So Kayla, Kiara and I have been staying late and coming in early to work on Our Trip to Africa items–packing up orders, designing new pieces, and even creating some of them ourselves. It has been so much fun! I love getting to spend time with Kayla and Kiki outside of the normal work hours. We get to be creative and giggle and have fun creating items to raise money for our trip.
I still can’t believe I’m actually going to Africa!!! But let me tell you, getting my vaccination shots last week really helped to solidify it. Kayla and I received SIX shots each on Monday. Going into our appointment, we knew we would have to get a few shots, but neither one of us thought we would need 6 each–three in each arm. So we are now vaccinated again Yellow Fever, Polio, Typhoid, Hep. A & B, Meningitis, and Tetanus/Pertussis. Whew! That night and the day after our shots, we felt like we had been hit by a bus. I had a pity party for myself and wasn’t ashamed of it.
So now there is no turning back. HA! And I wouldn’t want to turn back. I’m so blessed to have this opportunity to travel to Africa with 2 of my MJC friend so that we can work with 11 women in Rwanda who will be sewing pieces that MJC and Noonday Collection will later sell for them. May is just around the corner so we have to work hard and fast to raise the money for our trip.
Thank you to everyone who has helped fund Our Trip to Africa by purchasing designated items from the Platinum site. For those of you who are new, you can find these items on the Platinum website under the “Giving” tab. There is an “Our Trip” icon in each photo and each item was been designed by either Kayla, Kiki or me especially for this trip.
We will be tweeting and posting sneak peeks every once in a while so make sure you are following Matilda Jane on Twitter (@matildajane435) and Facebook. And keep your eyes peeled for new Our Trip pieces on the Platinum website!
Love-Alicia
P.S. Can you help me name my next piece for Our Trip? Comment below–I’ll pick my favorite name and send you the piece that you helped to name.
Show Hide 182 comments
Savannah night
Have fun hon….looking forward to seeing all your pictures and hearing all about it!
Rachelle
Hakuna matata!
What about a “Toto top” – as in “I miss the rains down in Africa…” (toto’s best song ever!) I also like a “Simba’s swing dress” or “Simba’s skirt”. He is the cutest cat in all
Of Africa
Unity or Intertwined. Love this opportunity. Or Blossom!! A relationship and opportunity that grows.
Charlize
Carlisle
After my sweetness:)
How about Sofia? Or Sofia Jane?
So happy for all of you! I think you should name your new piece Moyo-kwa-Moyo – it is kiswahili for “heart to heart” because I think that’s what you are doing, giving something of your heart to help someone else.. and we all LOVE the items you’re designing!
Zhara is a cute fun and appropriate name I think
Izuba, it means ‘sun’ in the official Rwandan language, and when I think of Africa, I think of the sun.
Rainbow of Hope
Upendo – it means love in Swahili!
Hakuna Matata
Name the pieces after the immunizations you got!
Kimee (name of my best friend’s daughter who was adopted from Africa)
My daughters name and Julia Lynn and she would love a piece named after her! We often call her Jules!!!
Imana for the Conga? Mushanana? Intore? I think it’s amazing that you went and I am certain your inspirations will reflect in your seamstress talent!
Sweet safari
How about the “reward”? It will be a precursor to how rewarding the experience will be for all who are involved
Flavor – This is the name of the African girl ( from Nigeria) staying with a family in my town, while she undergoes surgery for 2 clubbed feet. She is about 4 years old, no one knows for sure. She is the sweetest thing. She will be in my town for 3 months, living with a host family while she has the surgery and recovers. I have met her at church and she has attended school with my children. Went from knowing no english to a bunch of words in a week. How special to have a dress named after her and one she can wear home!
Meilani which means heavenly flower!
I think you should name it “Kwizera” – it means “to hope, believe, have faith” in Kinyarwanda – the language of Rwanda. You will be giving HOPE to these women and their families, why not name the piece for what it will provide? Can’t wait to see more! Blessings on your trip!
