There is so much value in the process Heavenly Handbags has created in the last two years. The different elements and stages of our process allows Heavenly Handbags to successfully and continually give to homeless and abused women in the community of Durango. If you have missed out on the discovery of our process click the links below. It is rather interesting, as there are different women involved who support and contribute at different capacities, making Heavenly Handbags a success.
1. Crafting and creating each handbag :: SEW Amazing
2. Items, Life Essentials, that are stuffed into each handbag :: So Basic
3. Fabric acquired to sew each handbag :: Fabric as a Medium
4. Delivery of Heavenly Handbags to the local shelters :: A Special Delivery
It is at this juncture in this journey that I would like to share some on our successes over the last two years. These stories clearly display God's hand in this growing ministry. From the small to the large successes, I know that Heavenly Handbags would not be giving today if God was not in the details. Countless times He has provided the encouragement and necessary resources to keep giving. These moments provide the motivation and inspiration to continue to give today. I hope these stories will bring you some joy in the midst of your week. Enjoy!!
Becoming Girls :: Generous Young Women
This is our most recent success story. I had the privilege of partnering with a group of 4th and 5th graders who attend Animas Valley Elementary. These young women are committed to a school program called Becoming Girls, learning what to mean to be an honorable girl in school and in their life. Each year they host a bake sale at the Durango Rec Center and donate the proceeds to different local organizations or complete service projects. It was an honor this year that they chose to donate part of the proceeds to Heavenly Handbags and stuffed 14 Heavenly Handbags. These handbags were unique because they were given to children at the homeless and the domestic violence shelter. A true act of generosity!
On a sunny afternoon in April we meet at the home of the Becoming Girls leader to complete the project. There were 14 young women who lovingly decorated and stuffed each Heavenly Handbag. The girls also wrote a caring card that was placed inside each handbag. It was awesome to witness the each girl gather the necessary Life Essentials, sit with their friends, and carefully place each item into the plastic bag, which was then placed into the handbags. Laughter and sweet friendly conversation filled the house as these girls created a gift that would be given to a girl in need who was close to their age. Can you understand the sweet beauty in this gift?
We also had another generous young women contribute to Heavenly Handbags as well. For this unique give a talented girl handcrafted 14 super cute bow barrettes / clips that were included in each handbag. Her enthusiasm to get involved was amazing! I had sent an email asking if she would be interested, and her quick response was a certain YES and she had immediately created the first barrette for the project. This was truly an inspiring response, her eager and willing heart and her apparent concern and desire to help others was truly amazing.
This is what I learned in witnessing this group of girls give. Never underestimate the actions, heart, wisdom, and understanding of kids. This group of girls displayed an immense amount of generosity and compassion that inspired me to give as they give, with eagerness, joy, tenderness, and a genuine and truly loving heart. Thank you!!
