The older girls are learning how to knit! I brought back some yarn and a few knitting needles from the US, and then bought some here locally, and the Thursday night Bible study became the "Thursday Night Knitting Club" for a few weeks! Now we are alternating with Bible study some weeks, and knitting other weeks. We also had a Bible study on how to relate our new knitting skills to living a Christian life. The girls were given the needles and yarn for free, even before they knew they wanted them - which is like God's love for us, and also a picture of salvation and God's grace! We are also given tools and abilities (like knitting needles and yarn) and it is up to us to use them for a good purpose! You could just take the needles and carry them around and do nothing with them, or you can put them to good use.
I told the story of the friend who taught me to knit, and shared examples of all the people who have learned to knit because of her willingness to teach me! We talked about how this is like sharing the gospel and discipling others - and how many people you can influence just by being willing to share! You don't need to be an expert knitter, you can share what you know and start from there. Don't be afraid to share your faith, even if you don't know all the answers yet! Even if you just know how to "cast on" stitches, that's a start! I shared how when I was first teaching a friend how to knit a scarf, I didn't remember how to finish the ends. In my researching so I could show my friend, we both learned something! (As iron sharpens iron...)
Now that almost all of the older girls are becoming accomplished knitters, some of our young girls are starting to learn as well! They are picking it up surprisingly quickly, so I'll update you on their progress soon!
Would you like to help support this project? We could use more knitting looms like the "Knifty Knitter" that make it really easy for kids to knit hats and other projects. We can also use the larger sizes of aluminum knitting needles (US size 9 and up!). Also, the yarn available to purchase here in Kenya is only solid colors. If you see a sale of any "fun" yarns - thick, chunky, striped, etc - the girls would love it! (Bright or dark colors are best!) Any donations sent to the Open Arms office can be brought over by visitors on this summer's teams! E-mail me if you have any questions, or leave a comment on this post and I will reply! Thanks for your help!
