In 2003, a number of Somali Bantu families were resettled in Vermont. Two centuries ago, the Bantu people were abducted from their homes in southern Africa and brought to Somalia in East Africa to serve as slaves. Since that time, the Bantu have lived under feudal bondage, condemned to perform the most menial and degrading tasks. In the 1990s, brutal civil war sent many Bantus fleeing into neighboring Kenya, where they live to this day in primitive refugee camps.
When the Bantus arrived in Vermont, they had never before cooked on an electric stove or had running water. They were also accustomed to a climate that was never colder than 60 degrees.
Last February, seven women and three girls gathered at the Covenant Community Church to make a quilt as a welcoming gift for one Bantu family living in Winooski. The design was called “Trip Around the World”, and the queen-size quilt came quickly together under so many willing hands. The quilt was “tied off” with prayers by members of the congregation, then blessed – along with a twin-size quilt that Josy Moore created out of the scraps – in a special ceremony during Sunday service.
The quilts were gladly accepted and much appreciated by the parents and their one daughter who was able to accompany them to the States.
The Covenant Quilters with a Mission are currently working on a twin-sized quilt to give to the Respite House. If you love to quilt, enjoy great fellowship, and are interested in giving back to your community, you are welcome to join the Covenant Quilters. For more information, please contact the church office 879-4313.