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, and of course
our unique fabrics that I think make anything look good. So, it's a great diaper
bag, but could also be a super work bag, carry on, etc. It's a little
ridiculous how excited I can get about a bag these days. 

Anyway...here it is!

Do you like it?????????????

It's always fun to teach the ladies a new project. They get
so nervous. This new design is by far the most difficult project we've done so
far. During our first lesson on how to construct the bag there was lots of
nervous laughter, and eye rolling, and the favorite Swazi expression, "EISH!"
What really got me laughing is when I started hearing the women chattering in
Siswatti, with an occasional "B.P." thrown in, followed by more laughter. They
were saying that learning this new bag was causing their blood pressure to
rise! I told them not to worry, because my friend Marcia, (who runs Timbali
stateside and is also a nurse) would be visiting in the next several weeks and
could take care of them. One of the ladies responded with, "Well, she will find
us dead!" J Soooo
we laugh a lot and I continually remind them that they are SMART women and that
they'll catch on before they know it. I also assure them that as far as I know,
no one in the history of the world has ever died from sewing a diaper bag!

(My B.P. is rising because I can't get a picture of the women sewing to insert right here!!!)

At the end of January I gave the women a little reading
schedule to get through the book of John in about six weeks, with a short reading and few questions to answer each day. The book of John has
always been one of my 'favorites' for too many reasons to list here---but I do
just love the way we see Jesus interact with people with compassion and
boldness, how his questions cut to the heart of the issue, and how throughout
the book he is revealed as the source of truth and life and SO much more.

Not all of the ladies have gotten into the challenge to read
John, but some have and I have REALLY enjoyed hearing their thoughts on what they've
been reading. Last Thursday one of the ladies brought up the story of Jesus
raising Lazarus from the dead, and how everyone had given up hope, but that
there is ALWAYS hope with Jesus. Another talked about Jesus being the Good
Shepherd and that His sheep hear his voice. I pray they continue to dig in to the scriptures. I so much want these women to love
God's Word, and be transformed by its message of HOPE and LIFE!