greenbaum, Jeff Davis, Jamie McWhorter, Julia Norell, Jaree Cornell, Jamie Mathews, Kendra Blakely, Lindy Hays, Jessica Bearden, Katie Hulme, Kerri York, Karen Sage, Lindsey Stuteville, Laurie Womack, Lauren Hanson, Lauren Laurence, Lee Carter, Lisa Olson, Melinda Epperson, Michelle Sarkody, Marlaine Byrd, Marissa Wilson, Nannette Morgan, Mary Tullia, Leslie Wells, Paula Edwards, Rose Williams, Rachel Adams, Michelle Byers, Stacy Ochs, Shenai Alonge, Susan Ellison, Sue Gilmore, Sharon Brueckman, Shandra Davis, Myra Johnston, Jane Ann Johnson, Katie Younginer, Tanya Harper, Tink Bell, Tammy Christensen, Vicki Orr, and...WHEW, Vickie Thornell!  Wow!  You all were so awesome!  Thank you so much!

As you can imagine, tracking all this was no small task!  Fun, but challenging.  So, if I have left someone off, or you feel you are not listed in the correct category, feel free to email me at:  faith@heartofthebride.org, or message me on Facebook.

Lastly, and this is very important, EVERYONE WHO WON JEWELRY NEEDS TO SEND ME CONTACT INFO.  I will send all gift certificates digitally on Monday and they will be effective immediately.  You can use them online or in the store.  BUT please email me your mailing address to receive your jewelry!  Thanks again for playing.

Blessings,

Faith Gibson

 THIS IS A FACEBOOK CONTEST - SEARCH FOR BACK TO AFRICA, "LIKE" US, THEN START WINNING FREE JEWELRY!!!

Contest Rules:  Please Read!

Win FREE jewelry by getting your friends to “like” our page.  As your friends like us, they must post your name on our wall.  You can post for ONE person, ONE time when you like the page.  Here are the prizes:

1-9 friends:  $5 coupon towards Back to Africa jewelry.

If 10-19 of your friends like us: YOU get 3 free necklaces! 

20-49:  3 free necklaces PLUS a $50 gift card!

50+:  3 free necklaces PLUS a $75 gift card!

We will also be offering DAILY SPECIALS online and in the store, so be sure and check daily for our special.  Special prices will apply from midnight to midnight the day of the special. 

Contest begins at 8:00 am March 21^st, and ends at 5:00 pm March 26^th.  Winners will be announced Monday, March 28^th by noon.  All times are EST.

MUST be 18 or older to play.  MUST be a US resident to play.