Light Gives Heat // Birthday Present

If you know me, you know I love Africa.  You know that I'm looking forward to the day when we move back, whether to Ethiopia or a new country filled with loving souls.  You know that I am filled with joy when I see smiling Africans.  You know my heart is in Africa.

This year for my birthday, Bre got me a necklace from Light Gives Hope.  It's an organization that empowers "Africans via economic opportunities" and encourages "people in the West to 'be the change they want to see in the world'."  Inside the box was included a little info on Pimeri Daisy.  I'm not sure if she was the one who made this specific necklace, or simply a woman who works in the SUUBI community.  SUUBI means 'hope' and the project was started to offer displaced women from war-torn Northern Uganda (think: Joseph Kony...LRA...) the opportunity to earn a consistent weekly income.

I love that Bre helped to support these women, and I scored a pretty necklace out of it!  Here's Pimeri Daisy's story and my new lovely necklace:

"Daily life was a struggle for Daisy and she lived in constant fear of her surroundings.  Within the SUUBI community, Daisy found not only safety and a consistent income, but also friendship and camaraderie.  Because of the hope and self-confidence Daisy has chosen, she is able to focus on her strengths and look brightly towards the future.  Fear has been defeated, HOPE has won!"