tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311898562024-03-08T13:02:37.896-08:00Grace BKeeping in touch around the world...Travel, Economic Development, Missions, Life.Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-9943143607138205922011-01-18T08:05:00.000-08:002011-01-18T08:38:07.782-08:00SOOO Behind<span style="font-weight: bold;">A lot has happened since I last posted. I went to Guatemala with the Chalmers Center on a wonderful trip where I got to teach classes on small business principles for low-income people.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TTW7zwGFoSI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/DQGHvsMZtzM/s1600/100_0761.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TTW7zwGFoSI/AAAAAAAAE7Y/DQGHvsMZtzM/s400/100_0761.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563559412444274978" border="0" /></a>With Sara Mamani from Bolivia, a member of the Chalmers Global Fellowship of Trainers and FABULOUS facilitator. She and I co-taught the class. She's amazing.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TTW7zLhQ2LI/AAAAAAAAE7Q/gzQyv6ld0-0/s1600/100_0734.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TTW7zLhQ2LI/AAAAAAAAE7Q/gzQyv6ld0-0/s400/100_0734.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563559402626144434" border="0" /></a>Teaching. LOVED this. Great group of students and practical subject.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TTW7y1d4AWI/AAAAAAAAE7I/2RULe4q1Prs/s1600/100_0675.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TTW7y1d4AWI/AAAAAAAAE7I/2RULe4q1Prs/s400/100_0675.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563559396706353506" border="0" /></a>Market set up in Chichicastenango, Guatemala.<br /><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">I went to Peru for work on Peru Paper with Mason and designer (now my new BFF) <a href="http://www.elizabethcarlock.com/">Elizabeth Carlock</a> and had a wonderful time with them and the Peru Paper ladies.<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TTW70jF5adI/AAAAAAAAE7g/X27hmawlfI0/s1600/100_0797.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TTW70jF5adI/AAAAAAAAE7g/X27hmawlfI0/s400/100_0797.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563559426133682642" border="0" /></a>Riding in a taxi in Trujillo w/ Mason and Elizabeth<br /></div></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TTW702ImMpI/AAAAAAAAE7o/C78H_VECChM/s1600/100_0777.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TTW702ImMpI/AAAAAAAAE7o/C78H_VECChM/s400/100_0777.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563559431245279890" border="0" /></a>In the Trujillo Plaza de Armas with Mason<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Then, Mason and I got engaged the day before Thanksgiving!!! So, my life has been busy and wonderful and full of wedding planning and trying to run a business in the midst of everything. </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://weddings.theknot.com/pwp/pwp2/view/MemberPage.aspx?coupleId=5704266694986175">See here</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> for more wedding info and the engagement story! Keep up with Peru Paper on </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="https://www.perupaper.com/cart/">our website</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">, </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=25105327198#%21/perupaper">Facebook</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">, and </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://twitter.com/#%21/perupaper">twitter</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">. Still LOTS going on there and many new things in store!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TTXBQg9irjI/AAAAAAAAE70/hh3xUn0LBU4/s1600/IMG_3512.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TTXBQg9irjI/AAAAAAAAE70/hh3xUn0LBU4/s400/IMG_3512.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563565404156243506" border="0" /></a>With Mason outside my parent's house on Thanksgiving Day.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Now, I'm getting ready for the Dallas Market Center! Leaving tomorrow! Thanks for reading!<br /></div></div></div><br /></div>Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-59228608229948786342010-11-05T20:13:00.000-07:002010-11-06T07:12:15.319-07:00End of Lausanne ReportHere's the end of the report on the Lausanne trip to First Pres. Jackson last Sunday. (Read the first part in the previous post.) I'll report on what's going on in Guatemala soon!<br /><br /><style>@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">We were exhorted by Os Guiness to remember the importance of truth in a plural world, heard from Tim Keller about the importance of taking the Gospel to the cities, learned from Femi Adeleye of Nigeria of the harm and false teaching of the prosperity gospel which is rampant across the world, heard from Antoine Rutayisire from Rwanda how only the Gospel can bring healing and reconciliation to a country torn apart by genocide.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">We also heard riveting testimonies from people around the world including:</p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>-Christians suffering from AIDS</p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>-a Nigerian pastor who has routinely been beaten and had his life threatened for preaching the name of Christ</p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>-a widow whose husband was martyred while on a medical mission in Afghanistan earlier this year who challenged us to be the aroma of Christ to those who are perishing so that they might seek and find the true bread of life</p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>-an orphan from North Korea whose father was arrested and most likely killed by the North Korean government for his gospel ministry who now has a heart for the people of North Korea and is seeking to return to that country to spread the love of Christ, despite enormous dangers to her.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>-a woman from India who works with International Justice Mission to free people caught in modern day slavery and many, many more stories of those laboring for the cause of Christ, people of “whom this world is not worthy.”<span style=""> </span></p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Some of you may have heard that the delegation of nearly 200 people from China was not allowed by their government to attend the conference.