I wasn't sure how to feel when absolutely none of my family seemed surprised when I told them that for my 30th birthday I want 30 pairs of shoes. My husband rolled his eyes, my parents and in-laws laughed, and my grandmother started telling me what sales I could go to score some great deals. None of them knew exactly what I meant, but I have a feeling they all knew I was serious. To explain more, let me back up a minute.
Shoes and I have always had a love affair. I love buying them, wearing them but mostly looking at them. See, I have always had the luxury of being able to not only have the shoes I need, but most of the ones I want. This often made for an empty wallet and a full closet. But if I am being completely honest, this post has nothing to do with my want for shoes and ultimately everything to do with their need for shoes.
Their? Who?
The hundreds of children in Uganda who will no longer suffer from the pain of jiggers in their feet, but will instead be able to run and play in their new closed toe, protective shoes. I won't get into detail about how jiggers work, the problems they can cause, or the pain that a child goes through to have them removed. But I will say, that having looked at their pictures and read their stories, I have to do something to help.
That brings us to my big birthday wish. All of you are invited to help me share my birthday with Sole Hope. Sole Hope is an organization that is built with people who are making a real difference in Uganda. One of their main services is to care for the children's feet. They wash them, remove the jiggers, treat any medical infections and then finally fit them with their own pair of protective shoes. I have spent the better part of the last 30 years looking at shoes, and without a doubt the shoes made by Sole Hope are the most beautiful I have ever seen. They are simple, made of denim, but they are literally changing the trajectory of the life of each child that receives a pair. The shoes protect their feet, but the care, love and support they receive with the shoes is what will help them to live a richer life.
One of the ways that I want to support Sole Hope is to host a "Shoe Cutting Party." It will be a time of fellowship, cutting old denim jeans to be transformed into shoes, and cupcakes. (It is a birthday party after all!) My hope is that we can cut enough denim to make 30 pairs of shoes. The details for the party are at the bottom of the page!
If you've read this far, thank you. This cause, this organization and the faces of these children have grabbed my heart. I encourage you to consider joining us for the party, checking out the stories, pictures and information provided by Sole Hope, or sharing this invite with someone else.
More info:
Sole Hope
www.solehope.org
Facebook event
Party Details.
Saturday, April 11th from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm
First Baptist Church of Beaverton
5755 SW Erickson Ave
Beaverton, Oregon 97008
There are many ways for you to help! Ultimately we will need a total of 30 pairs of old denim, that will then be cut into patterns. Each pair of "shoes" that we complete will also need a $10 donation. This is used to cover the shipping to Uganda as well as pay a fair wage to the local shoe maker and tailor that are used there.
Ways to be involved:
*Make a whole pair yourself (donate denim, cut pattern and include $10)
*Simply donate denim
*Come and just cut out patterns with us
*Sponsor a pair of shoes for $10
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or for more information. I am really excited about this opportunity and look forward to a fun afternoon!
