Full story here. [Note: story has now been taken off UDJ archives. Please see link to same story picked up by allbusiness.com. KH]
Wednesday morning:
Tomorrow night’s event at Tierra is beginning with a splash: mine. Across the front page of the local paper. A bit unnerving, I have to admit. Someone reminded me that people need good news flashed across the front pages of papers and that put things more in perspective for my nervous ego. This is not about me. This is about us. Working together. And so we did. So there I am this morning, above the fold from all the stands, wrapped in the love and support of your wonderful creations, just as our Pakistani children will be when they are at last in their hands. So, thank you. And many thanks to Richard and Sarah for doing such a bang up job of covering the story.
I have already heard from two local women who want to contribute scarves for the project. (Fed. Ex. donation box at Tierra tomorrow night??) It’s bizarre needing to weigh the benefits of a better package against the ever looming (and growing) Fed. Ex. bill. My inclination is to continue to say, “Yes, thank you.”
Even as I am writing I hear a truck out front and it is Federal Express delivering five more scarves, from a lovely woman in NJ, Nancy, and her two friends. Gayle and Melissa. Nancy’s mom, who had wanted to contribute but found arthritic hands uncooperative included $25 more dollars towards shipping, bless her heart. I will include photos of these and (at least) two other scarves before week’s end.
My life has taken on a dreamlike quality, though I am mindful to stay grounded. I have not seen my dining room table in weeks. Thus this slightly out of focus tweaked photo seemed to speak to the situation.
I’m clear that one of the ways to continue to move gracefully through this Scarf Dance is to continue to share the blessings and challenges as they come. Today has been a really really good day. And tomorrow what I was thinking was The Last Scarf is arriving from Oklahoma. But this entire experience only grounds me further in the knowing that surrender is a good tool for Grand Dreams.
[OK, someone at the door at this very moment. It’s the mailman with Dee’s beautiful scarf from Oklahoma, and twenty dollars tucked among the threads. The Lord and Southern hearts provide. And the Universe and I have big smiles on our faces–OK, and maybe a few tears in our eyes.]
Thank you for walking with me in this project of the heart. Don’t forget to include Nazir Sabir in your prayers, for he is our Pakistani partner, and he is the one who has volunteered to see this through to the end of that road. Here is the road, again:
And here is Nazir Sabir’s precious rugged face. This is a man who spent the night near the summit of K2 (second tallest mountain on Earth) without a tent and survived. He has climbed Mount Everest and K2, and he is taking care to deliver our scarves. If you want something challenging done, get a kind hearted (internationally known!) mountaineer. (And if you want the expedition of a lifetime, email him!)
Thank you, dear readers. And thank you, Nazir Sabir.
Love and heartful blessings,
Kathryn xoxo
Posted on November 19th, 2008 by Kathryn
Filed under: The Scarf Initiative
This is so great, Kathryn! Heartwarming and warming as well! I’m delighted that you’re getting some recognition for taking the initiative on this. Hopefully, your selfless act will inspire others to reach out in their own way, wherever they are. Bless you!
Thanks, Silence! It will be interesting to see what happens in the next 48 hours! Hugs! Kathryn xoxo
Thank you so much for continuing to post updates as this is all very exciting! It is amazing to read how much this one act has grown and grown and touched the lives of so many.
Thanks, Cynthia.I don’t know where the expression “it took on a life of its own” came from, but I’m experiencing it. 🙂 LOL! It’s very *emotional* let me tell you! Kathryn xoxo
This continues to be quite an experience, doesn’t it? You are so very gracious and I believe that your earnest desire to help these children has kindled a flame that may grow into other projects somewhere soon. We can hope. Again, many thanks. (I’ll continue to visit you, here.) 🙂
I think it is Fabulous!!! How Inspiring!! 😀
Many Blessings to you, and all who contributed!
May the circle of Loving kindness journey safely!