<span style=""> </span>This reminder of the religious persecution faced by those around the world today spurred us on to pray for their protection and witness, while simultaneously being encouraged that the gospel of Jesus Christ will go forth, even under difficult circumstances.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>Also very noticeable at the conference was the emphasis on the shift of the center of Christianity to the global south:<span style=""> </span>to Africa, Latin America, and Asia.<span style=""> </span>Christianity is no longer a Western religion, and the Western church was humble in seeking encouragement and partnership with those around the world while recognizing the need to hold fast to the truth of Scripture; to not be ensnared by the false idols of materialism, consumerism, and secularism; and to see that God truly is raising up for Himself a people from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>We were encouraged by letters from Billy Graham and John Stott, both who were pivotal in starting Lausanne decades ago, but who were not able to physically participate in this Congress due to their health and age.<span style=""> </span>We were encouraged as Hebrews 13:7 states to “remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you.<span style=""> </span>Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”<span style=""> </span></p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>I was personally encouraged to meet and fellowship with people from around the globe who claimed the name of Christ and sought to make His name known in their countries and around the world.<span style=""> </span>Meeting Christians whose lives are in danger for even speaking the name of Christ was humbling, but knowing that they are ministering the word of God in those contexts and were more zealous for the gospel than I have ever been was a challenge and exhortation to me unlike any I have ever experienced.<span style=""> </span>It was incredible to see how God’s kingdom is expanding and Christianity is growing to reach every part of the world.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The closing worship ceremony last Sunday was a foretaste of heaven as people from around the globe gathered to take communion, hear the truth of God’s word, and worship our risen Lord together.<span style=""> </span>Singing “In Christ Alone” together was a moving experience, and meditating on the words “for every sin on Him was laid,” knowing that the thousands present represented the billions of people on earth, making the cost of our salvation and the worth of Christ more real to me than ever before.<span style=""> </span>We ended the conference by singing “Crown Him with Many Crowns,” as was sung at the 1910 World Missionary Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland and anticipation of the day when we will together with the whole world celebrate the lamb upon his throne!</p>Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-24927626353725530652010-11-04T19:21:00.000-07:002010-11-04T19:28:31.151-07:00Update on LausanneLast Sunday night, I gave an update at my church, <a href="http://www.fpcjackson.org/">First Pres. in Jackson</a>, about the trip to Lausanne. Also, I just arrived in Chichicastenango, Guatemala for a CEDI (Christian Economic Development Institute), so I'll try to update on here. <a href="http://cedi2010.wordpress.com/">Read more about the CEDI here.<br /></a><br />But, back to the Lausanne update. It's a little long to read, so I'll post it in two parts. Here's the first part:<br /><br /><style>@font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; }</style> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">I, along with Dr. Duncan, was privileged to recently participate in the third-ever worldwide Lausanne Congress on World Evangelism held in Capetown, South Africa.<span style=""> </span>The Congress brought together over 4,000 representatives from evangelical Christianity from 198 countries.<span style=""> </span>This global church council came together to discuss pressing issues facing the spread of the Gospel worldwide.<span style=""> </span>The Capetown 2010 website states that meetings like this “allow the body of Christ to come together on issues which impact the integrity of the gospel and the future of the life and witness of the church.”<span style=""> </span>Some of the issues discussed included “responding redemptively to challenges to the gospel by other beliefs; HIV/AIDS; poverty; the need for in-depth discipleship, environmental concerns; and globalization and urbanization” among others.<span style=""> </span>Capetown 2010 was designed to allow brothers and sisters in Christ to come together as leaders in the church, prayerfully seeking God’s wisdom for solutions to overcome the barriers to sharing the good news of the Gospel.” The theme verse of the week was 2 Corinthians 5:19, “God in Christ, reconciling the world to himself,” a fitting verse as it points us to the truth that it is through Christ that we are reconciled to God and that this reconciliation is for the whole world.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>For those of you not familiar with the Lausanne movement, it was started by Billy Graham, when in 1974 he initiated the first worldwide Congress on world evangelism in Lausanne, Switzerland, gathering leaders from around the globe for discussion, fellowship, worship, and prayer, seeking to be “The Whole Church taking the Whole Gospel to the Whole World". Since 1974, dozens of Lausanne-related global, regional, and topical conferences have been convened all over the world, with a second worldwide congress held in Manila, Philippines in 1989.<span style=""> </span>The Capetown meeting sought “to discern where the church should put its efforts and energies so that we can most effectively respond to Christ’s call to take the gospel into all the world and make disciples of people,” with three primary goals: a greater sense of unity in the body of Christ, a greater sense of clarity of the gospel, and a greater sense of ordered priority in the task before us.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>It is impossible to sum up all we learned, experienced, and felt during 7 very full days of sitting under the preaching of God’s word; worshipping with believers of different nationalities, cultures, and languages; discussing global issues and how the Gospel applies to them; networking and strategizing for possible partnerships; and hearing how God is at work around the world.<span style=""> </span>It was a stimulating, encouraging, challenging, and humbling time.