41 Events

Y'all get excited 41Day is just around the corner! Just two more weeks!! 

What is 41Day you ask?

On April 1st, we are going to fast, pray, and donate what you would have spent on lunch to a student in Rwanda who wouldn't otherwise eat at school. This event is going to kick off an entire month of opportunities to create long-lasting and sustainable change in Rwanda!

So how can you get involved?!

• On April 1st, you can fast, pray, donate what you would have spent on lunch.
• Share the story and event with your friends on Facebook, twitter, instagram, your blog...
• Purchase a bag or a t-shirt.
• Donate here to sponsor a child for the year. ($60 feeds one student for the entire year or you can chose $5! recurring each month)
• Host a trunk show. You invite your friends and we'll take care of the rest.
• You could collect change for change! One quarter feeds one student one meal! How many quarters could you collect at school, at work, at church, in your car? This would be a great project to get the kiddos involved in!
• Do you have a small (or large) business? Would you be willing to donate a percentage of sales for one day, once a week, or for one event in April to feed students?
• You could have a garage sale.
• A bake sale.
• A lemonade stand. 
• You could show our video at your small group and explain how simple it is to change the world for one.

There are so many, countless, ways to join this crazy movement. Our goal is 41 different events, all across the county, on our calendar in the month of April. To add your date to the calendar, shoot an email to tara@no41.org and we would be happy to promote it on our social media. How will you choose to change the world for one?

Loaves and Fishes

Whenever one person stands up and says, "Wait a minute, this is wrong," it helps other people stand up to do the same. -Gloria Steinem

Hi there, I'm Tara. I'm bringing a little piece of my personal blog over here today. I wanted to share a bit about our feeding program, how our initial number was 250 students, and somehow, just two years later, we are feeding 1,200 students and teachers every day. God has been nothing but faithful and we are nothing but thankful, but we could use your help.  41Day is coming up on April 1st and I would love to give you some very practical ways to change with world for one.... 

So, y'all know my word for the year is seek. I have been completely blown away by the amount of times, in a day, I am pointed back to this word or the fruit of this word. I told y'all recently that I have been seeking Him by spending time in His word, every day. Yesterday, in my reading, I came across the story of Jesus feeding 5,000:

Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. Mark 6:41

There are a few things that struck me. One, the disciples asked Jesus to send the people away to find food. It was getting late and they were in a remote place. Jesus' response was "You give them something to eat." (Mark 6:37, emphasis mine).

Two. Obviously, the men didn't have the means to feed 5,000, but Jesus asked what they did have and asked them to go and see. They gave all they had, five loaves and 2 fishes.

Three. Jesus took what they offered, he gave thanks, blessed it and gave it back to the disciples to distribute to the people.

They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. Mark 6:42-43

People ask me all the time what scripture No.41 is named after. And it's not. But it could be. You see, I believe God dropped this little nugget, Mark 6:41, into my heart as I was seeking him and seeking guidance. This is what we do every single day in Rwanda. If I'm being completely honest, we are in way (waaay) over our heads. We don't have the money to feed these kids, we never have. Yet, somehow, someway, we do.

I believe that we give God what we have, He blesses it, and then gives it back to us to create the miracle, just like Jesus did that day with the disciples. He didn't wave His finger and mounds of food appeared. He didn't hand each individual piece of miracle food to each person. He gave His blessing and let the disciples do that. And I believe He is asking us, all of us, to do that, too. To bring what we have, to let Him bless it, and then to see, first hand, what we can do with His blessing.

I say all of this to say, we need your help. Would you bring what you have? Prayers, money, influence, awareness... We are gearing up for our, second annual, 41 Day on April 1st (get it?) and we have, what feels like, a pretty weighty goal, but we are so expectant. Just like last year, we are asking that y'all would partner with us on that day, or that week even, to fast, pray, and donate the cost of your lunch in honor of the millions of children around the world who go without food, every single day. It's a tangible chance to let our "little" have a massive Kingdom impact with His blessing.

