Susan - July 17th 2008

Today was another great day for training the weavers. They not only came on time, but many came early! This says to me a real commitment and enthusiasm. Again we had 20 people in the house!

The early morning was spent again with three stations set up-- three wall looms, spinning and our loom. The three teachers taught at each of the stations.

We did another wool dying session, this time using two colors for green, then three for brown. It was very fun and interesting.

The rest of the day was spent in the hands- on training with the three stations set up. There was so much activity going on. I am so exhausted from it all, but it is a happy exhaustion. I really feel we done good!

More projects were finished and George says everyone is improving. In the afternoon, four people learned how to warp our loom (put the threads on) which is so wonderful, because that is the most complicated part of the process. As usual I left at 6:30 pm and there were still people there weaving and spinning. Lilly always finishes out the day with a short spinning lesson and both George and the spinner said that she is doing a really, really fine job at spinning the thin yarn, which is so valuable here. They are so impressed with her. I wish we had time to send her to Nairobi for training. She could really be a great weaver and spinner!Karamana, Karambu's sister returned for the first time today. Since she is in charge of the women's projects, it was so nice for her to return. She agrees that it's valuable to keep the momentum up and get the four (including) herself trained in Nairobi. So Lilly has her work cut out for her in fundraising, and Karmana will also apply to a women's fund to try to get some money to get the training going. It's possible International Peace Initiatives can put out some money for the training too. It's up to the board of directors.

I guess that's it for today. Tomorrow the weaving teachers stay till noon, then we say goodbye to them as they make their way back to Nairobi.