Meet Ernata

As The Peace Exchange is working with over 40 women, all with different stories and struggles.  Meet one of them now... Ernata grew up in a small village in eastern Congo. Her story echoed that of a society where women have very little rights or value, and can be divorced without recourse for not bearing a male heir. Nine months after starting the Mumosho Sewing Workshop,she gave birth to a different dream, and graduated with a sewing machine and the skills to earn income to support her family! Ernata is a natural leader and proud to be part of The Peace Exchange. Each purchase you make supports Ernata and women like her in eastern Congo. Thank you for your partnership!

The Peace Exchange, who we are...

The Peace Exchange - Sustainable Fair Trade partners with women artisans in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Peace Exchange works with Amani Matabaro, a Congolese community builder. He and his wife began empowering and educating girls and women through sewing workshops, teaching a skill and trade to the victims of the ongoing conflict in Congo. The students graduate with a sewing machine and tools from Action Kivu, Amani's U.S. partner. Empowered to earn income for their families, there is not enough work for them in their villages. The Peace Exchange meets a great need - providing fair trade wages to the women to sell products in the U.S., and allowing the women to contribute back into their communities, send their children to school, and help break the cycle of poverty with their own two hands.

Fundraiser

The Peace Exchange is a sustainable Fair Trade organization that partners with women artisans in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Please join the conversation and learn more Sunday, Dec. 1st, 4-6PM at OKURA. For a $50 suggested donation there will be appetizers, wine, raffle, gift bags, and a silent auction to benefit the one-time fundraiser to launch The Peace Exchange into action!

The Peace Exchange works with Amani Matabaro, a local Congolese community builder. He began empowering and educating girls and women through sewing workshops, teaching a skill and trade to the victims of the ongoing conflict. The students graduate with a sewing machine and kit from Action Kivu, Amani's U.S. partner, but while the workshops create many talented seamstresses, but there is not enough work in the local communities.  The Peace Exchange meets a great need - providing fair trade wages to the women to sell more diverse products in the U.S., and allowing the women to contribute back into their communities, send their children to school, and help break the cycle of poverty with their own two hands.

If you're not able to attend, but want to connect with Congo in this way, contact Katie Bond katie@thepeaceexchange.com or mail your donation to PO Box 1372, Laguna Beach, CA 92652. 

Fair Trade Yoga Bags

Yoga Bags, hand-made by women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, are being made as we speak.  I'm honored as a yoga teacher that I get to spear-head this movement.  All items are Fair Trade with proceeds going to help women and children in the Congo.  As many might not know, the Congo is called the "rape capital of the world."  Because of the on-going war and crisis in Eastern Congo - The Peace Exchange is working to help support women effected by war crimes.  The Peace Exchange is a grass roots Fair Trade movement that has partnered with two sewing workshops in Congo.  Over 40 women are employed and money earned goes to help send their children to school (as all schools in Africa require school fees) and support their families.  Join me in creating a movement.  Join me in supporting women who have been left alone.  Join me in being a global citizen and helping our friends.  The purchase of a Fair Trade Yoga Bag makes an impact far greater than you could imagine.  www.thepeaceexchange.com

Yoga does a Body Good

I am beyond privileged that yoga is my profession.  Not only do I get paid to do something I consider a hobby and a passion, I also get to help others.  Over the years, I've seen yoga make such positive changes in the lives of my students, clients, and even my own personal journey.

Yoga is becoming more and more mainstream. There's a posture and style that can be found to fit any level and format a person could desire. For those practing, keep it up.  For those curious of yoga, I want to encourage you to give it a try.  Do not be afraid if yoga is new to you... For the benefits of yoga are life-changing... Need I say more.  Namaste! 

Mother Teresa... the cat.

Mother Teresa is my cat.  I adopted her 4 years ago from the animal shelter in Laguna Canyon.  She has been with me through many ups and downs.  We have a special connection.   Most of my friends that meet her say she acts more like a dog than cat.  Mama T is always looking out for me; she's very protective and I love that about her.  It's with sadness that I write Mama T is missing.  She has always been a free, independent spirit - but this time I worry coyotes have gotten her.  Where I live the coyotes are on the prawl this season.  My hope is that is she safe somewhere and will return to me.  I love this cat! If seen, please email me: katie@thepeaceexchange.com

St Patricks Day

St Patty's Day has me thinking... I'm reflecting on my trip to Ireland.  In 2009/2010 I went to the Celtic land with two of my close friends.  The trip was great.  I always said I'd go back.  Now, I'm looking at pictures of that trip and hope to see the beautiful country again sooner than later. 
I love the people, the pubs, the green, and the culture.  Currently I'm reading two books (both given to me by my friend I traveled to Ireland with) 'Anam Cara' and 'Wise Irish Women'.  They offer great insights to Irish life, Irish wisdom, Irish poetry, and the beauty of friendship. 
Here's a little Irish Blessing from 'Anam Cara'
  May the light of your soul guide you.
  May the light of your sould bless the work you do with the secret love and warmth of your heart.
  May you see what you do the beauty of your own soul.
  May the sacredness of your work bring you healing, light, and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work.
  May you work never weary you.
  May it release within you wellsprings of refreshment, inspiration, and excitement.
  May you be present in what you do.
  May you never become lost in the bland absences.
  May the day never burden.
  May dawn find you awake and alert, approaching your new day with dreams, possibilities, and promises.
  May evening find you gracious and fulfilled.
  May you go into the night blessed, sheltered, and protected.
  May your soul calm, console, and renew you.

Happy St Patrick's Day!