mpola mpola

Hey everybody,
I just added a paypal donate button to this blog ( pretty big deal for a die hard luddite like myself)! I'm hoping that we can raise money to aid in funding my trip to Uganda in February, as well as take one step closer to being able to sell beads online, and make it easier for anyone who wants to donate to our cause.

About two weeks ago my business partners and I ( my mother of course, and my Aunt Val who uses her business degree to help us create necessary paper work, sell beads, etc etc) met up in Milwaukee Wisconsin and worked on, amongst other things, our Fair Trade Federation Application. It seems we're back on this route again; trying to get Fair Trade Certified to up our credentials, and hopefully get us into some stores!

As we spoke, the list of things we need ( and want) to do in order to keep Path of Paper running grew by the second. We are well aware of our limitations and realize quite fully that we might be in over our heads, but the good thing is that our motivation is back! So be ready for lots of updates, lots of changes and a whole lot more professionalism!

Path of Paper is improving and I'm already counting down the days until I am back in Uganda.

Going Back

I've decided that I need to go back to Iganga. My mom and I have hit a road block in filling out the non-profit status application,plus with a full time job, I've found it hard to be as pro active about POP as I should be. But I've been working on establishing a similar business at my 9-5. I've worked with some really inspirational people and their insight has reignited my passion for the women in Iganga.
I also recently got an email from Peter Nsubuga, who was my supervisor when I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Uganda. He told me that the political dust has settled, but that food prices have doubled in the last 3 months!! That's outrageous! Can you imagine paying double what you pay for groceries by October? Especially if you're struggling already, it must be so stressful. Plus, the rains have been delayed in coming, making growing personal crops impossible.

Anyways, my goal is to go back to Iganga in February or March of 2012. Until then, my mom and I are back onto filling out the non profit application and getting the word out about our group.
I'm praying for the women of Iganga. I hope my own selfishness won't stop me from using the great opportunity I have to help women elevate their status and their families.

Thinking about Uganda.....

The second of these links is very disturbing, and they both really got my heart racing. I have to admit I've been distracted recently from dedication to Path of Paper. With a new job, city, and chapter in my life I was feeling more distant from Iganga than ever before. But, these videos took me back to the streets I used to know, woke me from my British Royal wedding self indulgent lifestyle and reminded me not to forget the people who became my heart.
In the coming weeks, we at Path of Paper are getting in gear to get a lot accomplished! There are new products, new ideas, new 501 c3 forms, and new help to enlist!
We're going to be present at the Blair Middle School Spring Craft Fair on May 7th (from 9am-3pm), so show up, email us, and friggen do something with what ya got!

Thanks so much for your interest and support!





http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13237058


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13243259

fantabulouso

who wants to have a bead party?