Hope in the Worst of Times: Stories from the Field

Sometimes we don't think we make a difference. Sometimes we don't realize how powerful we are: our words, our actions, our everyday choices.

Here are some stories and images about what your one pair of shoes that you didn't need anymore, your one pair of shoes your thought were no longer useful, your one pair of shoes you thought were garbage, what that one pair of shoes means to someone else:

Girl with new shoes in Gwembe Valley, Zambia - 2010

"In one village, I met sisters who shared one pair of shoes and took turns going to school.  You can imagine how thrilled they were to each receive their own shoes, so they could attend school together every day!"
Diane Studer, Executive Director and Founder SFJ

"I cannot express my joy and the joy of the team enough. We have the shoes now. Our first distribution and outreach is 20 June from 12-3pm. This will be broadcast in the news nationally and internationally."
Evariste, Burundi

When told about the need for shoes in Africa, a young child took off her shoes and put them in the SFJ collection bin. Her mother had just paid for these beautiful shoes, but moved by her daughter's generosity, she carried her barefoot daughter home on a cold January morning in Wisconsin...what a great example of being compelled to action!

Ethiopia Trip - 2012, Soles for Jesus

"This note is sincerely thank you for your support. Thousands of people have already received your gifts, especially in Masailand. Some have received shoes for the first time in their lives; others who had 'shoes' before, had cut a piece of motor vehicle tire and used a string out round their foot. They are very thankful now that they have proper shoes!

Old to New shoes - Mozambique 2012

Thank you for your support in new venture."
Bishop
Nicholas Mulea
FHC Director, Kenya

When you decide to give something of yourself you can bring the best out of you and give that to someone else. That is a priceless gift. It is truly felt and appreciated.

I hope you can join us Thursday, November 15th at 'The Garage' on Milwaukee and Elston (7pm - 10pm) for our "Shoes for Africa" fundraiser. We have dozens of raffle items, pizza and beer, and some give-aways to start off this season of giving. If you cannot make it you can still donate. See the last blog post for details: http://www.recyclemeorganictees.blogspot.com/2012/11/shoe-drive-fundraiser-to-be-big-hit.html

Alexandra Gnoske is a nature lover, writer, and environmental expert.