Our First Knitting Session

Our first gathering of hopeful knitters began with Darlene checking out "offices" to each of us. The  shoulder-bag offices contain yarn, knitting needles, a tape measure, crochet hook, scissors, and the like. With the distribution of the "offices", each gal was then duly registered. We were all beginners. Only one or two had ever held a knitting needle. 

We were an eclectic mixture. Midwives, missionaries, single moms from Shepherd's Home ministry across the street from Shiphrah Birthing Home. The beauty was that we were all on a level playing field. None of us had a clue as to what we were doing. There can be something helpful in corporate, if admitted, ignorance. 

Needles in hand with Darlene leading us through the beginning steps of casting on stitches, we were off and running! Well, off anyway. The running will come later. Darlene assures us that it will.

Sounds of "Grrrr" were heard along with lots and lots of laughter as stitches were ripped out again and again. As Darlene patiently coached every one of us, some measure of confidence began to rise...and then plunge as new steps were added to the knitting process. Did anyone think that this was going to be easy?

Perhaps one of the more lovely things to see as we worked, struggled together with our needles and yarn, was the

willingness of everyone to help everyone else. Advanced university degrees

 

mean nothing here.


We were off to a great start. Not only were stitches knit, it seemed that hearts were knit, too in ways that only a time together, each of us beginning from a place of zero expertise, all at the same place, could produce. 

If you would enjoy more pictures from that day, please visit our HELP International Ministries, Inc. Facebook page.