Net distribution 3/9/2012

On 3/9/2012, Kairos 10 traveled to the eastern region of Ghana to distribute mosquito nets near the village of Ayibontey.  Women and young children were lined up waiting patiently for the nets purchased by bracelet sales in the US.  K10 founders, David and Phyllis Morris and K10 volunteers along with staff from ministry partner, Maranatha Power Ministries passed out nets to mothers, children, and elderly villagers.  It was a blessing to be in this village.

Believe Adisah, K10 beader

Her name is Believe, and she has been with Kairos since October 2010.  Originally, Bishop Odai recommended that K10 hire her as to sweep beads or other tasks, because she had no background in jewelry or beadmaking.  Today, Believe is one of K10's most proficient beaders. 

Believe is from the Lake Volta region of Ghana, and comes from a large family.  She is married to Mr. Gershon Masiku, and they have three children.  Because of her success as a Kairos 10 beader, Believe is now able to send her children to private boarding school.  In her words, "So they can have an even better life than me."  Believe is the designer of the popular "Lauren" bracelet, with beautiful  purple recycled glass beads.

Christmas bead bracelet

Christmas beads are only one type of African trading bead. They are often called Children's Christmas beads, because they are worn by the children of Ghana at Christmastime.

  Trading beads were once used for currency and exchange in the 16th and 17th centuries. The most widely accepted explanation is that Dutch traders brought the beads to Africa. There are many varieties of trading beads, including bauxite, white hearts, watermelon beads, and chevrons. Now these antique beads are highly sought after. (www.thebeadchest.com)

On a recent trip to Ghana in September, 2011, Kairos founders, Phyllis Morris and Katheryn Pennington met an African trading bead dealer named Ibrahim, whose family are antique bead dealers. Ibrahim met with Phyllis in March 2012 and brought his collection to TK's in East Legon where he laid out strand after strand of old trading beads. The video is of Phyllis and Yayo, Kairos' head beader negotiating with this well-known African bead dealer. Look for the old African trading beads in the beautiful new bracelets from K10!