Betsy Jo: Philippine Mission Trip

In 2013, Betsy Jo (BFA ​‘08) travelled to Dumaguete in the Philippines to teach classes on sewing, in order to help local residents earn a better living.

In 2013, I was asked by my church if I would make some prototype hand bags from the donated fabric being sent to Dumaguete in the Philippines. After I did, they were so pleased they asked me to go with them and teach classes sewing to help them make a living. I was there for two weeks in January 2013 and plan to go again in 2015. It was so rewarding for me to work with the people there, teaching a helpful skill. My classes were held under an open tent, using treadle sewing machines. The people and the tropical islands are just beautiful.