Over the coming weeks I'll be talking about the different ways to get involved. Would you pray about how you can help? Do you have a blog that you would be willing to donate a post (or a couple of posts) to 41? Could you get your small group involved? Are you a teacher and think this could be a great awareness project for your students to get involved in? Can we take over your instagram? Be your cover photo on Facebook? Do you have a tshirt or a bag yet?

Y'all, our goal is to feed 41,000 meals this year on April 1st. That's $10,250. That's 1,000 people giving up a $10 lunch, for one day, to feed 41,000 meals. We've got this! HE'S got this.

Update: AND get all 1,200 students sponsored for $60 a year over the month of April!

And can I tell y'all one last thing? It's certainly not about this, but don't miss it: after everyone had eaten that day, there were 12 baskets of food left over. One for each of the disciples. God does want to use us to bless others but, I would be willing to bet that you will be equally blessed, if not more, in the process.

To make a donation click here. If you would like to set up a recurring donation (FYI just $5 a month takes care of one child) click here. If you would like to make a $60, one-time donation, to sponsor a student for the entire year click here.

If you would like to get involved, shoot me an email, tara@no41.org, and I would love to talk it through with you.

Holiday Trunk Show

Hey ladies (& gents, if you're out there!). It's me, Rylie Craft.

Once upon a time, like last week, I had my first-ever trunk show for No.41... & it was pretty much the best thing ever. We partnered with a few other, likeminded, fair-trade organizations & had ourselves a big ole' party. Now, by no means am I claiming to be a professional. Because, HELLO, I'm not. However, this past Saturday there were a few things that went really well & I wanted to share them with y'all!

Creative helps:
-- Emphasize the personal factor. The lady on the tag is not a picture of a model posing for a stock photo... "That lady" has a name & a story... & actually, it's written on the back of the tag!
-- Stress the missional aspect of the bag. It says so itself: for one child, for one meal, for one year. When you purchase a signature bag, you get WAY more than a bag... You become a small part of a bigger story.
-- Have a computer handy. Mine was set up next to the bags the entire time, playing on loop the No.41 video (Preview). This ties back into the personal factor, as the shoppers were listening & seeing the real life stories of the women behind the bags! Everyone said how much they loved & appreciated seeing & connecting with the ladies in that way.
-- Globes. I'm all about the globes. We had many -- & I mean many -- of them scattered around the "party area" & most of them had a heart over Rwanda. A sweet touch that keeps in mind a global perspective.
-- Pretend it's a quaint boutique. Because believe it or not, the atmosphere plays into the overall shopping experience, BIG TIME. Please please please don't throw the bags on a table & call it a day. Make it cute & inviting... & photo-worthy. ;)
-- Think outside the box. Whether it be how you display the bags, when you host the party, or who (if any) you might want to incorperate if you want to do a collaboration (however, try to avoid similar merchandise from different vendors... you don't want anything to compete with another).

If you would like to have a trunk for your family and friends, please email tara@no41.org for more information. 

Campus Rep Program // Meet Erica

We want to introduce to Miss Erica Voss today. Erica is a sophomore at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids.

Hello! I'm Erica, and I am absolutely geeked to join No.41 in their Campus Reps program! I first learned about No.41 on a trip to both Uganda and Rwanda in the summer of 2012.

When I first stepped into their house, I was overwhelmed with the beauty of their whole project. The girls, their bags, and their jewelry, all of it was GORGEOUS. I quickly fell in love with the mission of the project as well, and since I am a firm believer in the empowerment of people, No.41 was right up my alley!

I have since connected with an orphanage in Uganda, and we are working to develop a family center along with some of the other ministries they already have. Our goal is to try and empower parents who may not have the resources and skills to care for their children. It is not an easy task, but God is the ultimate Provider, and His plan for me (in working with both the orphanage in Uganda and with No.41) is greater than I could ever guess! I am so excited to see how God moves through this Campus Reps program!

