For several years now, I have known that my assignment here on earth is to "help women"...
It has evolved over the years: First, I just simply wanted to rescue women out of brothels. Then, all I wanted was for them to know how much their Father in heaven adored them.
And now, since January God has been downloading new vision and clear direction for what He has called me to do...He is opening my eyes to the world of possibilities for all kinds of women through economic empowerment opportunities.
I believe that God is our Creator, and He has created each one of us with special gifts and talents, passions and interests. And He wants us all to pursue these things and thrive in these areas. He created us this way to give us fulfillment, purpose, confidence...and many times a way to financially support ourself and our families. This is why I am so passionate about helping women discover who God created them to be and then empower them to pursue the things that God created them to do.
As I have been pursuing this dream to empower other women, God has been revealing to me what I am naturally good at and how He created me with specific talents, passions and interests that He wants me to pursue. I thought mine was just ministry, but He is showing me how I can do ministry in more ways than I thought. I thought it was all about doing for others, but now He is telling me He also wants me to be a model to women. He wants me to show them what they are capable of, through my own adventures and successes (and failures). AND God also pointed out, if I want to help women start their own business, I might need to know what I am talking about and have a little experience with small businesses myself. :) So right now I am pursuing one thing to gain some small business experience....
DFW PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZERS
DFW Professional Organizers is a business partnership that I created with my mother. We realized we are both naturally good at sorting, organizing and helping others. It is funny, whenever we visit friends and family, we normally end up helping them with a project, like de-cluttering and organizing. We are just naturally good at it (God created us this way) and we just love to do it! My mom and I both need to make a little extra cash, and I knew God was telling me this is the right time to purse it.
I have already gained some valuable experiences to share with others regarding basic legal, tax and financial things to starting a new business. And then creating business cards, developing a website, marketing, etc.
 |
me and my pretty mommy
We "swapped services" with a professional photographer and got some great pics for our business cards and website.
Swapping services is a BRILLIANT tip to starting a new business on a budget!
website soon to be published: www.DFWProfessionalOrganizers.com |
 |
| My first "paying client" I was so excited (can you tell?)! |
VICKERY THREADS
Vickery Threads finally got its 501C3 (non-profit) status and now we are able to (legally) sell the bags!
Our goal is to have a booth at the White Rock Local Market by the end of the year. The money we make from the bags, pays for the sewing machine they will receive at the end of the class. Then they are equipped to pursue a small sewing business if they want to.
Please pray for this, I believe this market is a perfect opportunity for the women to experience the possibilities and learn to sell and market their products.
 |
| Tika modeling a great new bag she just finished. |
 |
| The girls being funny as they model their bags. |
 |
| This is a "clutch" purse they are making, it is very popular! |
 |
The FIRST bag of the season was SOLD!
A friend of a friend, saw a picture of the purse and just couldn't wait until market day to get this purse. |
NEW ROOTS
Each market we are giving them more and more responsibility. First they had to get themselves to the market. So they learned the bus and driving route and then we prayed they would show up. :) That had a few kinks we had to work out but now going smoothly. Next, it was time for them to be responsible for harvesting and bringing the veggies to the market on their own, without our coolers, our cars and our help. I had the "perfect plan": I figured out exactly how much 3 coolers with rollers would cost them and they could either split the cost, or buy one cooler per week until they had enough. Then, I remembered I was supposed to be helping them create their own solutions, by just asking questions, (something I am learning through some Community Development training) therefore empowering them to be self sufficient. My plan would have made them dependent on me for future solutions, and/or locked them into a solution that was not best for them.
Their Solution: One of the families already owned one large cooler and they converted a large plastic storage bin into a cooler. WOW, what a great solution!
 |
NEW ROOTS at the White Rock Local Market
Buddi, Me, Anita, Ganga and NarMaya's husband. |
NEW FRIENDS, NEW FOOD, NEW FUN:
I am thankful b/c I just realized I have been able to connect with all of the generations...
