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A Special Delivery

February 20th, 2013

Last week, Mr Chiots and I were in Colombia, South America. It was a work related trip, we were producing videos for the non-profit I work for, which was founded by my parents. In addition to missionary work, my parents do a lot of benevolent work, trying to improve the lives of the poor refugees, those neglected by society. One of the things we did while we were there, was deliver soap.
lavame clean soap 1
This isn’t just any soap, it’s 100% all natural handmade soap, some of the best soap money can buy. You see, Wendy, traveled to Colombia a few years ago. Deeply moved by the poverty and wanting to help in a tangible way, she started Lavemé Clean. She makes all natural soap, for each bar that is purchased, a bar is donated to an impoverished area. Some bars of soap go to Honduras, other to shelters here in the US.
little girl in the slums of Colombia
This is her story in her words:

HOW IT ALL BEGAN…

It all started in the summer of 2011. My oldest son Caleb and I went on a mission trip to an impoverished barrio nestled beneath the Andes Mountains in the heart of South America.

That experience broke us.

Completely.

Shelter was nothing more than small shanties with bare packed-earth floors; walls of wood pallets, corrugated tin, or whatever material was to be found. For water, the slum area had one well; one small well for many people to drink from, bathe in and wash clothes in. Lice and mange were running rampant.

In North America, for most people, it’s not terribly challenging to procure a bar of soap somewhere. In the slums, it’s simply not readily available, and if it was, it would not be affordable. I watched a construction worker labor from sun up to sun down, working for a monthly paycheck of $100.00, in an economy where a bar of soap costs as much as it does in the States. read the rest of the story on her website

lavame clean soap 2
Mr Chiots and I delivered many bars of her soap on our trip. It’s encouraging to know that there are people like Wendy, who are moved enough by the pain and suffering around them to do something proactive. In a world where liking something on facebook or signing a petition is seen as action, it’s refreshing to meet someone who is actually doing something. A big thanks to Wendy for making this soap, we were honored to deliver it for you!

If you are in need of all natural handmade soap, consider purchasing from Lavamé Clean. Mr Chiots and I are particularly fond of the Eucalyptus Cold Care.

6 Comments to “A Special Delivery”
  1. Dawn Roberts on February 20, 2013 at 5:19 am

    What a beautiful story & wonderful outreach! Prayers of thanksgiving have been lifted from here. May the Lord continue to eatablish the work of your hands… :)

    Reply to Dawn Roberts's comment

    • Dawn Roberts on February 20, 2013 at 7:56 am

      Lol, so funny – ESTABLISH!

      Reply to Dawn Roberts's comment

  2. Melanie in Ca on February 20, 2013 at 9:39 am

    This post is a timely reminder that I need to replenish! I purchased some awhile back and it is wonderful.

    Kudos to her for finding a meaningful way to contribute.

    Reply to Melanie in Ca's comment

  3. Donna B. on February 20, 2013 at 11:20 am

    So inspirational! I’ll make a definite effort to purchase their gift basket once I get some spare cash to spend… I’m a HUGE fan of natural soaps, and I love their message. Plus… their bars look good enough to eat! hehehehe…

    Plus, those soap trays would match perfectly in my natural wood bath! :D

    Reply to Donna B.'s comment

  4. KimH on February 20, 2013 at 3:56 pm

    Being raised on the Texas/Mexico border, I saw from a very early age this sort of living, the poverty, and the handicaps of the Mexican poor. Our family often hosted people from Mexico coming to the US looking for a better way of life in the border country and we were taught from a very young age to do what we can, when we can, how we can.

    I think Lavame is a wonderful endeavor. I’ll definitely remember it and share the story when & how I can.. yes, probably even on Facebook. :P
    I agree there are many more things to be done than just sharing stuff on FB,but dont mistake the power it harnesses in getting information out to the masses. I cant tell you how many good things have been done that started out as a post on Facebook..

    Reply to KimH's comment

  5. Lee on February 24, 2013 at 4:39 pm

    Thanks for the recommendation. I ordered some and it arrived yesterday. Smells great.

    Reply to Lee's comment

About

This is a daily journal of my efforts to cultivate a more simple life, through local eating, gardening and so many other things. We used to live in a small suburban neighborhood Ohio but moved to 153 acres in Liberty, Maine in 2012.

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