Desta Mender: “Village of Joy”
I’ve had a few experiences in life when I’m filled with a strong sense of peace and God’s presence. Those times have always been when I’ve encountered either the beauty of God’s creation or the grace of God when serving the poor. On my recent trip to Ethiopia, I had such an experience that encompassed both. When visiting the amazing women in our newest partnership at Desta Mender (translated as “Village of Joy”), I was overwhelmed with the love, care, and beauty that surrounded this place. 
It was a slice of heaven. A glimpse of what eternity will look like…where the most unloved and forgotten are the most loved and valued. Where God displays his kindness through both nature and people. Where broken lives are made whole. 
I’m so humbled to partner with the efforts of the Desta Mender rehabilitation program, a division of the Hamlin Fistula Hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I’ve read about obstetric fistula in a chapter of Nicolas Kristof’s “Half the Sky.” I’ve been brought to tears by the documentary “A Walk to Beautiful” more than once. And now, I’ve met these women who make our hand-knit scarves while they rebuild their lives after suffering so immensely. (If you don’t know about obstetric fistula, then please read or watch the above mentioned or click here to learn more. Warning: It will break your heart.)
Utilizing hand spun Ethiopian cotton sourced from a local non-profit that employs people with leprosy, these amazing and brave women knit hundreds of gorgeous scarves for Raven + Lily this fall.
They are so grateful for the work. I’m am so grateful for the opportunity to know them and share these beautiful scarves with the world. When I wear my beautiful teal scarf, I feel like I’m wearing hope. Maybe you’d like to wear hope too. I highly recommend it.
**Note: out of respect for the women, I’m not specifically sharing their photos or stories. The photos of women knitting scarves are by Sara Forrest Photography. Please use the links in the post to learn more. Thank you!
