Sewing lessons a couple days ago felt like a failure. No matter how hard we tried, we couldn't get the machines running, we couldn't find the supplies we needed, and we weren't completely sure of what we were doing. The girls who were helping felt like it was a "fail" day and I was also very discouraged.
Today I went back, not sure what to expect. I chose a sewing machine and started to show one resident of the women's shelter how to use it. She was somewhat familiar with using a machine, but still needed some help.
We finished a fitted sheet (made from older larger sheets with the worn spots cut off). PJ's were high on the need list, but patterns were hard to find. I found a costume pattern that included basic pants and I showed this lady (I will call her Sarah--not her real name) how to place it and cut it out. Thankfully I had a translator to help!
Keep in mind, Sarah does not know how to read or write. She was abused and forced into the sex trade at a very young age and had her first baby at age 11. She is now the mother of 6 and got off the streets only recently. She has been belittled and broken and has no idea of her worth. . . or talent.
Within 20 minutes, she finished a pair of pyjama pants. After showing her the first 2 steps, her face lit up with understanding and she just knew how to finish. I then explained what needed to be done to finish the other sewing projects Dorothy (head of "New Beginnings") wanted done. Sarah understood and said she could teach others.
Through the interpreter, I was able to communicate how talented she was and how I knew that God had given her this special talent. Her face lit up and she said that this talent had been hidden, she didn't know that it was there. Now that it has been given an opportunity to grow, she will be able to stretch and learn some more and hopefully use this to provide for her children. I am also hoping that this will be an avenue that God will use to bring healing between her and her children (who were also extremely mistreated).
What a reminder of how God uses our talents. I really didn't feel like I had tons to offer. Sure, I am a mom of 5, but I can't go in and teach in a Spanish daycare. I am not an extremely physical person who thrives on physical labour. I love to sew, cook and encourage ... and I was able to do all 3. Never underestimate God's ability to use you where you are at!
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