Ok, more info for our adventures here in Thailand is COMING SOON, but first here is an update on our last month in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia!
Last month, our team served at Dignity for Children Foundation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A few days before starting ministry, I was wondering would be like to use my degree somehow on the race. Little did I know that opportunity would come sooner rather than later!
(Scroll down to see photos!)
But first, here’s a little backstory:
Almost 2 years ago, I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles from Washington State University. My goal was to start working in well-respected company, living a fast-paced, downtown lifestyle with my sights set high on design.
However, soon after graduating, I could sense that the Lord leading me in a very different direction. Before long, I discovered the World Race and the opportunity to travel the world and to spend some quality time to grow in my walk with God and serve people from 11 unique cultures.
From that point on, I lived at home, worked to save funds for World Race, and set aside my graduation goals to trust God and pursue His plan for my life.
Since launching for the World Race last September, I have volunteered with my team in several different organizations. We tutored math, organized after school activities, taught English, helped with worship services, prayed for friends and neighbors in our local neighborhoods and more. During that time, I thought it would be great to sometime use a little bit of what I learned in school on the race, maybe sew uniforms or help design a mural or something…
Fast forward to where we are now, Month 6, just past the halfway point on the race:
We arrived at Dignity for Children Foundation, an amazing school here in Kuala Lumpur that provides quality education for over 900 students, from elementary through high school ages. In addition, they help provide vocational training in food service and other areas. Many of the students actually come from refugee families from around the world. After a brief meeting, we were each placed in different roles within Dignity.
To my surprise, I was given the opportunity to teach fashion design and sewing class with an amazing woman named Shakeela*. It has been an absolute privilege working with Shakeela and her students this month. Our 11 high school students are all so talented and represent several different cultures from around the world.
The students practiced gathering inspiration for their new designs, as well as drawing and presenting their ideas in the form of mood boards. Additionally, I gave a brief introduction to draping fabric on the dress form, and each of the students practiced draping on their own dress forms as well.
Not only did I have a fully-equipped sewing studio (sewing machines, large tables, dress forms, an abundance of fabric, and plenty of supplies), but I had time to fully invest in the students and in preparation to work with them. On top of class work, I was also asked to create a dress that will be sold for a donation to Dignity.
It has been such a joy, and a very pleasant surprise, to share what I am passionate about with the students at Dignity. I was inspired by their drive, hunger and enthusiasm to learn. I am so proud of each of them, and I am also blessed to have met each one of them.
It has also been such a blessing this month to get to know Shakeela* and learn from her experiences, especially her story about coming from Pakistan to Malaysia. She is so full of life and energy. Her commitment to her students, her family and to her relationship with God is nothing short of inspiring.
I am not only so thankful to serve using something I am passionate about, but even more so thankful to have met all of the amazing people here at Dignity. From the teachers, to the staff, to the student’s, this place has definitely made an impression on me, and I will leave here with so many happy memories.
Below are some accessories made by Shakeela and some of her students in the sewing department (soft laptop cases, toiletry bags and coin pouches). The fashion illustration on the canvas tote bag was designed and painted on by one of Shakeela’s students, who has high hopes of becoming a fashion designer one day. For more information about the availability of purchasing any of these items, feel free to email me at [email protected], and I will be happy to pass the message along!
All proceeds benefit Dignity for Children Foundation.
*If you would like to learn more about Shakeela and her amazing story, check out this YouTube video link from another World Racer, Julia Robertson, who also met Shakeela, while her team served Dignity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G9-UInKaSY
