True happiness... is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.
Helen Keller
This morning I went with a friend to visit a Salvation Army shelter that houses women waiting to be repatriated to their homeland. Knowing that we would be there, the ladies had made the most delicious, moistest pound cake which they served along with milk and tea.
Since the women can be at the shelter for weeks or months, volunteers come in to teach them how to make crafts that they are then able to sell at bazaars for pocket money. 
We were shown the little peg angels they've started making along with the plarn crafts and necklaces made with paper beads.
There's even a sewing room with donated machines and fabric where the girls are taught to sew and make quilted items.
We learned that working with plarn (yarn made from plastic bags) is very rough on the girls' fingers, so we chatted about other sellable crafts I might be able to teach them.
After our visit to the shelter, we went for a cup of coffee to continue discussing ways in which we could help.
It's a great thing to help others, but even more gratifying when you can empower them to help themselves.
Have a beautiful day!
30 comments:
I appreciated visiting this shelter with you and seeing the photos and learning about some of the ways to help these girls.
The milk and tea... I use cream in my tea, but that looks like more milk than tea. Is it sweetened too?
Very nice that you learn them how they can help themselves. Have a great saturday.
Hugs
Sounds like a worthy mission to me, Tammy. I wonder why the women are being sent to their homelands. Are they domestic violence victims? Just curious. How wonderful you are planning to teach them how to do nice crafts. Susan
Hi Tammy, very interesting work and materials with which they work, but more so the intention of your visit! Love in its various forms is certainly expressed an agent of change! Greetings, Rose m
Teaching the women crafts is a good thing to do Tammy. I hope everything goes well. :)
Tammy what a wonderful way to spend the day! Oh what you could teach them!!! I mean those angels? I can't see they would be a big money maker :) The angels seem to be kinda insulting the ladies skills to me...they are sooo lucky to have you diving in & teching. The beginning of a beautiful friendship!
Hi Tammy, You are doing such a lovely thing by teaching these women. I hope you have fun and that they enjoy it too.
Love.
What a wonderful service, Tammy. How fun for these women to learn a craft that could help them. You have such a kind heart. :-)
I enjoyed this post, Tammy. I am glad you are helping these women. I've been involved in a similar project for many years --- one that is near and dear to my heart. Bless you!
If anyone can teach these women a craft, it is you, so hope they will enjoy the art of crochet, lovely to read this Tammy!
Also, yes, Lisa is a sweet girl and we live so close from each other so we had coffee a couple of times, next time when you are here we will save you a seat!
Maureen xx
Tammy you are ideal to teach the girls and women some crafts they can sell. That is a wonderful project, and God bless the Salvation Army.
Wow, this is awesome! You are always trying to help others and even those cute little cats...you have such a big heart.
I love that the ladies are being taught to make crafts to sell, it's that whole, feed me a fish I eat for one day thing, but teach me to fish I eat for a life time. :)
Blessings always
Tammy, I think you are perfect for this amazing opportunity. You are a born teacher and so creative. I look forward to hearing more on your thoughts about this new project.
Hugs,
Meredith
Tammy this is so true. How wonderful that you are able to help and share your love of crafting. "Give a man a fishing pole and teach him to fish and he eats for life...give a man a fish and he eats for a day". I don't know the author but Mr. C says this often. It fits this post I think. Blessings to you and those in the shelter...
What a wonderful time you had and such a great thing you are doing with them. I too like the proverb that Sherry spoke about. I hope you are having good weather and a happy weekend too.
Dearest Tammy,
Your last sentence is so true. We always got a lot of satisfaction out of teaching others with our knowledge. Not for the money as we never asked what others would do. It lasts far longer inside your heart, the true satisfaction that you meant something to others and could help them produce for a living. You are a very noble person and that will make you put the head on the pillow happy for each night. Great photos you show with the touching words straight from your heart.
Hugs to you,
Mariette
That is so true! I'm sure you could teach them many skills as you are so talented yourself. What fun that would be too. Good for you and your friend especially in your busy life! We learn much from each other if we only listen with loving ears.
Yes. A very worthwhile thing Tammy. And what lovely treats. Have a good weekend. Diane
What a wonderful day to spend with these sweet women! Wishing you a wonderful rest of the weekend! xo Heather
What a lovely post. It is so important to empower others to help themselves. You are doing a wonderful thing by offering them suggestions and providing them with food and friendship.
You are a inspiration. Thank you for this wonderful reminder.
That is very admirable of you to donate your time and expertise with those that need attention and caring. ((hugs)), Teresa :-) PS - I added your link to my blog list.
Such an uplifting post, Tammy. Sharing and caring...two of the most meaningful words. Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Maureen
So lovely to read this post and inspiring too. Altruism is a wonderful thing.
The plants in the pots look really pretty.
Hugs and smiles,
Angela.x
You are such an inspirational person and I'm sure those women in the shelter enjoyed your company. I love you last sentence in this post Tammy, giving them the power to help themselves would be very gratifying. May you have a beautiful Monday.
It is amazing the generosity and love there is in this world..just need to share it and make sure it plays itself forward..wonderful post Tammy❤
What an uplifting post, Tammy. It seems that you and your friends generosity will put many a smile on those women's faces...and hopefully some money in their pockets.
You are ALL terrific and caring people.
What a wonderful way to spend your time Tammy! Thank you for this inspiring post!
A lovely post, Tammy! A great way to help those in need and gives them the knowledge to do it themselves too. I hope they do well at the bazaar.
what a wonderful cause! This post really made me smile. Thank you
wonderful post.
and amen to that last line.
blessings
barb
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