</p> <p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal"><span style=""> </span>The Congress was structured around table groups of 5 and 6 people, allowing you to get to know a small group of people from different countries and discuss the specific issues and how they related to their individual contexts.<span style=""> </span>My table included people from Hong Kong, Germany, India, and Papua New Guinea, and I was thankful for all I learned from them.<span style=""> </span>We studied through the book of Ephesians (which, we have also been reading through here at First Pres.!) with those at our table and heard daily expositions from Ephesians from teachers from around the world, including John Piper from the US who challenged us that we are to care about all human suffering, temporal and especially eternal, and that to not care about human suffering indicated that we either had a defective view of hell or a defective heart.<span style=""> </span>Challenging words indeed!<span style=""> </span></p>Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-9298324352241348052010-10-29T08:11:00.001-07:002010-10-29T09:01:01.091-07:00South AfricaWas my last post really in July?! Am I really that boring?! Sorry, folks. There's been a lot going on, and in between updating the <a href="www.perupaper.com">Peru Paper website</a>, our facebook and twitter pages, and just keeping up with email and life and running a small business, my blog sat neglected.<br /><br />The last two and a half weeks, I was in South Africa for the <a href="http://www.lausanne.org/cape-town-2010">Lausanne Congress on World Evangelism</a>, as well as a bit of sight-seeing. South Africa is a beautiful country with an interesting and often sad history, although grace and redemption abound in their story and people.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TMrquXtKwmI/AAAAAAAAEoE/fM6BcRlrxOs/s1600/100_0404.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TMrquXtKwmI/AAAAAAAAEoE/fM6BcRlrxOs/s400/100_0404.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533493174536421986" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">South Africa's flag on Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned.</span><br /></div><br />I hope to post more on what I learned and saw, but until then, check out the <a href="http://www.lausanne.org/cape-town-2010">Lausanne website here</a> and enjoy some of the pictures below while I get back to work!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TMrqtuaOLNI/AAAAAAAAEn0/eKqDKFkH_00/s1600/100_0389.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TMrqtuaOLNI/AAAAAAAAEn0/eKqDKFkH_00/s400/100_0389.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533493163451100370" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Clara Lee and I on the ferry to Robben Island</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TMrquBePk-I/AAAAAAAAEn8/WhmKXlSlW28/s1600/100_0402.JPG"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TMrquBePk-I/AAAAAAAAEn8/WhmKXlSlW28/s400/100_0402.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533493168568243170" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Taken on Robben Island with Capetown and Table Mountain in the background.</span><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TMrqu6VlUcI/AAAAAAAAEoM/IPs04DiH0q8/s1600/100_0427.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TMrqu6VlUcI/AAAAAAAAEoM/IPs04DiH0q8/s400/100_0427.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533493183832740290" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Penguins!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TMrqvdlEgJI/AAAAAAAAEoU/IibK4Foml6U/s1600/100_0464.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TMrqvdlEgJI/AAAAAAAAEoU/IibK4Foml6U/s400/100_0464.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533493193292939410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Cape of Good Hope</span><br /></div>Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-70793761753788165782010-07-30T19:26:00.000-07:002010-07-30T20:04:38.031-07:00Talking about Peru PaperWow- I looked at my blog and realized it's been over a month since I posted anything. It's not that there's nothing going on, because there's been tons going on, actually. I went to a tradeshow in Atlanta where I had a great time with Bethany Heath who was an amazing help in the booth, hung out with my very hospitable extended family, and met some incredible folks with cool businesses. Oh, and I sold cards and got new <a href="https://www.perupaper.com/cart/pages/Retail-Locations.html">retail locations</a> too. And <a href="http://cuniatrujillo.wordpress.com/">Heather an</a><a href="http://cuniatrujillo.wordpress.com/">d Calin</a> came to visit me in my booth. Loved seeing friends from Peru state-side...<br /><br />I'm not really a huge fan of seeing myself on tv, but I do love to tell the story of <a href="https://www.perupaper.com/cart/">Peru Paper</a>, and I love for other folks to know us and give us business and tell others. I love how God is using this business to change the lives of women in Peru and encourage people all over the world.<br /><br />So, watch the interview <a href="http://www.whoaministries.com/whoa-show">here</a> if you have the time (and you can fast forward through the parts where the commercials would go on tv, or the cooking part in the middle where you can learn to make blueberry muffins. Unless you'd like to learn to make blueberry muffins...) or, if you're in the Jackson area, it will be on WAPT (ABC) on Sunday morning, Aug 1 (my mom's birthday!) from 10:30-11. I'll be in Sunday School then, but like I said earlier, I'm not a huge fan of seeing myself on tv, so watching it through once on my computer will do for me for now. Although I hope tons of people do watch it to learn more about Peru Paper. Anyway, enough rambling. Enjoy! And then <a href="https://www.perupaper.com/cart/">go buy some cards</a>. Really. We can't run a business without customers, and without this business, these ladies don't have these jobs (and, also, because they're just cool cards).