Spending that Saves

Some of you know my friend Kaylie and know that she is in Nairobi, Kenya, working with BuildaBridge, an organization that works to bring hope and healing to communities through involvement with the arts.  In February, my friend Andrea and I will be going to Kenya to visit Kaylie and help with her work and with some of the other needs in Kenya.  I am so excited!  Of course, not everyone can go to Kenya; in fact, lots of people probably don't want to go to Kenya.  If you fit into either one of those categories, there is still something you can do to meet the needs of people there. 

Part of the work Kaylie is doing in Kenya is promoting the work native craftsmen and connecting them with a larger market for their goods.  When we buy fair trade items, we help to ensure that the artists and workers who make these crafts can make a living at their trade.  Some beautiful jewelry made by Kaylie's friends is now available for us to buy.  You can even request custom pieces!  Check out some of the jewelry available on Kaylie's blog.  I think these would make wonderful Christmas presents!  What could be better than finding a beautiful piece of jewelry for your wife, mom, or sister and knowing that the money you spend is also going to help someone put food on their table or send their children to school?  I already ordered some.  I hope you will, too.  I'll be sure to post other things for sale as well, as they become available.