Saiga (pronounced Si)
*Adia* which means a gift
*Amira* which means princess
Enjoy your trip
Another idea – as I signed off with blessings on the last comment – Umugisha – means blessing!
choty goty – beautiful girl
I think the next piece should be named Immaculee- after the author Immaculee Ilibagiza, a survivor of the Rwanda genocide. Her autobiography is called Left to Tell, which is extremely inspiring. She came to my school for a seminar back in December and her story is very uplifting
In her book, she tells the story of how she survived in a small bathroom w/ 7 other women for nearly 3 months while the genocide was happening. Makes me appreciate all that we have!!
Excited for you girls! The name Zahara reminds me of Africa!
Olabisi – means joy multiplied
My idea for the next piece of Our Trip is “fortunate”.
Lololi — it means “there is always love” in west african areas.
I just asked my 5 year old and she held up her (VERY well loved) stuffed dog and said why not WUFFY HUFFY (his name). Well…hey, that is Lola’s suggestion. Haha!
I am really in to what names mean. I think the African pieces should have names that represent what the whole project is about….
Najah – which means success in Swahili and is also a female name.
Amira – which means princess (which is who all the lovely MJ dresses)
Siri – which means secret in Swahili(uh, hello? Platinum? Isn’t being secretive and spontaneous what you are all about?)
How about Miryango which means family in Rawandan? Or Perrin, which is Latin unisex name for traveller.
“Victoria” for the awesome Victoria Falls that if you can…must see!
I know you ladies must be so excited!! Such an awesome opportunity! Here is my suggestion: “Kamilya” an African name that means perfection which I believe would be appropriate for ANY MJ piece!!! I also like “Dafina” which means valuable and precious and “Damisi” which means sociable and cheerful!!
i think a great name for a new piece would be “awakening”
Zola …i think it means love and is such a cute name
Liefde = love in Afrikaans
Hoop = hope
Also *Nafre* which means beautiful creation…
Aniweta – African meaning is Spirit
Great idea… “The Giver”, becayse tgats exactly what these pieces are doing… Givibg freedom…
Rowena in Rawanda
Ayo – African meaning is Joy
Peaceful Journey (an ode to heavy D and the boys…one of my favorite cd’s back in the day) =)
Passport
Can’t wait to help!!
What about “Hakuna Matata”? It’s Sawhili for “There are no worries.”. You may remember if from The Lion King, but I 1st heard it when I went on an African safari in Kenya as a child. Everyone said that phrase. It would be such a fitting name for a knot dress.
I think a perfect name for your next piece is KweeZerAh (Kwizera) which means Hope in Kinyarwanda. From everything I have read, you are going to Rwanda (is that right) and this is their principal language. Hope is what you are giving them and I know how you gals love different names too.
tiddlywinks!
Akono …it’s an African word that means “it’s my opportunity”! Fitting since this is your opportunity to go to Africa and you all are giving these ladies an opportunity for a better life
That is an amazing thing you gals are doing!! Have so much respect for you ladies!
For the name of the next piece:
How about “Sebabive”
It is a Rwandan girls name, it means “Bringer of good fortune”- I thought it was appropriate!
I think you should name it KweeZerAh (Kwizera) which means Hope in Kinyarwanda. It is perfect since you are giving them hope and I know how you gals love different names.
I say Blixen, after Karen Blixen of Out of Africa.
Ellie- Joy after a friend’s little girl who was adopted from Africa.
That’s a lot of pressure to name an item for such an amazing cause. I am thinking simple…Strength in Beauty
Sunrise….a friend that has been there said they are incredible there!
“Jambo” – Hello in Swahili. Have fun:) I too am going to Africa (Kenya in 3 weeks:))and the shots are not fun. Love what you gals are doing!