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whoaministries.com/whoa-show"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TFORc5L54zI/AAAAAAAAEnM/Otf8E3dat-c/s400/Screen+shot+2010-07-30+at+9.57.51+PM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5499899495522624306" border="0" /></a>Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-43305817438210658812010-06-26T07:50:00.002-07:002010-06-26T08:38:59.921-07:00My New Favorite ThingI've always liked Tim Keller: I love his books <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Reason-God-Belief-Age-Skepticism/dp/1594483493/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277566234&sr=8-1">The Reason for God</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Counterfeit-Gods-Empty-Promises-Matters/dp/0525951369/ref=bxgy_cc_b_img_b">Counterfeit Gods</a>, and I've heard from many that I need to read his other book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Prodigal-God-Recovering-Heart-Christian/dp/0525950796/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b">The Prodigal God</a> (I love his sermon series on the topic.) Also, my good friend Clara Lee works with his church, Redeemer in New York, and I love the work they're doing in NYC and around the world. My newest favorite thing is listening to his <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/timothy-keller-podcast/id352660924">podcasts</a> in the car. He is amazingly encouraging and convicting and understands and communicates the Gospel in a way that few do. I'd highly recommend his sermons to anyone and everyone. Get the <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/timothy-keller-podcast/id352660924">podcasts on itunes here</a>. If you have questions about Christianity, he answers them and explains the Gospel wonderfully. If you're a Christian, you will be greatly encouraged in your faith.Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-20270059367568683282010-06-08T08:06:00.000-07:002010-06-08T08:22:35.198-07:00Cool new products!I know my blog has been far from interesting lately (and that's my fault- there's been interesting stuff going on with two markets in the last month), and hopefully I'll pick things up soon. With trips to South Africa and Guatemala and hopefully Peru in store for the rest of 2010, there should be lots of amazing things to tell about new experiences and seeing God at work in new ways.<br /><br />But, one thing I'm really excited about now is a very cool new product that we've been working on for a while- <a href="https://www.perupaper.com/cart/categories/Monogram-Single-Initial-Sets/">single initial monogram stationery sets</a>! Yes, that's a mouthful for a product name, but they're very cool and would make great gifts (Father's Day is coming up! Lots of men have expressed interest in these sets.) Check them out, order a set (or 2...or 3!), and tell your friends!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://www.perupaper.com/cart/categories/Monogram-Single-Initial-Sets/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 335px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/TA5fdEyxA8I/AAAAAAAAEmM/IsqnPA57N28/s400/Screen+shot+2010-06-08+at+10.03.05+AM.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480422749663986626" border="0" /></a>Also, we're adding more retail locations where <a href="https://www.perupaper.com/cart/">Peru Paper</a> is sold. Check out the list <a href="https://www.perupaper.com/cart/pages/Retail-Locations.html">here</a> and visit the stores in your area!Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-27959014455043214642010-05-21T16:51:00.000-07:002010-05-21T16:54:41.740-07:00UpdatesI've had a ton going on lately, and I hope to update the blog about everything that's been going on, especially the National Stationery Show that I was at recently in New York City. I got to hang out with Allen Bradford and Clara Lee who I was with in Peru, my wonderful friend Melissa from grad school, and my wonderful brother.<br /><br />But, you can check out this <a href="http://bctokyo2010.blogspot.com/">other blog</a> to read about what my mom and sister Jackie have been doing lately in <span style="font-weight: bold;">Japan</span>! I can't wait to see them when they're home next week and see their pictures and hear how everything has gone.Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-88811083743436919592010-05-03T10:34:00.000-07:002010-05-03T10:44:16.001-07:00Russell Moore on the Oil SpillI love <a href="http://www.russellmoore.com/">Dr. Russell Moore</a>. His blog is great. His book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Adopted-Life-Priority-Adoption-Christian/dp/1581349114/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1272908614&sr=8-1"><span style="font-style: italic;">Adopted for Life</span></a> is incredible- everyone who wants to know more of God's heart for orphans (and what our heart should be for orphans) and God's adopting love for his children should read it. His recent blog article entitled <a href="http://www.russellmoore.com/2010/05/01/the-gulf-of-mexico-and-the-care-of-creation/">"The Gulf of Mexico and the Care of Creation"</a> is worth the read. Here's an excerpt from the article:<br /><p style="font-weight: bold;">We need the creation around us, including the waters and all they contain, because we are not gods. We are creatures who thrive when we live as we were made to live. We exercise dominion over the creation not only when we use it, but also when we conserve it for the generations who will come after.</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;">So pray for the Gulf Coast, that the oil wouldn’t devastate a people and a land already devastated by so much. As you do, remember: real conservatives protect what God loves.</p><p style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://www.russellmoore.com/2010/05/01/the-gulf-of-mexico-and-the-care-of-creation/">Read all of it here</a>.</span><br /></p>Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-39268533580037594572010-04-23T15:06:00.000-07:002010-04-23T15:09:55.829-07:00This encouraged me today<a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/rayortlund/2010/04/22/all-that-matters-is-who-god-is/">This blog post</a> on <a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/">The Gospel Coalition</a> entitled "All that matters is who God is" was a tremendous encouragement to me. Here's an excerpt for you:<br /><p style="font-weight: bold;">“Well, you say, but though God is able to help me, I fear that God is not willing to help me, and therefore I am discouraged. But be of good comfort, says the Lord, for my name is <em>Merciful</em>, and therefore I am willing to help you.</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;">But you say, though the Lord is willing to help me, yet I am a poor unworthy creature and have nothing at all to move God to help me. Yet be of good comfort, for the Lord says again, My name is <em>Gracious</em>. I do not show mercy because you are good, but because I am good."</p><p>Read it all <a href="http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/rayortlund/2010/04/22/all-that-matters-is-who-god-is/">here.