Each culture has its own misconceptions about sexuality. For instance, in America some people think that if you take a bath after sex you will not conceive. These misconceptions get perpetuated by the way in which people obtain information about their sexuality. In places where sex is not discussed openly and there is no formal sex education, the myths passed on through gossip and innuendo become fact within the eyes of many people. Some of these myths seem harmless, like women who think that having sex gives them big hips and big buttocks. But others can produce serious problems for women, especially when they impact a woman's ability to control her fertility. As part of our dedication to public health, the Vutukaka Community Center's health class has recently focused on the facts of reproduction in hopes to circumvent some of the hardships that can result when a woman does not fully understand her body.

The myths many women in the class have shared about their sexuality have not only been a great foundation for discussion, but have also been a source of learning for the foreign volunteers teaching and observing the class. One woman recently told a story about a girl she knew who did not know what her first period was, so she asked a friend how she could stop herself from bleeding. This friend told her that she could only stop the bleeding by going with a man. The result of this misguided advice was that the girl became pregnant. This story launched a discussion about the importance of talking to one's children about their sexuality. The women suggested that we start a health class specifically for youth, so that children whose parents would not talk openly about sex would have a place to get correct information. This was something that we had previously thought the community might be opposed to, but the support coming from the women in the health class was encouraging.

Many women also shared their difficulties practicing family planning due to a lack of cooperation from their husbands. We began our discussion of family planning methods by informing the women about methods that do not require the use of drugs, which are expensive and stronger than most contraceptives found in the U.S., or the use of male condoms, which many men refuse to use. Some of the methods discussed required abstinence during part of the month, which is difficult to do without cooperation from one's partner. However, the first objection to these methods came from another myth which one woman shared. She said that it was commonly believed that women would get backaches if they did not have sex often enough (some women said that less than 2 or 3 times a day was not good) and that therefore practicing abstinence, even if only during certain times of the month, was not a method of birth control they would consider. Each week it is truly rewarding to see the benches in the classroom full of women asking questions and sharing their personal health stories. For the women this is a safe environment in which to openly discuss subjects that they previously learned about through first-hand experience or gossip. For the foreign volunteers the discussions provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about the women's lives and the difficulties associated with their health and to think about our own health. Together, we are constantly discovering new things about each other and ourselves.

A new group has joined the Vutakaka Sewing Club and they are already hard at work learning new skills and producing amazing products out of local fabrics. The Club has developed quite a reputation around Takaungu and the waiting list for membership is quite long. In fact, the Takaungu village sub-chief-a longtime friend of the Center-is among the new members.

During this six-month session, the new and returning Sewing Club members are continuing to make the beautiful shoulder bags, aprons, baby dresses, and quilts you've seen on our website and have added three great new products: a big queen-sized quilt, a square-bottomed quilted handbag, and an innovative baby carrier. You've got the see that last one to believe it-really you've got to see all of our products, new and old. Click here to visit the updated Sewing Club Products page of our website.

"We had an immediate connection with the children, and had access to their community in ways I never thought possible. It is such a gift to feel welcomed and connected to the people in a place you're visiting, and to combine travel, photography, and volunteering." Karen Church, Tibetan Children's Village Workshop, Dharamsala, India

Join award winning Phil Borges, photographer Amanda Koster and the amazing children of Takaungu for an unforgettable workshop in digital storytelling. In this workshop, our goal is to get past the "grab shot" and find a way to use our photography to create images that tap into the spirit of those we photograph, while at the same time imparting meaningful skills to the communities we work in.

Building effective community relationships in remote and beautiful locations is the hallmark of Bridges workshops. The strength of Kenya's costal history, its trading ports, its centuries-old Arab-Muslim influence, and its beaches make this Bridges workshop a rare chance to explore the rich landscape of the Kenyan Coast. You will work with internationally renowned photographers and students in the local community, taking your personal work to the next level while empowering a new generation of storytellers. You will challenge your photographic skills in a new environment, develop familiarity with digital imaging at all levels, and build meaningful relationships with the communities you visit by engaging students in their own documentary work. Opportunities for remarkable image making will present themselves every day of this two-week workshop. Dates: October 5 - 21, 2004 Cost: $3,475 includes workshop fee plus all in- country travel, lodging and most meals. You can link to our website with information on Kenya below or call Kathy at (206) 275-3247

Rechargable AA batteries - Even just 4 would be a HUGE help!

Some "CompactFlash" cards - the kind that go in digital cameras. They should be at least 8 MB cards, though larger would be better. The ever-snapping kids in our Bridges to Understanding program have been wearing ours out over time and we only have a few left. We have been using Kodak and Canon cards.

Plastic tabbies for hanging file folders. Aligator (black squeeze) clips for holding papers together. I'm sure there is a clever name for these, but I am at a loss for a better explanation. I need about 100 of them. Varying sizes is fine. We use them to hang posters and letters around our classrooms. Lexmark printer cartridges for a Lexmark X75 all in one printer: Black Cartridge 10N0016 Color Cartridge 10N0026

The EAC is looking for sponsors of hours, days, weeks and even months of our organization. Currently, it costs us $20.00 per business hour for us to successfully accomplish all that we do. That is the cost of running the entire organization. If you would like to sponsor the Center for a day, the cost would be $160.00, a week, $1120.00 etc. This money helps us pay our teachers, keeps this newsletter coming, provides porridge to our nursery students, buys books for our library and so on. If you can help with any of these items or you are interested in sponsoring hours, days, weeks or months of our operation, please contact us or send a tax- deductible donation to the EAC at PO Box 95703 Seattle, WA 98145-2703.

Peddling for a Cause-- Jeff Long, also from the Boeing Company, is organizing the event "Peddling for a Cause" on Saturday, August 28th. This is a bike- riding event where everyone will meet at 11 am in the parking lot next to Red Robin, at the Auburn Supermall. We will head north on the Interurban Trail. You can ride at your own pace and enjoy the trail for as far as you would like to go. Be sure to pack a good supply of water and some snacks for your ride. Please invite your friends and family to participate. We have set the goal of 50 riders for this event. There will be a $10.00 donation fee for each person riding or if you know of anyone who isn't able to ride, but would like to participate by donation, we will gladly accept that also. All levels of riding skills welcome!! Sign up of participants and all funds need to be collected no later than Friday, August 27th. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. In advance, I'd like to thank you for your support. Hope to see you on Saturday, August 28th, so mark your calendar! Jeffrey.c.long@boeing.com.