When I read this passage this morning, my mind flashed back to a conversation I had with my Mom a few days ago. I have always loved sewing (as evidenced by this blog) but I have other passions as well. One of them is the people of Africa. I went to Zambia last year, and what I saw there burned itself in my memory. The people literally have nothing. The government tries to help, but what happens when the government can't afford to help anymore? Or when the government is in turmoil, like Libya or Somalia? I firmly believe that the only way to really help these people is to give them the resources and training to help themselves.
As my Mom and I talked about this, we discussed what a seamstress like me might be able to do. We agreed that teaching African women to sew would give them a livelihood and means of support, but we realized that many of the people who really need it don't have the electricity to run a sewing machine. Then we hit upon an idea: Treadle sewing machines.
What if I partnered with a major sewing machine company (Singer, Pfaff) to manufacture treadle sewing machines to give to African women for free? I would raise the money, and they would make them.
When my mom and I hashed this out, I was excited that I might be able to do something like that eventually. But this book, Do Hard Things, has challenged me to do it NOW. However, I can't do it alone. No matter what your strengths are, I can put them to use. If you are interested, (even a little!) please comment on this post, or send me a message, or something. Let's do this!
I think this is a great idea. :D I'm in.
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