Amani Ya Juu (Peace from above)

Amani Ya Juu is a peaceful oasis in the middle of Nairobi's hustle and bustle with a remarkable back story. John and the team from the course visited on Tuesday and I was kindly invited along. We were able to hear the story of how this ministry to traumatised refugee women from all over Africa began with a woman called Becky who was caught up in the war in Liberia, separated from her husband and forced to live as a refugee in a neighbouring country for more than a year. eventually she moved with her family to Kenya where she began a small group making placemats by hand with 3 refugee women to enable them to earn some money and to begin to live again rooted in the peace of Christ. It has grown into a thriving business employing 80 woman, producing 300 products and providing a wonderful restaurant/cafe in  a beautiful garden. and it's flourishing world wide.

Below is a short extract from the website... read more here:www.amaniafrica.org

Amani ya Juu is an example of how the power of peace, Christ’s peace, can transform isolated and broken lives into ones of celebration and hope. The story of Amani itself reflects what can happen when God’s peace truly takes root in hearts. From a fledgling group of hurting women to a vast network of diverse centers and cultures, the story bears witness to the power of Peace

 

The reconciliation quilt depicting how problems are solved and people are restored to peace in 10 different countries around Africa The dancing happy woman in the middle thankful for the cross of Christ (in red) and a broken African continent at the bottom. 

We were shown around the complex... the stamps used in the batik process... using wax to create a design on the fabric

 Then the cloth is dyed, laid on the grass  to dry and used to create the most amazing clothing, bags, tableware, toys, quilts Not to mention the beautiful jewellery and handcrafts.

This character is Whitcliff.. He's the guide on John's course - He was showing us how it was done - Inspired Emily to have a go too.