I’ve been working at Joann Fabrics for the past two years – and it’s been quite a learning curve! You can read about my journey into retail here – but I really want to talk about the amazing men and women I’ve met along the way and how they’ve recently contributed to the work in Malawi.
As work friendships form, conversations about life naturally spring up – our relationships, kids, passions, and the day-to-day challenges we all share. One day at work, someone handed me a crocheted scrubby, and I commented that these would be wonderful to use in Malawi to scrub pots. (When the kids clean up after the Saturday meal, they use soil as an abrasive to scrape off any leftover nsima.) Longtime Joann employee Barb Walker overheard and asked when I was traveling. Barb figured that she and her mom, Jean, could whip up a few scrubbies for the trip. A few weeks later, Barb showed up with a big smile and a gift of 100 colorful handcrafted scrubbies. On top of that, Barb also gifted a bag full of beautiful fabric remnants for our sewing students.
After hearing about the vocational sewing programs at Dzaleka Refugee Camp and Kaliyeka Township, Marcia Simolin, who asks about Malawi every time she sees me, started digging into her private fabric, sewing, and craft stockpiles. She came up with a massive box of much-appreciated and much-needed supplies
Miriam Timithy is a co-worker who shares an interest in the continent of Africa, often recommending articles or television shows. Wanting to help but knowing that one person can only take in so much luggage, she asked what lightweight items she could contribute. Thanks to Miriam, we now have two beautiful sets of Gutterman threads – one for each tailoring program!
Danielle Larson, a part-time Joann team member and full-time art student at the Cleveland Institute of Art, recently completed a collaborative project with Ancient Path. Now her powerful art will travel into Malawi to be used in discussions about grief, trauma, and the healing of wounded hearts.
Last week, co-worker Lisa Williams sent me a text: If you need any help before you leave, let me know! I wasn’t about to pass on that generous offer and quickly dropped off a bag containing 30 wooden rings, yards of ribbon, and bells. Lisa headed home to create dance hoops for pre-schoolers – but not just your typical ribbons tied on a ring! Each circle is beautifully crafted, and each one is as unique as the child who will find joy dancing with it.
As I get ready to travel, I want to send a huge shout-out to all the outstanding managers and team members at Joann Fabrics Great Northern in North Olmsted Ohio who have contributed to Ancient Path’s work in Malawi in so many ways, seen and unseen. While it wasn’t possible to shoot a team photo during our busy work days, you guys know who you are:) I’m grateful for your friendship, encouragement, generosity, and eagerness to make a difference in the world!
by Patt Wadenpfuhl