</a><br /></p>Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-36809311040892070072010-04-21T14:47:00.001-07:002010-04-21T14:50:28.857-07:00The best way to celebrate Earth Day?<a href="http://myfoxymail.com/display.php?M=20705&C=8f4d10db7bfa506a03a8c487f3d0124b&S=264&L=6&N=163">With $5 off your Peru Paper purchase!</a> Click on the latest newsletter below for more info!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://myfoxymail.com/display.php?M=20705&C=8f4d10db7bfa506a03a8c487f3d0124b&S=264&L=6&N=163"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S89y-yYJ-mI/AAAAAAAAEkQ/w0LmaVpgKKI/s400/Picture+9.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462711296024246882" border="0" /></a>Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-3151156035408349002010-04-08T14:53:00.000-07:002010-04-08T15:02:01.087-07:00Special on Baby Cards!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://www.perupaper.com/cart/categories/Baby/"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S75SLJFuq5I/AAAAAAAAEjM/ORA-h1CKQpA/s400/IMG_6953.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457890149791607698" border="0" /></a>In honor of my new nephew, <a href="https://www.perupaper.com/cart/categories/Baby/">all baby cards</a> are $1.25 off now through the end of the month! Use the code <span style="font-weight: bold;">NEWBABY </span>at checkout to use this discount. Our baby cards are some of my favorites, and I always get compliments whenever I give them. They're also great to frame in a collage in a baby's nursery! Read our latest <a href="http://myfoxymail.com/display.php?M=20705&C=8f4d10db7bfa506a03a8c487f3d0124b&S=235&L=6&N=141">newsletter</a> below for more info.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://myfoxymail.com/display.php?M=20705&C=8f4d10db7bfa506a03a8c487f3d0124b&S=235&L=6&N=141"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 379px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S75RPzT--QI/AAAAAAAAEjE/qnO4p0L9_pY/s400/Picture+5.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457889130333534466" border="0" /></a>Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-70614453601607422912010-04-07T09:06:00.000-07:002010-04-07T09:20:48.057-07:00Just call me Tia!<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Yesterday, my nephew Carson Bateman Edwards made his grand entrance into the world. He came at 3:52 pm and weighed in at 6 lbs, 13 oz, and was 20 inches long. Rachel did a great job, and Carson's receiving lots of love. As the first grandchild on both sides of the family, he's sure to be spoiled. We're all in love with him, and he's very handsome. We are praising the Lord for a good delivery and a healthy baby.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S7ywJfthYNI/AAAAAAAAEio/7NOq7AG3DDk/s1600/100_0242.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S7ywJfthYNI/AAAAAAAAEio/7NOq7AG3DDk/s400/100_0242.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457430525643940050" border="0" /></a>Less than an hour old.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S7ywKCKjgKI/AAAAAAAAEi4/UdThcohrL8g/s1600/100_0238.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S7ywKCKjgKI/AAAAAAAAEi4/UdThcohrL8g/s400/100_0238.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457430534892519586" border="0" /></a>Mama Rachel and Tia Grace<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S7ywJ2Nw30I/AAAAAAAAEiw/wruiJxFgOfE/s1600/100_0236.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S7ywJ2Nw30I/AAAAAAAAEiw/wruiJxFgOfE/s400/100_0236.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457430531684753218" border="0" /></a>Beautiful new family.<br /><br /></div>Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-24413269587164450462010-03-17T19:31:00.000-07:002010-03-17T19:43:37.608-07:00What's Been Going OnA lot more than just Peru Paper! I know it seems that's all I've posted about lately (and I'm thankful that there's been a lot to talk about!), but lots of other stuff has happened lately, like my sister Sarah getting married last Saturday! We love our new brother-in-law Guin Kendrick and are so happy he's part of our family.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S6GR2wve00I/AAAAAAAAEiM/8jYo8ByNqEg/s1600-h/24112_520830406336_180501132_30930244_5492268_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S6GR2wve00I/AAAAAAAAEiM/8jYo8ByNqEg/s400/24112_520830406336_180501132_30930244_5492268_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449797394078028610" border="0" /></a>Sarah and Guin leaving the reception.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S6GSkKbhszI/AAAAAAAAEiU/kTkDLH89DnU/s1600-h/24112_520830216716_180501132_30930207_6962132_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S6GSkKbhszI/AAAAAAAAEiU/kTkDLH89DnU/s400/24112_520830216716_180501132_30930207_6962132_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449798174067766066" border="0" /></a>Me and Rachel at the rehearsal<br /><br /><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S6GSkZ1r8hI/AAAAAAAAEic/DJLDU87JXi0/s1600-h/24112_520830311526_180501132_30930226_5382863_n.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S6GSkZ1r8hI/AAAAAAAAEic/DJLDU87JXi0/s400/24112_520830311526_180501132_30930226_5382863_n.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449798178204021266" border="0" /></a>Rachel, me, and Jackie waiting for pictures before the ceremony.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">If you can't tell from the pictures, my sister Rachel is going to have a baby SOON! I can't wait to be an aunt. Lots of pictures will follow once my nephew makes his grand debut! (And thanks to my cousin Elise for these pictures!)<br /></div></div></div></div>Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-36712749140777634082010-03-08T20:41:00.000-08:002010-03-08T20:50:08.478-08:00Who received Peru Paper cards at the OscarsWell, the Oscars were last night so the stars got their swag bags, and a lucky group of them got a bag with <a href="http://www.perupaper.com/cart">Peru Paper</a> cards in them. Check out this list. It's pretty amazing to think that all these folks have my cards! Hopefully they'll take the time to read the story behind Peru Paper and see the amazing work that this little business is doing in the lives of <a href="https://www.perupaper.com/cart/pages/Peru-Paper-Women-Bios.html">some amazing women</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:black;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1.Gabourey Sidibe - Precious<br />2. Colin Firth<br />3. Jeff Bridges<br />4. Vera Farmiga<br />5. Anna Kendrick<br />6. Morgan Freeman<br />7. Stanley Tucci<br />8. Zoe Saldana (Avatar)<br />9. James Cameron<br />10. Carey Hannah Mulligan ( Nominee "An Education")<br />11. Stephen Lang (Actor Avatar)<br />12. Sandra Bullock<br />13. Jamie Foxx<br />14. Mo'Nique<br />15. Ryan Seacrest<br />16. Jon Landau (Producer Avatar)<br />17. Maury Yeston (Song Writer Nominee for "Nine")<br />18. Jess Dorman Editor "Entertainment Weekly"<br />19. Mendhi Eftakari GM Four Seasons Hotel Beverly Hills<br />20. Erika Hampson Producer The New Tenants<br />21. Sam Bisbee Producer The New Tenants<br />22. Simon Bax CEO Pixar<br />23. Maggie Gylanhall<br />24. Susan Sarandon<br />25. Oprah Winfrey</span></span></span>Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-21020068488193807942010-03-05T08:25:00.000-08:002010-03-05T09:40:28.970-08:00Peru Paper in the NewsI've excited about some of the press that Peru Paper has been receiving lately. The biggest news is a story that a Jackson, MS news station ran on our company and how we got our products into <a href="http://www.hollywoodbaskets.com/">Oscar swag bags</a>. (I'll tell you in a minute how we did that.) Watch the video<a href="http://bit.ly/bR8dbY"> here</a> and read the story on their website <a href="http://www.my601.com/news/local/story/oscar-bags-local-greeting-cards/OoWZMwyyJEOpXjhBbpPVJg.cspx">here</a>.<br /><br />Also, my friend Kristina has a great blog and wrote a great post entitled "Inside the Artist's Studio: Peru Paper." She does a wonderful job highlighting some of the women who work with Peru Paper and does a fantastic job explaining what we're trying to accomplish with this business. Check it out <a href="http://handmadebykristina.blogspot.com/2010/03/inside-artists-studio-peru-paper.html">here</a>. She put together some great compilation pictures of our cards and the people of <a href="http://www.perupaper.com/cart">Peru Paper</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S5FBlVQ6VvI/AAAAAAAAEeM/5Frh46IuOKU/s1600-h/Picture+3.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 247px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S5FBlVQ6VvI/AAAAAAAAEeM/5Frh46IuOKU/s400/Picture+3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445205534086682354" border="0" /></a><br />So, how did I get the cards in Oscar swag bags? Well, there's a fabulous resource called "<a href="http://www.helpareporter.com/">HARO</a>" (Help a Reporter Out) which all my friends who have their own business should be on. It's an email query list where reporters of all sorts (from major news outlets to mommy bloggers). They also have requests for products for gift bags. A few months ago, I read a query for products for Oscar swag bags. I emailed the lady with the request about having Peru Paper in the gift bags. She like our products, I like who would get the bags (nominees and presenters at the Oscars), so I sent her the cards and am now waiting to see who's going to get the products!<br /><br />So, check out those stories to see what others are saying about Peru Paper, <a href="http://www.perupaper.com/cart">then go buy some cards</a> to contribute to the success of the story yourself!Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-82556920220969711592010-02-17T10:28:00.000-08:002010-02-17T10:37:50.132-08:00Where would you like to see Peru Paper?Check out <a href="https://www.perupaper.com/cart/">Peru Paper's</a> latest email update. We're looking for new retail locations where our products and story can be on display. Read the email <a href="http://myfoxymail.com/display.php?M=20705&C=8f4d10db7bfa506a03a8c487f3d0124b&S=158&L=6&N=77">here</a>, and sign up to receive these at our <a href="https://www.perupaper.com/cart/">website</a>! Also, the card giveaway is still going on at sweeps4bloggers. <a href="http://sweeps4bloggers.com/?p=1521">Enter to win</a> a Spring Boxed Set!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://myfoxymail.com/display.php?M=20705&C=8f4d10db7bfa506a03a8c487f3d0124b&S=158&L=6&N=77"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S3w138cx8uI/AAAAAAAAEdI/-M_IkIno1X4/s400/Picture+1.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439281685192635106" border="0" /></a>Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-20368096665813809832010-02-16T14:17:00.000-08:002010-02-16T14:22:40.012-08:00Haiti: Helping Without HurtingWant to learn more about Haiti and how the church can and should be involved? Want to know how you can and should be involved? The Chalmers Center has a 3-part webinar starting <span style="font-weight: bold;">tomorrow</span> February 17 from 1-2 pm EST entitled <span style="font-style: italic;">Haiti: Helping Without Hurting</span>. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in relief work in general, what is going on in Haiti, or what long-term work there should look like. The webinar's are free, and you can register <a href="http://www.chalmers.org/when-helping-hurts/webinar/haiti-02-2010.php">here</a>. Definitely worth doing!Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-22454653822190279582010-02-15T10:05:00.001-08:002011-08-31T15:40:47.588-07:00LatelyA few cool things I've gotten to do lately:
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<br />1. Attend a 1-year welcome home anniversary party for Karina Nasekos, daughter of Matthew and Sheila Nasekos who God brought into their family through adoption. Karina spent most of her 13 years in a Ukrainian orphanage, and is now a daughter of the Nasekos, a fellow member at First Pres. in Jackson, an advocate with her parents for orphaned and abandoned children, and a joy to all who know her. What a blessed event to celebrate! Check out the <a href="http://nasekos.blogspot.com/">Nasekos Family blog</a> to learn more about Karina and her amazing story!
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<br /><div style="text-align: left;">2. Talk to the ladies of <a href="https://www.perupaper.com/cart/">Peru Paper</a> on skype last Saturday. Oscar had a meeting with them all to update them on the business and to celebrate Valentine's Day and he called in from his computer. Here's a picture from the call. I loved getting to "see" the ladies and talk with them.
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S3mOZIQxh1I/AAAAAAAAEbs/rFDgeDnXKP8/s1600-h/Picture+8.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 385px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S3mOZIQxh1I/AAAAAAAAEbs/rFDgeDnXKP8/s400/Picture+8.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438534587392296786" border="0" /></a>One half of the room- L to R: Monica, Marleny, Teresa, Azucena, Jackeline (and her son)
