Here marks the work of Gifts for Confidence work from the 2017 trip. Enjoy.

Here’s to a new start.

This was the first day of introducing the new curriculum to Friwot the teacher.

It was nice to reunite with the girls and take some promo images like this one.

Finally got off the plane in Awassa after nearly 2 days of flying.

While many of the girls were on summer vacation, it was time to put some work in on the curriculum. Thanks to Hawi (one of our original girls) for helping translate the curriculum.

Hawi was the best translator on this trip!

It was great hanging out with some of the kids from the Elpis feeding center. Some of these girls might become future sewing girls!

Hugging Tersa after presenting her the certificate

This picture was taken after paying the girls through the 2nd pay cycle.

Thank you to all of our supporters!

We took this opportunity to do some promo for the FSU Catholic Student Union

Some lunches were spent getting work done.

Mahelet receives her pay from the second pay cycle.

Meron receives her pay from the second pay cycle

Etsegenet used her money from the Gifts for Confidence Program to purchase an “E” necklace to resemble her hard work.

Sometimes it is nice to relax and take a load off when your bajaj driver is late to pic you up. Thanks Mekdes

One of the school teachers using a tape stand as a hammer to hang our signs up.

We sat by Lake Awassa and relaxed for about an hour. Thankful for simple moments like this.

Jessica introduces the reusable pad concept to the girls as a future project.

Worship is a large part of Ethiopian church.

Friwot testing out our recyclable pillow project.

Some of the reusable pads that Friwot and Jessica created to sell at Parent’s day as a test market

Just a few fabric choices when we shopping for raw materials

Checking out some weaving processes in a local workshop

Jessica speaking to the only woman in the workshop. What a boss.

Mede came to the USA for a few months for scoliosis surgery. It’s great to see her doing well back in Ethiopia.

Jessica and Friwot going fabric shopping.

It was cool meeting others around town with sewing jobs

Jessica speaking to two other clothing makers in a made-to-order shop in Awassa.

It was cool getting to visit the local Ethiopian Market to check out the offerings. Food, spices, and other products!

It was great meeting this lady who sewed traditional scarves.

Jessica at the market.

Jessica met this lady at the market doing basket weaving. A cool trade skill profession.

A selfie with some of the older Elpis kids.

Meaza, Kalkidan, and Misgana.

Smiles all around from the Elpis Girls.

Efrem, the teacher, and his brother.

Final smiles with Mekdes

The last evening

Mekdes is wearing the Original Scarf

Misgana is wearing the Earth to Ethiopia scarf

Eledana is wearing the Earth to Ethiopia Scarf

Hawi is wearing the Saturday Safari Scarf.

Yeabsra, Marshet, Weynshet, and Mekdes are now the leaders in this program.

Hawi, Tizita, and Hanna

Tersa is wearing the Saturday Safari Scarf

Dibora is wearing the Lewi Blue Scarf.

Sisters, Sinafekesh and Tizita laughing.

Etsegenet wearing the Lewi Blue Scarf.

Tizita wearing the Ababa Red Scarf

Sinafekesh wearing the Saturday Safari Scarf

Spending my final day in Ethiopia with Aboma and his family was wonderful.