A primary reason for this trip was an essential need of Purchase Effect–needing more merchandise to sell. We sold out of the majority of our product over the winter and needed to restock. Having spent a lot of time in Guatemala and knowing a lot of people there, Connie not only knew of the best places to go there, but of specific people to find as well. It was ministry in the market, and in spite of the hard work of pricing/comparing prices, bartering (Connie’s spiritual gift), tracking/receipts, and the business aspect of it, it was a lot of fun. Because it wasn’t just “restocking” our product line… it was meeting people and their families, listening to how these objects are made, telling about Purchase Effect and hearing their responses, praying for vendors and for those purchasing the items we sell, imagining the shows and how we will present whatever it is we purchased. It was beautiful colors and warm smiles, laughter as we tripped over all the bags we carried and trying to squeeze into a tuk tuk surrounded by fabric and wood, bantering in another language, cooing at the babies swaddled in their mother’s arms, hope at seeing the potential of Purchase Effect’s impact, and gratitude at the thought of God using this dream He gave Connie… and using us… to help.
Every day, we spent several hours at one of three different markets, visiting vendors who had become friends, making new friends, and looking for beauty. One of the biggest blessings was finding Evie, pictured below. She’s a vendor that Nancy, Connie’s mom, spent a lot of time getting to know. They have such a beautiful relationship. We went back to the market with a picture of her and Mrs. Nancy, and she got so excited. She showed the photo to her children, to her husband, and asked all about Connie’s family. She took us to her multiple stalls and around to her friends’ stalls, to introduce us to them and help us find what we needed. We spent time with her every day, and at the end of the trip, she invited us to stay at her house with her family next time.
(Above, Connie with Evie and her children; Connie in Evie’s stall surrounded by bags, pillow shams, and scarves)
It had nothing to do with me and everything to do with the ones who went before, with Connie’s family who made such a lasting impact on this woman and her family, so much so that she would open her home. It had nothing to do with business and everything to do with relationship. We purchased a lot from her, probably enough to pay for her store’s rent for a month or more, and to take care of her family’s needs. The next time we return, we’ll buy more. That part is business, but it’s also helping people. Essentially, it is the Purchase Effect. The sell they made to us helps their families, and then the funds we send back help the community. For Guatemala, the proceeds are sent back to Betty, the teacher at the inner-city school. A scarf purchased from Evie isn’t just a scarf; it’s something that helps feed her children and also gives education to “the children who don’t exist”. It has impact.
So… what did we bring back? You can look at the entire album here. A few items are pictured below, as well. If there’s something you like, just click on the picture and it will take you to the page where it can be ordered. We’re very low-tech right now, so purchasing something is as simple as making a comment on the photo.
*Photos of merchandise by Connie Rock*