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<br /><div style="text-align: left;">3. I saw <a href="http://www.theblindsidemovie.com/">The Blind Side</a>, and I LOVED IT! If you get the chance, go see it. It's a great story about adoption, sports, a family living out their faith, and Michael Oher overcoming some pretty big obstacles among other things. Plus, it was funny and the acting was great. I highly recommend it. It's nominated for an Oscar Best Picture and for Sandra Bullock for Leading Actress. I hope the movie wins both awards!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S3mq5wgGHrI/AAAAAAAAEck/oZQvmay84YQ/s1600-h/IMGP5708+-+2010-02-12+at+02-36-10.jpg">
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<br /></div></div></div>Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-12397580524783596982010-02-10T13:59:00.000-08:002010-02-15T12:06:26.326-08:00Peru Paper Card Giveaway!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sweeps4bloggers.com/"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 140px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S3Mvy0_tZ2I/AAAAAAAAEao/8ZWGsr3k-ks/s400/Picture+6.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436741725432145762" border="0" /></a><a href="https://www.perupaper.com/cart/">Peru Paper Company cards</a> are currently listed on the <a href="http://sweeps4bloggers.com/?p=1521">Sweeps4Bloggers</a> website! I sent some cards in for review, and three <a href="https://www.perupaper.com/cart/products/Spring-Boxed-Set.html">Spring Boxed Sets</a> are going to be given away. The lady who runs the site, Valerie, wrote an amazing review of the products and company. Here's a little of what she said:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Peru Paper is based in an impoverished neighborhood in Trujillo, Peru and gives women the opportunity to earn a livable wage in an area where unemployment and opportunities are scarce. And… the women don’t need to kiss their children goodbye and head off to a factory to work. Peru Paper allows them to work from home as</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> their family schedules permit. The paper is made and the cards are assembled in their own homes! You can read more about these women and see photographs of the paper and card making process on their website</span>....<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The women put the cards together precisely. Mine look just like the ones in the picture. The texture of the brightly colored handmade paper is gorgeous. The boxed set would make a great gift as is or you can keep the cards for yourself and make 8 lucky recipients happy.</span>"<br /><br />Check out the entire review <a href="http://sweeps4bloggers.com/?p=1521">here</a>, and enter to win the cards yourself! She posted the instructions with the review, but basically, you write what your favorite card or aspect of the business is and post it to her review, and then you can have bonus entries by following Peru Paper (and Valerie) on facebook and twitter, and joining our newsletter. Let your friends know as well! This is a great way to spread the word about Peru Paper Company! There are other cool things being given away on the website as well...in fact, I might enter to win some of those. (Jason was looking at it last night and kept commenting on all the things he'd like to win.."oohh, a percolator.")<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sweeps4bloggers.com/?p=1521"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S3MukJJ-eeI/AAAAAAAAEac/O03SYO3jSKA/s400/Picture+5.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436740373634251234" border="0" /></a><br />And one last thing, I found out about this through <a href="http://www.helpareporter.com/">HARO (Help A Reporter Out)</a>. EVERYONE in small business (and most everyone else) should check this out and be on their lists. Amazing the exposure you can get through them. Thanks to Marianna at <a href="http://halobusiness.com/wpsite/">HALO Business</a> advisers for letting me know about HARO!Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-64001700111879268182010-01-15T13:16:00.000-08:002010-02-15T12:07:05.476-08:00Thinking About HaitiMy heart and mind have been full this week with images of Haiti and the devastation there. I wish I could hop on a plane and go down and help. I can't do that (nor do I think I'd be a whole lot of help- I can't speak the language, and I'm not a trained relief or medical professional), so I thought I could help by donating a portion of the sales of <a href="https://www.perupaper.com/cart/">Peru Paper Co.</a> this week towards relief work in Haiti. Here's our latest email update, explaining a little more (click on the picture to get a full-size view.)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://myfoxymail.com/display.php?M=20705&C=8f4d10db7bfa506a03a8c487f3d0124b&S=114&L=6&N=54"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 381px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S1DdgZaL8fI/AAAAAAAAEZ8/kbBBc-sfxzE/s400/Picture+4.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427081099627721202" border="0" /></a>A portion of our sales will go to Food for the Hungry's relief efforts in Haiti. You can also click on the link to the right to make a donation to them or read more about their work. In that email, I reference the generosity of many towards the people of Peru after the earthquake there in 2007. To read some about that, visit my friend <a href="http://perudiary.blogspot.com/2008/01/report-on-earthquake-reconstruction.html">Clara's blog</a>. She visited the affected areas a few times after the earthquake. <br /><br />Also, there have been sad public statements displaying bad theology by some regarding the reasons for the earthquake (<a href="http://twitter.com/drmoore">Russell Moore</a> tweeted that <span class="status-body"><span class="entry-content">"Pat Robertson's reported comments on Haiti are embarrassing, unhelpful, and counter-gospel. Jesus loves Haiti.")</span></span> In light of this, I'd encourage you to read Al Mohler's article <a href="http://www.albertmohler.com/2010/01/14/does-god-hate-haiti/">"Does God Hate Haiti?"</a>. And please, be in prayer for Haiti, and be generous in your giving towards credible relief agencies (I can let you know more if you're interested) so that those working can have the necessary resources to help those in need.Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-66378447685917587972010-01-06T11:10:00.000-08:002010-02-15T12:06:26.327-08:00Great Deal on Christmas CardsCheck out the latest edition of <a href="https://www.perupaper.com/cart/">Peru Paper Company's</a> email updates. There's a great sale on <a href="https://www.perupaper.com/cart/categories/Christmas/">Christmas cards</a> to make room for new inventory coming in!