I am not sure what part of Africa you are traveling too, but Swahili is spoken in Eastern Africa so what if you named one of your pieces
rafiki- means friend
mavazi – means clothing
nzuri – means beautiful
kutoa wema – means giving kindness
these are all words that come to my mind when I think about MJC.
You need to play off the famous Desmond Tutu with a cute skirt…the desi tutu or something like that…I am so jealous have a great time!
Nakupenda
It means “i love you” in kenya!
I think your new item should be named Lou-Lou!
Tylyn would be a good name hee hee! That is my dd’s middle name! Well one of them!
“Emeka” means blessed
The Nile
Providence!
Sikudhani = a pleasant surprise, as was your trip
Esperer (french meaning to hope….)
Asha (means life in swahili)
i vote for “dream” because y’all are fulfilling not only your dreams, but those of the sweet women that you will be working with AND those of all of us who are supporting YOU!
Nahla or Ayanna
Safari Sky
Since you lovely ladies are going to Africa I thought it was only right that the dress has a name that is of African Origin. So these are the 3 names I found and LOVE!
Rabia meaning “Spring”
Lulu meaning “pearl” or “precious”
Fanta meaning “beautiful day”
Thanks for the chance of naming a dress, it was really fun!
~Nikki~
serengeti
“Fortitude” I absolutely love this word<3
I love that you are doing this project! So inspiring
What about ‘Kiva’ (=unity); ‘HoBee’ (=hug); Independence; Promise; Hope
The Giving Tree
A Nala Knot dress would be adorable or Zazu made with lots of bright colors like the character.
How about ASHA it means LIFE in Swahili.
I love the name and meaning..that’s why I gave it to my little girl.
Ankanke- Africa word meaning “to know her is to love her” … As soon as we met MJ we loved her!!
How about Hope?
Obviously meaningful with regards to your trip, but could also be a girl’s name. I had a friend in elementary school named Hope.
Trots = pride
Angelina- after all she does travel to Africa frequently- right?
Jambo
HOPE
Inspired
I would call it Journey. A great name for a fitting adventure.
So happy to have another opportunity to suggest a name because I have been thinking that I should have suggested Jada. Our Jada has been an Matilda Jane Miss for 4 years now and I can only imagine how thrilled it would be for her to have a piece named Jada.
I am so excited for you Alicia, Kayla and Kiara and for the many unforgettable moments that are coming your way.
warrior
Why not celebrate the month that you are going and call the next dress the “May Dress” It seems fitting! : )
Joyous Journey
I went to Africa for about a year doing missions work and a precious girl who touched my heart forever is desiree. I say desiree hope. Such a special place. It will change your life.
Ok, this might sound like a strange name, but I had the ultimate experience of going to Zambia which is a country in Southern Africa while in college, and I can remember what an amazing trip of a lifetime it was. Among the amazing people and children we met, was a sight I will never forget—Victoria Falls! So my suggestion is for a piece called Victoria! and google Victoria falls and you will be in awe at the beauty!!!!!!!
African names I love:
Kali- energetic
Kiara- finger
Kioni- she who see
How about Chance? What you are taking in hopes of bringing some joy to others.
Ayana….”beautiful flower”
How about Bailee Ann
porsie this is for sharing the love from country to country. you truly are amazing
Wezesha is a Swahili word for ‘enable’ which I believe is your ultimate goal to “enable” or “empower” these women!!! This is such a wonderful way to “give back” which these ladies will be able to do with their families now too. So WEZESHA for great work and craftsmanship that has “enabled” you ladies to make this journey! What a cute name for a Knot Dress – The Wezesha Kot!
Hellen for the one of the sweetest 7 year old orphanes in the Kenya orphanage my missionary brother works with!
The Giving Tree
Kind Spirit
Passion
Once in a Lifetime
Sahara
Mercy… I don’t know what the word is in a Rwandan language…
I really like the name Keza which means beautiful in Rwanda. Matilda Jane is universally beautiful in its mission to serve the world and in it’s clothes.
