The pandemic seems to be waning but is it really?  And if so, how will life be different? More to the point, how do we want it to be different; different from the last year or different from the year before that?

We can’t go to Africa or India this year because these places are having their own troubles due to this virus and the airlines and countries aren’t much interested in our traveling. I’m not feeling so interested either. Don’t get me wrong, I miss our friends and MoonCatcher supporters but I’m not ready to jump back into the fray until this pandemic is past.

I’m working hard from here to keep in touch with Phoebe, Olipa, Jacky and Ruchika to move the project forward but sitting at this desk each day or standing at my cutting table seems distance enough to travel right now.

I’ve loved having the time to think things through a little better. To consider where to go next and how to really partner with others in ways that acknowledge our core values and vision. Our usual speed doesn’t always provide time for these things and I’ve felt grateful this past year to have a chance to think about HOW to do this better.

I don’t want to go back to what people call “normal” but love the idea of going forward to “better”.

We are operating all of our sewing guilds in Africa, but India worries us. There is a huge surge  of corona virus there and all of Delhi is shut down which includes our sewing center, of course. Many people are dying and it’s difficult to be here feeling so helpless. Before this new surge thousands of kits were being distributed in remote parts of India along with our curriculum. That is indeed something to be joyful about while hoping for better times.

We are fundraising virtually. Our online auction will go live on Friday May 14 and end on International Menstrual Hygiene Day, May 28. A reminder of what we do and why.  We are grateful to so many of you who contributed beautiful gift baskets for this “event,” and we are all excited to get the bidding started.  Check it out at:  https://charityauction.bid/MoonCatcherProject

I hope everyone is enjoying the Spring, staying safe and feeling grateful.

I know I am!