Sole Hope

Tustin, CA
June 23, 2012

Pieces of shoes soon to make a long journey!

Last weekend we had an awesome opportunity! We received an invite to come hang out with our old friend Natalie from CCO. We jumped at the chance, not just because we hadn't seen her in quite a while, but also because it was for a great cause that is near and dear to her heart.
We entered Natalie and Micah's backyard which had been completely transformed with Natalie's sweet and delicate decorating touch. Vintage fabrics abounded and the tables were decorated with sweet tea filled mason jars adorned with striped straws, handmade fabric garland hung from above, long work tables ensconsed in quilted cloths, tiny color coordinated cupcakes teetering on dishes, and a large table inundated with chic and amazing trinkets ready for raffle. The area in itself was delightful, but the decorations were not the best part. Brightly colored fabrics and scraps of old denim jeans long forgotten by their owners littered the tables. People hovered over their sissors and pinking shears, working at cutting out tiny patterns that would soon make the long journey from this idyllic backyard, across the ocean, to be put into the hands of Africans who will sew them together and make them into shoes.
Here we were introduced to an awesome young charity, Sole Hope. Sole Hope, concerned with the health and well-being of African children who are affected by jiggers, sand fleas, and general poor health conditions, works to not only create closed toe shoes, but to provide them to those in need. The beauty of the whole operation is not just found in the provision but in the idea of teaching a trade and giving independence to those who do not have access to such opportunity...teaching people "to fish" if you will. Sole Hope employs widows and those in need to assemble and sew shoes using donated cloth uppers and recycled material soles. The shoemakers are provided with machines and tools and paid a fair wage to assemble the shoes. The feet of the children are cleaned and given medical attention and they are given closed toe shoes to protect their feet.

The breeze wafting in under the canopy, the sweet decor, cold sweet tea, chatting with friends, and the feeling of doing something worthwhile all contributed to a wonderful afternoon! Natalie and Micah's shoe cutting party was a huge success, and a lot of fun. I was grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside Katie and visit with friends that we had not seen in a while. Katelyn enjoyed the project so much that she is planning on putting a shoe-cutting party together very soon.

Katie's job was to assemble all of the pieces into a pair, ready for transport.

Natalie, being a little too young to cut patterns, instead employed her "baby whispering" skills by helping with adorable Elsie. It was so nice to see little Elsie as we have not seen her since she was a baby!

Shoe pieces and sweet tea....good combo on a hot summer day!

 Meanwhile, Natalie had so many donations that she will be raffling the remainder HERE. Stop by and take a look at these gorgeous items, knowing that the proceeds are going to a great cause! Also, you can purchase Sole Hope products HERE. Be on the lookout for Katie's invite!