If any of you college girls are interested, or know anyone who might be, in joining our team of dreamers contact Lacey (lhar23@yahoo.com) or Rylie (rylie.craft@gmail.com).

HopeSpoken

Hi! We are No.41.

we don't all look like Angel, but we'd like to.....

We employ women in Rwanda, like 30.

Our women feed school kids (and teachers), like 1,000.

God is crazy blessing our efforts far beyond anything we could have ever imagined, like a boss.

Wait, what?.....

No.41, literally, means for one. We live in a world of crazy chaos, beautiful, heartbreaking stories, and overwhelming joy. We pretty much feel like HopeSpoken is right up our alley. We are super honored to sponsor, can't wait to meet everyone, and spend some time making much of Him.

As far as nerves, one half of our American team gets nervous just thinking about large groups of people. The other half isn't even thinking about tomorrow, yet, much less 6 months from now. (smile)

Random.... Well, we got photobombed one day. Does that count?

We have seen our God prove Himself mighty over and over again, we know that HopeSpoken will be a beautiful weekend full of nothing less.

Come say hi on Facebook, we'd love to meet you!

We Want YOU:: Campus Rep Program

Hey yall! I’m Lacey, and I am SO excited to be working with No.41 on their Campus Rep program. No.41 has had my heart since, well, the beginning; starting with a spunky girl named Fanny! As soon as Tara started posting about sponsorship and I saw Fanny’s smile, BOOM case closed. Since then I have been able to spend a summer with Fanny and her BABY Tarison who is almost one year old and the BEST thing ever!

I have also been able to see first hand the amazing work that goes on daily at the 41 house. I mean, that place is just full of so much hope and love, y’all. I have been so inspired by the big dreams that have gone on in that little house in the past year.  No.41 is so special, because it proves that dreams do come true (so cliché I know) but really this whole business is a dream in itself.  Living out their “For One” dream, one child at a time.

& hellooo everybody! I’m Rylie. Like Lacey, I’m thrilled to be working alongside No.41! First off, I am super unqualified to be here, but am so thankful to serve along side Tara, Alison, Lacey, & all of the No.41 ladies! The Lord has given me a heart that desires to see HIS kingdom come throughout the nations... So last year when I saw Tara (my good ole’ blog friend) posting about this organization she was starting, I was beyond thrilled & knew I wanted to help in any way possible. So, like most of you, I haven’t been to Rwanda to meet these ladies face-to-face (YET). But the Lord has a funny way of building community, & I’m not going to be one to argue. :) & besides, whether or not we have met them, they are real women (& mamas!), with real stories, & REAL DREAMS... & this is a real, simple way we can get involved in their lives.

So this fall we are working with No.41 and their Campus Reps program. The Rep program is solely run by college girls, spreading the amazing work of No.41.  So many things amazing things planned for this next year. If any of you college girls are interested, or know anyone who might be, in joining our team of dreamers contact Lacey (lhar23@yahoo.com) or Rylie (rylie.craft@gmail.com).

We hope y’all are as excited as we are! 

coffee talk

Oh, hey there, October! How is that even possible?! Now that Alison and I (Tara) are back in the States, we're not complaining one bit about the falling leaves, fall temperatures, and pumpkin everything. And I'll just go ahead and speak for myself here, and say that I have been consuming pumpkin like a boss. (Sorry, Amy, pumpkin goodness is headed your way, too.) This month, we're chatting about 5 Things You Don't Know About Us. And we're going to tell you those things about each other. Tara on Amy. Alison on Tara. Amy on Alison. Heeeere we go!

via alison holcomb photography

First up: Amy

1. The truth is, I haven't spent a ton of time with Amy, but that leads me to something you should know about her. Amy is a go-getter. She prayerfully seeks God's plan for her, but she isn't afraid to jump as soon as she gets the word. Amy contacted me, about this time last year, and we started formulating a plan for her to come and visit Rwanda, specifically, Noel (our neighboring orphanage where many of our girls grew up). Amy spent the week of Christmas with us, while I not so secretly tried to sell her on No.41. It wasn't long after she returned back to Texas that we were moving forward on plans to move her to Rwanda (this past June) to head up the day to day activities at No.41. We spent all of one month together, (Amy, Alison, and I) before Alison and I headed back to the States. 

