Packing and unpacking

Well, nearly 200 scarves, over 20 apron sets, countless potholders and mitts, many, many necklaces, bangles and earrings and a change of undies can be squeezed into three suitcases and weigh under our combined baggage allowance of 60 kgs.Just.It is humanly possible and all those Sammunat products lovingly made over the last six months or so have now safely arrived in Australia.  We have had the first three of five fundraising events and sold lots of products.  My husband is perplexed as to why there does not seem to be any discernable difference in the weight of the bags!We have had so many thoughtful donations from the Australian clay community.  Thanks to Hector Vera, Mel Dilday, Heather Richmond, Jennifer Tattam and so many others I will remember next time!  People have been very encouraging about the blog and we have received some very generous donations.  Heartfelt thanks for generous financial assistance to Jonathon Lloyd-Owen, Margot Higgins, Bert and Leslie Washington and John and Claire Douglas for their very kind donations and finally a big thank you to all the people who have purchased products.Some of you will be aware that before I came to Australia, Kopila and I laboured long and hard on a funding proposal to the Australian Embassy for one of their Direct Aid Project packages.  Our proposal outlined the training program and it was designed in close consultation with the ladies.We dropped the proposal off to the Embassy on our way here and hope to hear the outcome in the next couple of months.  We do know that the grants are very competitive but we will let you know if we hear good news!  Whatever happens, some of the money made in Australia can go towards funding this program which we, and the ladies of Sammunat, are passionate about.Send positive vibes about Mal and me fitting many, many kgs of clay and equipment into our suitcases.  And staying married after we’ve done it.More soon, Wendy