Giving Thanks...

It's been an incredible year.

We are thankful for so much.

We asked the ladies of Carry 117 what they were most thankful for this year... this is what they said:

“I am so thankful for what I have learned at Carry 117. Even though almost every one is younger than me, I get to learn a lot from them. I am especially thankful for Medi’s jokes. My Carry 117 family keeps me alive. Over the last year on staff here, I am learning that life isn’t just about money... it’s also about giving and receiving love.”Etanesh

“I am so thankful that I have all my kids with me. I am thankful that my daughter Selam got in to a new private school, which is much better for her. So thankful for the self-esteem that I have been able to acquire, for the salary increase that I got, so thankful that I am able to cook for my friends here at Carry 117. For having Etanesh and Meseret, my friends, join me here... they are so amazing. It’s an awesome thing to see them thrive and I am so happy to have them here with us.”Alem

“I am so thankful that God provided us with a new compound! It’s such a great environment and we are able to make products with such a good quality. I am also thankful for the new house that I got for me and my son. It’s much better and much cleaner. Also I am thankful for the new skills that I have. Now I know how to do every thing from scratch, which I wasn’t able to do before I got here. Lastly, my son Yabsira came the top of his class and I am so thankful for that.”Medi

“I am thankful that my daughter Misgana is in kindergarten now and is doing well. She is such a healthy and happy kid. I am also thankful that we at Carry 117 are now being able to make leather bags, and make beautiful new designs. And I am very thankful for our new leather sewing machines at Carry 117.”Aynalem

“I am thankful to be part of the Carry 117 family this year. It’s such an amazing place. I have a family that cares for me and that are here for me all the time. I am so thankful that now I have a job and I am supporting myself and my family with my income.”Meseret

“I am so thankful that I am graduating in a month from school with the highest grade in my class. I am hoping to continue more with my education. I am also so thankful that we were able to serve our community when they where going trough a difficult time (trash landslide). I am thankful that we as a team got to encourage our friends and help them walk through the difficult times.”Misikir

“This year I am specifically thankful for my family and friends who are so encouraging - not just in my personal life, but also when it comes to work. I feel like the most blessed guy in the world to have friends like Eyob, Sami & Yili who are always checking on Carry 117 & the ladies & the Guest House and guests when I am traveling or overwhelmed with so many things on my to-do list.Additionally, I am thankful for my family and friends in the US - everything we do really is a combination of everybody’s work. I am so thankful I have so many people to love me and care for me and encourage me.I am thankful for the women we have been entrusted with. It’s not an easy job for them. Every day they are trying to learn and grow. Thankful for their patience and for everything that they do. They are growing in their production skills. It takes years to learn how to sew leather. Actually, it takes a college degree to learn to sew leather, and these ladies are teaching themselves and teaching each other. Thankful also to see their self-esteem growing. Thankful when I hear them joking around and laughing with each other one minute, and cheering each other or praying together the next. And lastly, I am most thankful for Jesus. I am thankful He chose me to do this. I feel so honored He trusted me with this ministry. He gives me the courage and the means and all that I need to keep going. He really is my provider.”Henok Berhanu