Mother Bear Project

So about two moths ago, Ted was reading a magazine. He quickly called me over and said,"this is your next missions project!" The magazine was-NEED. They highlight folks that are involved with humanitarian efforts around the world. They say that they are not out to save the world, just tell the stories of those who are. One of the articles was about Amy Berman's project. What can offer a comforting presence to a child affected by HIV?AIDS? Amy remembered the comforting teddy bears her mother use to knit for her as a child. I love what she said in the article,"With every stitch I make, I know that bear is going to be held by a child." Berman says," It makes me feel good to be able to do something to alleviate this feeling of 'what can I do?' Well, I can do this, and it is making a difference." She now ships roughly 1000 bears each month to numerous African countries. I announced this project at Stony Hill a few months ago. We met over tea and homemade scones(thanks to Miss Carly). Candy instructed us on knitting and Ginny helped those who wanted to crochet. Last week, I shipped 35 bears to the project. We also gave 20 bears to the team going to Agua Viva. Cards were hand written to the children from the knitters, with prayers and love. The home will hand them out to the children on their birthdays or Christmas. Candy's friend is going to Romania in a week. She will be working with orphans. She asked if we could make 7 bears for her to take. Candy sent me the pictures of these sweet children. It has been such a blessing to have God bless our efforts. Katie is going to Africa next month and would love to have some bears to take with her. I must say that these bears are addicting. I just finished me 11th bear. I let Caleb pick out the colors of the bears. This way it is a family mission's project. These bears are a promise that someone cares. One little boy risked his life to rescue his bear. He told his sister," I have to get my bear. The heart on it means someone loves me." Their house was destroyed minutes later by torrential rains. My heart has been touched by this project and I will continue to knit through the summer. Check out the website at : www.motherbearproject.org. Make a bear. Make a difference.