Love you,
Antonia
xoxox
Hi, Shady Gardener, Thank you. My daughter just wrote about this very thing–the ripple effect. It is actually a very beautiful tribute to this project. (See http://www.hittingsend.com) Kathryn xox
Hi, Antonia, thank you so much for your blessings! Love, Mom xoxo
WP is being glitchy again, so I’m needing to hand-post Dee’s comment which came in early today:
Hi Kathryn, I’m so glad the scarf arrived safe and sound. I was worried I would be too late. Blessings on the project, and we’ll do it again next year. If we get more bloggers involved, can you imagine how many scarves you’ll then receive?~~Dee
Hi Kathryn,
I keep on thinking of beginnings and endings and beginnings again: The creation of the scarf itself, then their collection together. This plart of the scarf initiative may be coming to a close, but in a way the journey begins again…look at that road!
Best regards,
🙂
Philip
Hi, Dee, I’m speechless at the thought of doing this again next year, most likely because there are so very many tasks to accomplish today. Hanging the scarves (all arranged, by color, in stacks, to make the process more orderly). Preparing food. Photographing. Meeting all the guests tonight. Taking the show down after they leave. Then shrinkwrapping and packing. Yikes! One step at a time. Staying in the now. The only way to go. Kathryn xox
Good morning, Philip! So true. I have been reading trekking stories. The Places in Between by Rory Stewart (a must-read). Thin Air by Greg Child. (Read at your own risk.) And I’ve done a lot of research now about the area these scarves are going. It’s not easy to come by information, let me tell you. For starters they have no written language, as I believe I have mentioned. So, yes. They are not even half way there yet. It’s a long long long long way to Askole village. A long hard way. You-must-be-brave kind of way. Way braver than I am, that’s for sure. This project will be squarely in the hands of very brave men now.
Kathryn xoxo
Kathryn, by any chance do you have a Paypal account? I’d like to contribute towards shipping costs since I’m not a knitter. Doing it through Paypal could get the funds to you more quickly. Could you let us know?
Hi, Cindy and welcome. Very kind offer. I do not have a Paypal account. Not usually doing this sort of thing. I can email you an address where you can mail a cheque for any amount made out to Federal Express. There will be time to receive. Thank you very much. Kathryn xoxo
I believe all you need to receive funds via Paypal is an e-mail address. My eldest daughter is in Japan and I give her occasional gifts that way. The scarves were beautiful tonight. I’m so glad I found out about this before it was too late. Thanks so much and it was wonderful meeting you. Emma enjoyed it, too. :o)
Hi Kathryn how wonderful this is what you are doing, it is certainly a good deed. Fascinating reading as well. All the scarves look so beautiful and so does you Kathryn I can see in your eyes that you are enjoying it. Have a great weekend/ LOL Tyra
Welcome, Melodee! What an absolute joy to meet you last evening with your beautiful granddaughter. And how utterly kind of you to bring me an armload of soft, fanciful, wonderful scarves to add to the Pakistani package! (Oh, yes, she did!) 🙂 Thank you so very very much! Kathryn xox
Good morning, Tyra! There is no question that being involved in this project has been an enormous blessing, and we are only half way there. Thanks for tuning in and for your well wishes! Kathryn xox
Kathryn, this is so exciting. Thanks for all the work. We cannot believe how big this became.
Deb & Deb’s Mom.
Thanks, Deb and Deb’s mom! Yes, it’s been an amazing journey! Almost done on this end! Kathryn xoxo
Dearest Kathryn with your heartwarming story. I have been following closely and reading these posts to my blind sister, Nancy, that you know through our notes. She served in the Peace Corps in Afghanistan in the 70s and spent her entire life wrapping her arms around those less fortunate. She wept as I read, knowing that kindred souls like you make a huge difference for those less fortunate. Bless you, dear one, and enjoy the most beautiful Thanksgiving Day, knowing you have made a powerful impact on those you touch.
Oh, Joey, knowing now that you are reading to Nancy has really touched my heart and I am teary-eyed (again!). I am so moved that she was part of that group of adventurous souls who went to Afghanistan. Did you notice that two of the men who came to the showing were also Peace Corps volunteers in Afghanistan? This is so interesting! Three in one week have come forward! It makes perfect sense they would be particularly appreciative of this effort, and I now have two new local acquaintances who feel a kinship with this project. (What will happen next??) Please give Nancy a very big hug for me and thank her for her dedication and service to the less fortunate of Afghanistan. I’m certain there are people there who still remember her kindnesses those many years ago, and are richer for it. It is these small seeds of love that blossom into beautiful trees of gratitude. Love, Kathryn xox