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://myfoxymail.com/display.php?M=20705&C=8f4d10db7bfa506a03a8c487f3d0124b&S=106&L=6&N=50"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 393px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/S0TgdOCTBjI/AAAAAAAAEZs/xVdIoxRzJO8/s400/Picture+2.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423706643849479730" border="0" /></a>Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-31636107349428609342009-12-22T13:08:00.000-08:002010-02-15T12:06:26.327-08:00How Many Cards to Make a Kitchen?One of the highlights of my recent trip to Peru was the Christmas party with the ladies of Peru Paper. We had hot chocolate and paneton (a cake they eat around Christmastime in Peru) and gave out Christmas baskets full of food and celebrated a great year of growth in the company. The women brought their families, so we had a great group.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/SzE9gX4o_qI/AAAAAAAAEZA/D5uPz6JowkU/s1600-h/P1020439.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/SzE9gX4o_qI/AAAAAAAAEZA/D5uPz6JowkU/s400/P1020439.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418179453080108706" border="0" /></a>Peru Paper women and families.<br /></div><br /></div>The party was held at Deisy's house in the Arévalo community. While she was making the hot chocolate for everyone, I walked into her kitchen and noticed it looked different from the last time I was there (over a year ago). I asked her if she'd made changes and she said "Yes, the tile on the floor and the walls are new, as well as the counters and the stove. I saved up my money from making cards and with that money, my husband and I put all this in." Oscar looked at me in amazement and said "that's an impact! You have to tell people in the States how this business is changing lives."<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/SzE-Qa76beI/AAAAAAAAEZI/O_IT-nxDl6U/s1600-h/P1020411.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/SzE-Qa76beI/AAAAAAAAEZI/O_IT-nxDl6U/s400/P1020411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418180278532861410" border="0" /></a>Deisy's kitchen now- Oscar and Monica look on while she makes hot chocolate.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">At this point, I tried to remember back to what Deisy's house looked like before. I pulled up some old photos from other times we'd been in her house and I realized that previously, all the walls in her home were exposed adobe and brick; the floors were unfinished concrete or dirt; and there were only old, falling apart small tables, not counters, in her kitchen. I could hardly believe it, that employment with Peru Paper Company could bring about something so drastic as a kitchen floor. Now, most of the floors and walls in the house are finished, and the kitchen has tile and counters!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/SzFmVuUtqGI/AAAAAAAAEZU/fGLLhWeovw0/s1600-h/100_3272.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 394px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/SzFmVuUtqGI/AAAAAAAAEZU/fGLLhWeovw0/s400/100_3272.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418224350101612642" border="0" /></a>Deisy's kitchen before- check out the walls, counter, and floors.<br /></div><br />I left the party thinking how blessed I am to do work that I love that is making a very real difference in the lives of many women in Peru. It's not every day you get to see in real life the truth we sing in <span style="font-style: italic;">Joy to the World</span> that "He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found." No matter which gifts I open on Christmas day, I've already gotten more than I could have asked for this Christmas.Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-39134458990200027392009-12-17T13:27:00.000-08:002010-02-15T12:06:26.327-08:00Christmas Gifts That Make a Difference<a href="http://myfoxymail.com/display.php?M=20705&C=8f4d10db7bfa506a03a8c487f3d0124b&S=73&L=6&N=38"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 354px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_4apTl1yC9CA/Syqi4ftguuI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/EICJlhNqy7k/s400/Picture+3.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5416320593335204578" border="0" /></a>Here's the latest email update from Peru Paper Co. For the larger version, click <a href="http://myfoxymail.com/display.php?M=20705&C=8f4d10db7bfa506a03a8c487f3d0124b&S=73&L=6&N=38">here</a>. Sign up to receive our updates on our <a href="https://www.perupaper.com/cart/">website</a>.Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31189856.post-37674043344364944662009-12-15T14:19:00.000-08:002009-12-15T14:46:54.421-08:00Savings Not Shame: Arevalo Savings Group in Chalmers NewsletterThe story of the savings group I worked with in the Manuel Arévalo community a few years ago was recently highlighted in the latest edition of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Mandate</span> e-Newsletter by the <a href="http://www.chalmers.org/">Chalmers Center</a>.<br /><br />It starts with:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"I walked into the Arévalo Presbyterian Church of Peru this past February to attend a women’s Bible study after being back in the U.S. for a few months. My friend Margarita ran up to greet me and excitedly told me “Grace, we did another savings group</span><img style="font-style: italic; width: 291px; height: 229px;" src="http://www.chalmers.org/mandate/winter_2009/images/bateman2.jpg" align="right" border="1" hspace="10" vspace="10" /><span style="font-style: italic;"> on our own, and it worked!” I too was excited to hear that, as the group had expressed considerable doubt the year before about their ability to run a savings group in my absence. Assuring them that they were capable was hardly convincing to them, but equipping them with the tools to execute a group on their own showed them a different, more persuasive reality about their giftedness and ability to use their God-given talents and the resources in their community to positively affect their situations."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>Check out the entire article, entitled <a href="http://www.chalmers.org/mandate/winter_2009/savings_not_shame.php">"Savings Not Shame" here</a>. You can read the entire Mandate newsletter<a href="http://www.chalmers.org/mandate/winter_2009/winter_09.php"> here</a>.Grace Ghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04585213930829239687noreply@blogger.com0