CNN News Story

I saw this story on CNN about human trafficking and had to post it. The passion of this woman is inspiring.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/09/17/stolen.lives/index.html

Paul Wright

Come to The Kilns College kick-off event this coming Sunday at 6pm. Paul Wright will be playing two, that's right, we lucky dogs get two sets by this guy. It's gonna be a blast. No cover charge and a great time. The address is 550 NW Industrial Way #44, Bend, OR. Hope to see you there!



Info on the Kilns College: http://www.kilnscollege.com/
More info on the Kilns Bookstore: http://www.thekilns.com/

Keep on checkin' in

It's been a while, to be sure. My sister got hitched just this past Sunday. It was a beautiful day and most definitely a reason to celebrate. It also took up a lot of my time, basically she was a little more important to me than this blog. (I'll post pics soon, I made myself a pretty stellar dress for this event!)

Not only has a wedding happened, but I have been trying to knock on different doors, check into different opportunities lately. No, I don't mean by looking for a job (though a part time one will be a must these next few months), I mean more along the lines of how can I help those in the world with my skills. God hasn't exactly opened any of those doors. Thus my conclusion being that God wants me here in Bend, doing what I do best. Running a business and making wedding gowns. Love it :)

I have a new client that is getting married here in October, and we have designed her dress. It's gonna be gorgeous on her. I'll post photos when it's all said and done.

That's it for now. Keep checking back, I really am alive and kicking!

For the Women of Sudan

Would you like to help encourage economic sustainability for Sudanese women and have a beautiful handmade product?

Lauren met a gentleman in Uganda two years ago. Robert, who is a father, husband, and pastor often risks his life as he drives North from Uganda into the Sudan. Robert shares weekly with Lauren via email about the difficult travels he endures to try and bring aid and pastoral care to the hurting people, specifically women and children, of Sudan.

In an effort to provide funds to aid the women, Robert brought back with him to Uganda handmade necklaces to sell from Sudanese villages, returning the profit to the women. Robert realized that a greater profit might be made if the necklaces were sold in the United States.

Lauren agreed to help. A few weeks later our mailbox was filled with an enormous paper package, covered in stamps and scented with the aroma of Uganda. The necklaces have sold very well. Lauren has transferred nearly two thousand dollars back to Robert, who in turn risks his life to deliver the funds to the women of southern Sudan. The attached picture is of the women with food they have purchased from profits of necklaces that were sold.

This coming Tuesday the 12th, from 4pm-8pm, Lauren will be selling a new shipment of necklaces from our home in Bend. All proceeds will be deposited the next day and transferred to Robert before he leaves this coming Friday for the Sudan.

Directions:http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=175+SE+Roosevelt+Ave,+Bend,+OR+97702&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=32.789564,61.171875&ie=UTF8&z=17&iwloc=addrPlease call Lauren at 330.1928 if you have any further questions. You can make a difference.

Blessings to you,

Benjamin and Lauren Edwards

A picture is worth...

...a thousand words...a new thought...opening eyes...stirring hearts...a calling.

Benjamin and Lauren Edwards are photographers, God-lovers, parents, friends, you name it. They're a source of inspiration to me for the love they have for God. You'll see them tonight if you attend the event I posted last. They capture photos, moments, glimpses of the soul, glimpses of God in a way I haven't seen anybody do. Ever.

They do amazing work here in the states with weddings, quite gifted I'll say (ohhh they'll razz me about posting so much about them...I look forward to it). But not only are they amazing wedding photographers, they have captured bits and pieces of Africa and brought them home to us so that we may know and be encouraged, and have our eyes opened to what's happening around God's whole Kingdom. In hopes that it inspires us to live for God, not just for ourselves.

Check out their blog:

http://benjaminimages.typepad.com/edwards_photography/

And their website:

www.benjaminimages.com

Cutting the Star Flowers

I want to invite you to a night of insight into one of the most culturally binding issues of our time, female genital mutilation.

Join Benjamin Edwards (photographer) and Elizabeth Fischer (video producer) as they share stories, pictures and a REACH documentary on the agonizing truth behind FGM, what the people of Uganda are doing to stop it, and what God is asking us to do to help rid our cultures of this practice.

When: July 27, 7:00PM
Where: The Kilns, 550 NW Industrial Way #44, Bend, OR
Why: Because each one of us can be part of the solution

Do you believe we all deserve rights? Do you have and fight for your rights? Then come help those who do not have rights, let alone the help or encouragement to fight for them.

My "Baby" Broke

*Sigh* I'm at a standstill with my creative side. At least when it comes to using my sewing machine.

I think I have been working my sewing machine a bit hard lately, what with my own fun in sewing, with some sewing jobs, and with work in general. What a surprise. Sadly, my wonderful machine has been slipping lately, not having the strength to make even a few stitches in a garment. Thus, I'm sending her in. My beautiful European, almost vintage machine is going to the shop. Hopefully to be repaired and in fine condition upon her return.

I thought I would share my temporary heart break. However, the plus side is I've been able to focus on my finishing techniques and my hand stitching. So, even through the tragedy, some good has come of it. :)