I am so thrilled to bring you an update from Traveling Postcards. There has been a surge of momentum and I am happy to bring you news from an amazing woman, doing amazing things!
April Rovero is a wildlife nature photographer and Soroptimist Club leader. She recently traveled to Namibia carrying with her a dozen or more Traveling Postcards. All the cards were made by women and girls who work with or volunteer their time for Soroptomist International in San Ramon Valley, California. It was their dream that these cards would travel to Africa. I am happy to share some photos and stories of her trip.
April met Patricia, a single mother of eight children while staying at the Sossusvlei Lodge in Namibia. Patricia chose a card that has special meaning to her and shared with April her story of hardship and economical struggle.
Patricia had been working hard to support her family and yet when her manger offered her an opportunity for more leadership at work she had been reluctant to take it. Patricia was fearful of more responsibility and felt that she did not have the education or skills to accept a new role. She originally tuned down the offer. After much persistence, her manger convinced her to try.
Patricia told April that she discovered that she indeed was up for the challenge. She felt that “the Traveling Postcard would be an on-going reminder that she should not be afraid to try new things.”
During their visit, Elizabeth had told April that she was saving money to buy a computer so that she could learn the new skills necessary for her next assignment! Upon her return home, April found a good used laptop computer and is looking for a way to send it to her.
April emailed me “The simple sharing of a Traveling Postcard with a young Namibian woman may end up changing her life if I am successful!
By now you have all seen the beautiful picture April took while visiting the Himba people in their native village. She was not sure if her translator (pictured standing in the center of the mother and her daughter) was able to fully describe Traveling Postcards, but did say that these women thoroughly enjoyed looking at all the beautiful cards.
My intention is that Traveling Postcards will withstand language and cultural borders, and that creativity and beauty will send a message from the heart no matter what.
Coming soon! Another amazing woman’s story with Traveling Postcards in Ghana.
ALSO Look for our brand new website coming in January. Our new site will have an updated resource section as well as detailed participation information and of course a gallery of beautiful postcards from all over the world!
Thanks to everyone who is participating in this project of kindness and connection. We can make a difference!
