Wednesday, January 23, 2013

It Matters

I have a confession to make.  Sometimes, like when I'm snuggling on the sofa with my husband and 3 kids watching a movie, or when we are out to eat at a restaurant or on vacation, or when I'm watching my children play sports or put on a play at school, or when I'm out for a walk on a beautiful day, I really don't want to think about the harsh realities of this world.  It is easier to just enjoy the privileges and beauty that surround me and keep my own little world population 5.  Because the suffering and challenges of this world seem so big, so unbelievably insurmountable, that it is easy to get stuck thinking that since I can't change it all, there is no point in even trying. 

But I can't push those thoughts out of my mind for long.  Soon the images start creeping back in my mind.  Images of poverty and suffering I saw first hand when my parents were missionaries with Mercy Ships when I was in middle school and high school.  The 30 stamps in my passport are mostly from countries where extreme poverty is the norm, not the exception.  I've seen children die from starvation and disease that are so easily preventable.  I've seen mother's eyes void of hope for the future of their children, young faces filled with worry and fear instead of smiles and laughter, and bodies wasting away from starvation.  Even still, sometimes I want to forget.  Because it's hard to know what to do, and even if I did know what to do, where to start.  And will it even matter with all the suffering in this world?

Yes, it does matter.  It matters to the mother who because of employment, for the first time has hope for the future of her children.  It matters to the orphan who finds out there is a forever family coming to bring them to their new home, who for the first time in their little life, can't stop smiling.  It matters to the one that will be able to put food on the table and fight against starvation.  If it matters to one, it matters.

Noonday is such a simple way to make a difference that matters.  Each piece of jewelry or accessory sold provides an income for the artisan that lovingly handcrafted it.  That income means a mother will be able to provide for her family, put food on the table, send her children to school, take them for medical treatment when needed.  To that one, it means she no longer has to fear the worst fear a mother could possibly have - having to give up her child from not being able to provide.  Each trunk show hosted is spreading awareness that these people, once forgotten, do matter.  Hosting an adoption fundraiser for a friend through Noonday means not only are your purchases going to matter to the artisans, it also means a family will be one step closer to bringing an orphan home and providing them with a forever family. 

I know I will never be able to make the world a better place for everyone in it.  But if I can make the world a better place for one, then I have done something important with my life.  And that one may be able to make the world a better place for one more.  These little things do matter.  Not everyone is called to move to Africa or Central America to become a missionary.  Not everyone is called to adopt.  But we can all do something.  Noonday has become that beautiful "something" for my family.  Each day as I put on my gorgeous Noonday accessories, my children ask about the artisan who made the piece.  We love reading the artisan stories together on the website and in the catalog, seeing how employment can create so much hope and positive change.  They get so excited when I head off to do a Noonday adoption fundraiser, knowing that their sacrificing a few hours with Mom means another family is a little bit closer to being able to bring home their newly adopted child.  I love how Noonday is helping me teach my children that every life matters.

Now for the giveaway!


I'm giving away the beautiful Ripples Bangle in silver.  It's a super fun, beautiful bracelet handcrafted in India.  This piece has a wonderful story, which is just as beautiful as the piece itself:


So, here's how you can win this beautiful piece!

1 entry - Go to my website and find an artisan story that inspires you.  Write a comment about it below.

1 entry - "Like" my Noonday Facebook page, where I post artisan stories, sales, giveaways and more. (If you have already liked my Facebook page, share my page to receive an extra entry)

1 entry - Link this blog post on your own blog or Facebook page, and comment below letting me know you did.


I will hold the drawing on Monday, January 28th, 2013.  Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you are the winner.  Good luck!

13 comments:

  1. Great post, Kristin! Thank you for sharing!

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  2. Favs - UPcycled Artillery from Ethiopia and the Rewind Clutch from India. LOVE!

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  3. I loved reading about the artisans, but I think India and Peru have to be the ones that caught my attention the most!

    godslilbookworm@hotmail.com

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  4. I loved Wendy Minks' story right here in the USA! Good for her!

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  5. I "liked" your FB page!
    bricknell.elizabeth@gmail.com

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  6. I have read several of the stories, but I particularly like the stories from Uganda. I am so pleased that the women who are making sandals are working toward receiving their education at a university! I'm convinced that by empowering and educating women will change entire villages and countries.

    bricknell.elizabeth@gmail.com

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  7. I also shared on FB. Love those bangles!

    bricknell.elizabeth@gmail.com

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  8. The women who work through NATURARY in Madagascar are so inspirational. Such hard work to provide for their families! And finding their worth and value in working together for a fair wage. Loved learning about this!

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  9. And what a stunning bracelet! I shared this on Facebook.

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  10. All of the artisans stories are very powerful. I was really drawn to the one from Rwanda. I coundn't imagine going through all the stuff her and her family had to go through. It really helps me appreciate the life I have.

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  11. Also I am liking you on facebook and I have shared your blog on my facebook as well.

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  12. Love, love, love reading your blog! I am so inspired by everything I have come to know about Noonday through you. I enjoy hearing about all the artisans, but I especially enjoy the Ecuador story. It is amazing to me how they can take those seeds that look so drab and turn them into something so beautiful. It is pleasing to know that they make a living make this beautiful jewelry for us to enjoy!

    Of course I am already a fan on your Facebook page so I shared your page and this blog post.....you inspire me too :)

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  13. Just realized i didnt leave my email address...trinityh226@gmail.com

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