Recently, I have had a RIDICULOUS case of nostalgia. Maybe it’s because the last year has marked a few significant anniversaries (10 years since grad school, moving to Africa, Ellie’s 10th b-day etc), or because there have been a few too many farewell parties for good friends lately, or maybe it’s just because I’m getting older … Continue reading
This week marks 10 years since I landed in Africa, and I think every ANT in the entire kingdom has decided to stop by our house to celebrate. Fortunately, I have some of this expertly branded product handy: A lot has happened in 10 years. I became a mother, Timbali Crafts was born, and my … Continue reading
Yesterday was a good day. Nothing too out of the ordinary. Just good. It was the last day for the Timbali women to turn in their finished products before this month’s payday. There were only about 15 ladies that came, bringing their own completed bags,and also the work of the other women who had stayed … Continue reading
A couple weeks ago I was in the grocery store and was (overly) excited to see they had orange sweet potatoes—a rare find here in Swaziland. I love sweet potatoes, and they have them here, but they are normally either white or purple-ish, and while they taste fine, they just aren’t the same. ANYWAY, I … Continue reading
We have been back in Africa just over a week. I’d tell you some highlights from our 40+ hour trip across the world, but I don’t remember much. However, in our first 12 hours on the continent we: had a flat tire, ‘discovered’ a couple new speed bumps (this little kingdom loves it’s speed bumps), … Continue reading
I had plans to write a nice little Merry Christmas blog, but instead I got a stomach bug and all my Christmas plans were derailed. Ellie and I did manage to finish our advent calendar and get our Christmas cards out before New Years, so that was good, but we ended 2013 about the way … Continue reading
The new Timbali Website is up and running, and to celebrate we thought we’d do a little give away. Enter today through Sunday to win this GREAT coordinating bag set: Enter HERE, then head on over to the Timbali website and celebrate with us some more by getting some great deals on beautiful Christmas gifts for … Continue reading
Now on to Advent: I love this time of year!! Last year I posted some printable color-in ornaments to go along with readings from the Jesus Storybook Bible that Ellie and I have used to celebrate Advent the last few years. I’ve had quite a few requests for it this year, so here it is again. Continue reading
(re-posted from June 2013) The 57 teenage girls that are part of Timbali Craft’s headband project gather on Saturdays to cut fabric and sew. Its a fun time of working and hanging out together, and they end each time with some Bible study and prayer. At the end of each month the girls receive a … Continue reading
(re-posted from April 2013) We’ve got some new things happening at Timbali Crafts. I am very excited about our newest bag design in the works right now. I started out designing a diaper bag, but what we’ve ended up with is a really beauitful bag, with plenty of big pockets, zipper closure, guava wood button, … Continue reading
All These Things 