A Visit That Filled Us with Gratitude

One of the things we have always cherished at Creative Hands is the relationships we have built over the years. Without the connections we have formed beyond our immediate circle, we would not be where we are today. We are deeply grateful that each season brings new people into our lives.

It all began last year when our founder and co-owner, Cecilia Sakatira, was invited to the Dutch Ambassador’s residence, where she met people from different walks of life who are all working to make life better for the refugees and immigrants who come to Greece.

It was humbling to watch the ambassador interact with our women and children and to listen as the women shared some of their stories.

This year, we had the privilege of attending the event again, as it is held annually. During the gathering, Cecilia was introduced to Ambassador Barbara van Hellemond. They struck up a conversation, and Cecilia was delighted to learn that Ambassador Barbara had spent time in Zimbabwe, where she served faithfully and graciously.

It was a wonderful meeting, and at the end of the day, we invited the ambassador to visit Creative Hands one day. Her response was an immediate yes. Knowing how busy an ambassador is and the many responsibilities she carries, we assumed that such a visit would happen much later. We were therefore pleasantly surprised to receive an email asking whether the ambassador could visit. Naturally, we were honored to accept.

That “yes” led to her visit yesterday, accompanied by Deputy Ambassador Ms. Naomi Yorks and the outgoing First Secretary, Cees van Beek, who has become a dear friend to all of us at Creative Hands.

It was humbling to watch the ambassador interact with our women and children and to listen as the women shared some of their stories. She also had the opportunity to see firsthand how the women weave and to learn more about the sewing aspect of our work. We treasured every moment, and our team felt truly honored to welcome her.

We are deeply grateful to the ambassador and her team. Her visit reminds us of an African proverb that says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” It is relationships like these that strengthen us in what we do and remind us that we are part of something much bigger than ourselves.

With gratitude,

Cecilia and the Creative Hands team