Thankful: feeling or expressing gratitude

It’s that time of year when everyone’s asking, “What are you most thankful for?” We stopped and looked at each other and thought, “How do we even begin to list them all?” So, we will list a few:

We are thankful for you.

Without the support and encouragement from all of you, we wouldn’t exist as a ministry.

We are thankful for every person who purchased a bag this year.

To you, it may just be a cool bag from Africa. To us, it’s how the ladies earn the paychecks that provide for their families. You carry our story every day you wear that bag.

We are thankful for the ladies of Carry 117.

These women are so brave and so strong . . . and they are finally starting to believe it. They inspire us and have taught us so much

We asked our Carry 117 staff to share a little about what they were most thankful for this year. Check out what they said:

"This year I am most thankful that I was able to have the medical treatment and care that I needed for my headaches. Henok brought me in for an MRI, and he brought me to the best hospital in the city to get the help I needed. I can't believe I had this kind of access to medical treatment. I felt so taken care of. Also, my youngest daughter, Misgana, was able to go to preschool for the first time this year. It's been a good year. I feel so blessed."  Aynalem

"This year there are three things I am most thankful for. First, I am thankful that I can finally send my kids to school. Second, for the first time in my life, I have a sustainable income. Thirdly, I am so happy that I can now eat three meals a day."  Shitoe

"I am most thankful that I no longer have to worry about feeling alone. I can make a phone call to any of the Carry 117 family, and they will be there for me. When I used to get sick, I would hide it. Now, I make a phone call . . . and I have someone who will take care of me. Also, I am so thankful for the way Henok loves my daughter Selam."  Alem

"This year, I am most thankful that Carry 117 has seen leadership ability in me and is sending me to Leadership School two nights a week. I am thankful for the opportunity to learn. I am also thankful that not only am I being sent to school, but Henok is mentoring me in how to lead the ladies. He is like a brother to me." Misikir

"This year, I am thankful that when I lost my home because the landlord tripled my rent overnight, Henok offered for me to live on the Carry 117 compound until I could find a new place. I am thankful that not only am I taken care of financially, but emotionally and physically I feel taken care of. Also, I am thankful that without me even knowing, my little boy, Yabsera, asked Henok for two school books, and Henok bought them for him. I love that my little boy knows he is safe to go to my boss. My boy felt so loved, and so did I." Medi

"I am so thankful that I get to be part of Carry 117. It is a privilege to train these ladies to sew. It is so amazing seeing how they have grown. I am also thankful just for the friendship I have with them and the love I receive from them." Shim

From our hearts across the oceans, we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with your friends and family.