Life style change

There are many things about my life style I would like to change. As a follower of Jesus I believe I am to live a "sermon on the mount" life style. Among the many life style changes that I would love to implement would be to buy clothes and accessories only from organizations that support and help others.

I love blogging and especially reading other people's blogs. Here of late I have come across lots of missionary blogs that I am so in love with! Many of them promote different organizations that are helping men, women and children all over the world, especially in developing nations, by selling products they make in an international market and send the proceeds back to the people who made them. I want to share a few of my favorites at the moment. I have not purchased something from every cause yet but I plan on doing so.

One reason this will be difficult to implement is because it costs more. But really it would be worth it! Here ya go...

TOMS - Shoes: www.toms.com
*One for One - for every one pair of shoes you purchase TOMS gives a child in a developing nation a pair. In developing nations many children are required to have shoes to attend school. Also these children walk around barefoot and acquire life threatening illnesses due to infections. TOMS gives away shoes in areas where they will not interfere with the local market- which I think is important. If they location merchants sell shoes are affordable (for the locals) costs then they will not distribute in that area. TOMS is doing a lot of good around the world!
I have 2 pair of TOMS and I absolutely Love them! They are great quality and quite comfy :) Plus I love wearing them knowing that they have a "twin" somewhere in the world - I pray blessings over the little one who has the other pair!

147 Million Orphans: www.147millionorphans.com
*This organization was started by two moms who have a heart for orphans!!! They saw the plight of the orphan and knew they had to do something. 147 Million Orphans has many pieces of merchandise on their website but the ones that I love the most are the Magazine Bead Necklaces and the Beaded Earrings. Oh so beautiful!!!
*50% of the proceeds of the Necklaces go to the lovely ladies who made them in Uganda! These women are learning how to make the necklaces, which is a sustainable income that will allow them to provide for their families! The women are a part of one of my favorite ministries - Amazima Ministries in Uganda .
*Proceeds from other merchandise goes to FEED the Children in Uganda, Haiti, Honduras, China and Ethiopia.

31 Bits: www.31bits.com
*Oh my! The jewelry from this website is amazing!!! So beautiful!!! I want one of everything :)
*This organization partners with women in Uganda to sell their products in an international market and send the proceeds back to the women. The making and selling of the jewelry provides the women with a sustainable income to allow them to provide for their families!
*31 Bits provides programs for the women (whose jewelry they sell) - English Lessons, Finance Training, Community Groups, AIDS and Health Education and Vocational Training!

Sseko Designs: www.ssekodesigns.com
*Sseko Designs is a wonderful organization that trains young women in Uganda to make beautiful sandals! In Uganda post secondary school (University) is very expensive and most women are not able to attend. Sseko Designs hires "high school" graduates to work during the nine month break allowing them to earn money that will help them pay for University. These young women are able to earn money in a dignified manner while developing skills and allowing them to follow their dreams. I love it! I can't wait to have a pair of these sandals :)

Haitian Creations: www.haitiancreations.com
*Heartline Ministries is an amazing ministry in Haiti!!! They have a sewing program that teaches women how to sew in order to make a livable income! I just love it! Sewing is so close to my heart (as I love to sew) and I know that these women are learning very tangible trade, given the ability to care for their families and do it all in a dignified manner! 50% of the proceeds go to the artist who makes the product!
*Haitian Creations Sewing Program women make beautiful purses/bags! I want more that one...
*The women also make jewelry! Umm yes please :)

Ok so these are my top 5 right now!!! I encourage you to visit each of these sites and consider contributing to the amazing children of God these ministries/organizations help! The circumstances of the people these ministries/organizations are often unimaginable and very painful but there is something that you and I can do and I just love supporting the Kingdom of God around the globe! :)

~Nicole