The NEW ROOTS gardener ladies are a little older than me, 45-65yrs old. We are connecting as "adults," business women, with a desire to be financially successful. And then, when I come into their homes, and meet their teenager/young adult children, I can connect with them too...maybe since I don't have kids yet, they think I am a kid too! :D So I get to play grown up and act like a kid, all in one day!
 |
| Traditional Nepali food |
 |
| I got to help make Momo (dumplings-like food)...so fun! |
 |
| After serving me traditional Nepali food in their home, Buddi's daughter invited me to come out to eat with her and her friends...YES, I ate TWICE, so stuffed but SOOO worth it! |
My best girls: YIRGALEM AND MARYAM:
 |
Yirgalem had a doctor's appointment. Without disclosing too much, please pray for her healing and recovery. She is scheduled for surgery in January at Parkland Hospital. A very big decision, and a long painful waiting period.
After the appointment, we went to Whataburger to visit Maryam at work... |
 |
| Maryam is the cutest thing ever! She brings people their food and then even offers refills and additional condiments. I had no idea that fast food was becoming so service oriented. So great! |
Lots of NEW BABIES to celebrate:
 |
Frewinie is having a boy!
They said they wanted a traditional "American Baby Shower" so we did cake, balloons, decorations and small finger foods. But thank God they still brought their traditional spicy food, and of course it was the normal 6-hour African get together...with an after party coffee ceremony :D |
 |
Big Brother Frank, with baby brother Fredson
Mama Estella (my neighbor) carried him full term, after months on bed rest in the hospital...thank you God! |
 |
| Me and Fredson: This is the BEST feeling EVER! |
 |
Haneen (my neighbor) finally had Mustafa a few days late...and in August, that is not fun.
But she made pregnancy look so easy!! |
 |
Speaking of birthdays... Rochelle (my twin sister) and I turned 33 this month.
Pardon our "all-natural" look...we needed a blast from the past, so we ventured to Hurricane Harbor for our birthday celebration. Then mom made us dinner and an avocado cheesecake. Mmm, mm good!
|
the HIGHLIGHT of AUGUST
With all the excitement of August, I must say the HIGHLIGHT of my entire month was my trip to Oregon and Washington. I got to spend precious time with my nephew Truitt who is the funniest and happiest thing on earth! And I had the best girl time with my big sister Michaelis, and 2 of my best buds from High School and college...all in one trip! It was just what I needed!!!!!
 |
| Me and Sissy wrestling the boy to take a picture with him. |
 |
The perfect end to the perfect trip:
Wine Tasting with 2 of my favorite Gal Pals: Melissa and Emily |
PRAYER REQUEST: Stress Management
The week before I went to OR and WA, I was actually pretty sick (dizzy, nauseous, almost passing out several times, etc). I feel better now, but I believe a lot of it had to do with stress. For the most part, it is all GOOD stress...due to trying A LOT of NEW things. Even though I am having a wonderful time with all my new experiences this year, I have felt totally "out of my comfort zone" and I found myself constantly doubting and criticizing myself and going non-stop without taking breaks, or taking my laptop to bed, etc.
I did a lot of praying and a little research and I believe I just need to learn how to manage stress rather than de-stress. So far, here is what has been helping me:
It defiantly began with reminding myself that God is the one who is going to make everything successful and He is the one who is going to equip me to do what He has called me to do. So I released that back to God. And then starting in the morning and throughout the day, I am stopping to do some deep breathing, sitting down to eat and trying to get into a little yoga. And it has been a lot of fun to combining prayer and talking to God with the deep breathing exercises and yoga.
 |
Deep Breathing has changed my life! It truly gives me strength and power when I am feeling tired, or stressed.
You should do some research, it is fascinating what deep breathing can do for you! |
 |
This is my favorite yoga position :) resting...turns to sleeping!
I am really trying to get into yoga, but frankly I get a little bored. :D
|
Thank you for your prayers!
