Well it's been a tense time for everyone here at Motif! When Nasma, one of our wonderful sewers, didn't come to work we were all concerned. Although now home again in the 'safe place' of Motif, many issues remain for her:

no security

After the birth of her 2nd child, a surviving twin girl, Nasma's husband left and married again. That was Jan 2010. Last week she heard where they were living and set out with her parents, uncle and children to find him. In Bangladesh there is only a scant social welfare system, and Nasma needs security for her...

Well it's that traveling time of year again so now Jay (hubby) and I are making a BIG adventure of it! Together for 3 weeks in New Zealand, Australia and Bangladesh - then home again for Jay and a few more weeks in Dhaka and the UK before I also head home.

Why the whistle-stop world tour?

... we chose to put family first and spend time with relatives far, far away and in the process became closer and closer - what a wonderful time shared together with them and other good friends too!

Fairtrade whistling on down under

   Change has been a big deal in 2011 - from the Arab Spring to Occupy Wall Street and many points in between. No wonder Time magazine named "The Protester" their Person of the Year.

deciding for change

Information is now communicated globally by a single fingertip - huge results from very little effort - wait ... how much effort?

The...

... on Christmas Eve, 24th December a beautiful healthy girl was born to Nayan and Sraboni ... we are all VERY happy! And her name ... not yet ... it will take a while for just the right name to be selected and her naming ceremony will be very special.

Soon though, when astrology determines an auspicious day, she will be presented at the village temple. Coloured threads will be tied around her wrists and ankles as blessings are recited over her by the temple monks and family members.

So which greeting do you prefer? I'm a 'Christmas' fan myself ... but whatever phrase you choose, it's always shared with a heartfelt smile, desiring peace and good cheer for all.

And so it is from all of us at Motif - this amazing mix of Buddhist, Muslim, Christian and Hindu families - wishing you all a precious time of reflection on the amazing gift we receive in life itself and in each other ... and some of us will reflect on the gift of Jesus Christ too.

With every blessing we wish you all a very Happy Christmas!

Once upon a time - in Feb 1998 - a little craft business with a big idea joined a little known movement with a big vision ... and that's how Motif, the little business, began in Fair Trade.

Fast forward 14yrs and Motif has certainly grown, but nothing like the Fair Trade movement's stellar growth. So what was it like a few decades ago? What's different now? ... Many responses cry to be shared but the main one affecting Motif these days is 'accreditation'.

Behind the scenes