2. Plans. I mentioned that word twice, already. That word is definitely unique to Amy. While the three of us share a similar passion, the way that we approach it could not be more different, which makes us a very good team. Amy's calm, level-headed, organized, needs-a-plan personality brings such a peace to all of us, yet Amy is such a hard worker, not at all afraid to dig in and get her hands dirty. We don't call her 'the ambition' for nothing.

3. Amy loves Swedish Fish.

4. Before moving to Rwanda, Amy taught 2nd grade at an inner city school in Dallas. She, currently, teaches preschool at Noel and has some big dreams and prayers about what He is stirring in her heart for these precious kiddos with so much at stake.

5. Amy is a great friend, consistent, supportive and encouraging, and the fabulous support she receives from her friends and family speak back to that.


Tara is up next..

1. One thing I love about Tara is her ability to quickly make a decision and stick to it. Move to Rwanda? Sure. Move to Nashville? leaving tomorrow. (literally.. she's leaving tomorrow. be sure to wish her a safe journey!) What's fun is, those decisions always pan out well. (except for the time she decided that I should help her dye her hair when we were sitting in our friend Robin's living room and he wasn't home. He died when he came in to find us.. Don't worry, her hair turned out super cute.)

2. She makes the best breakfast burritos. In Rwanda, they were the highlight of the morning.

3. The guy, Innocent, who we buy wholesale fabric from in Kigali is in love with her. She's not taking him up on his marriage offers yet, but maybe next time we go to visit she will.. :)

4. Tara will make anyone laugh their face off. Even if they don't understand English:)

5. She loves well. She would probably make a joke about how mean she is right now, but seriously. She's got an incredible heart and something I love and admire about her is that she accepts and loves people where they're at, no matter what. She's always encouraging and figures out a way to let people know she appreciates them.


We saved the best for last, Alison!
1. Genuinely kind!  I first met Alison last January back in Dallas when she was visiting home and I was thinking about coming to Rwanda and No.41.  She was so sweet to meet with me and just listen to my questions and share her experiences in Rwanda.  Alison asked really good questions and truly wanted to try and make me understand what living here was like.  When I moved here I spent 3 weeks living with her and she was always giving me things and preparing the girls and I for when she left.

2.  Makes a great batch of popcorn!  In fact I'm still enjoying her love of popcorn because I inherited all the popcorn seasonings!

3. Has a life long friend in our moto driver Jerome!  Both Tara and Alison did such a great job of creating a community here and introduced me to my favorite moto driver Jerome.  Even 3 months later Jerome still asks about Alison and wants to talk to her.  One of the sweetest things is to watch Jerome listen to a whatsapp message from Alison, his whole face lights up!

4. Tara and I have some big plans to cash in on a dowery for Alison when she marries the Pakistani man at the Foreign Money Exchange in Kigali. We are holding out for around 20 cows, at least 5 with horns.

5. Alison loves well!  From the girls at No.41, moto drivers, neighbors, family, and friends she values each person.  It was so neat to see her interact with the girls, check on them individually, share silly faces, and funny moments.  She is missed so much here and I'm always asked about when she is coming back! (Hint, hint, buy a plane ticket!)


Whew! That was harder than we all thought it would be!
One last thing, have y'all seen our new No.41 calendars? We aren't partial or anything, but we think they would make THE BEST Christmas gifts! Who doesn't like sweet photos and feeding 100 meals??  Happy Tuesday!!