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I was given the opportunity to visit Esther in Ndathi, Kenya in August 2007. She was working on developing her Spinning & Weaving studio through a micro credit program of the Nashville based, Burning Bush. Inc. It was not your typical "tourist trip", although I did see some of the typical tourist sites on the "Game Drive" in Nakuru National Park. I was there to work with Esther on her spinning and weaving technique. We discussed marketing opportunities both locally and overseas. Shipping is her biggest obstacle at this point. Any suggestions? Esther and her family were so gracious and kind hearted. We did manage to get some work done (in between tea times!) Esther is my "Spinning Sister" forever. She is an excellent business woman, as well as an artist. She is in charge of the "Snow Snappers", a co-op of 70 farmers growing snow peas! She hosts the Ushindi Knitters group monthly. She is a leader in the children's group at her church. She is helping the church build a new facility so the elderly members won't have too far to walk. The main purpose of Burning Bush is to provide health care in this rural mountain village. They have done great things as you can see and read about on their website. www.BurningBushKenya.org Donations may be made thru Paypal and are tax deductible. The people of Ndathi are amazing. From Susan Kaburu, who owns Samaria Health Center, her daughters, Anne and Njeri, to Esther, her husband Steven, an English teacher, Big Simon, a painter and farmer - they are all hardworking industrious people with so much love in their hearts. Ndathi is a special place. Sometimes I feel homesick for my friends there. Esther's "Blessed E" brand yarns are available in limited quantities. Email for more information.
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Photo by Brenda Mckaig
Photo by Stacey Irvin