Soukous (African music genre)
“range of freedom”
Aprica (latin for sunny)
The Gift
Nalah.
What about Annakiya? It’s an African name that means “sweet face”. Love it.
How about WANDERLUST? For your soon to be travels
Jambo!
That is Hello in Swahili-which i know you’ll be saying a lot of!
Maybe if you make a jumper-it could be called “jambo jumper!”
**Mufasa** After the Lion King my Daughter’s favorite Movie
Zina! It means “secret spirit”
Topsana (prairie flower). From a book I recently read. Great story, and the characters keep rolling around in my mind.
how about Zulu (since Mardi Gras is tomorrow!) haha
Safari
Some ideas:
-field of flowers
-Queen of the Nile
-journey home
-Pinkie promise
“Rafiki” – it means friend in Swahili
I like “journey.” Its a simple name, but the definition matches what you ladies are doing to a T…”an occasion when you travel from one place to another, especially when there is a long distance between the places.”
Not only is it a long distance geographically, but also in all of the amazing preparations you girls are doing to make it there. Keep up the wonderful work, you’re an inspiration!
Asante-I think this means thank you which is appropriate on many levels!
Simba or Nala! Or Rafiki! I love Lion King!
I went to Africa in college and one of my favorite words was
Rafiki (it means friend in Swahili). Have fun on your adventure!!
Rainbow of hope because I am not creative : )
I like Journey to Happiness =)
Gwendalyn
Amani (peace/peaceful in Swahili). This was going to be my daughter’s middle name but we decided it didn’t sound right with the first name we had already picked out. I’m still in love with it though:)
Tribal Flower
Sweet Nile
jambo..means hello
Della, Nevah, or Zantha
Whitney. Need I say more? She would’ve loved this project…
Nala which means gift in Swahili
Zulu (which means water)
How about Jambo…it means hello or welcome.
Second choice African Dream
How about ‘Hope’? Love the power in that word.
I’m sure you all are about to overflow with all your hopes for this incredible journey. This project has given those sweet women in Rwanda hope for a better life for their families. And of course all of us MJC fans hope to catch Platinum sometime. 
Whichever name you choose, I hope your trip is amazing! You girls rock!!
In honr of your inoculations, why not “Best Shot”?
What about Iman?
Adero “she who creates life” I thought this would be fitting because you are creating a better life for these woman (possibly mothers) by providing work for them.
Safe Travels.
Thinking something so easy peasy, like *Jambo* which means “hi.” Love how you bring our world together by what you do.
How about Cape Town?
My 9 year old daughter says, “meerkat dance.” I Love it!
africa
Infinity would be a great name or Lola Blue.
Akantu–means little things
How about…
“Abeo” Which means “I bring joy”
Abeo which is African for… I bring joy
I like these:
ETIOBI (eh-tee-OH-bee). One heart. Nigeria
UTULIZI (oo-too-LEE-zee). One who brings comfort.
African Adventure
Marímbula
Hana … flower in Japanese … always liked this name
.
Kagera Hope
Kagera is a major river in Rwanda. The river originates from Burundi and flows into major parts of Rwanda. It flows into Lake Victoria and parts of the Nile.
Hope is my daughter
Water is life and Hope is my life.
“Adabelle”. It stands for noble and kind!
Have fun!!!
))
Noonday Hope or Zari – a friend named their child this (adopted from Ethiopia.
The Kagera (River in Rwanda)
Vancouver!!!!
Otta…”O(ur) T(rip) T(o) A(frica)”
I think the name should be Mugisa b/c it means blessing in Africa and I hope that is suits it perfectly
How about “it takes a village”?
Aside from Vancouver, How about Rosetta, Winterton, Golden GAte, Oyster Bay, Cape town, Siri, or Kimiee!
My Hearts Journey
“Abana” for children in Kinyarwanda (language of Rwanda)
Dayo, meaning joy arrives or Amara, meaning paradise
Kambrie
How about Cricket? Popular sport in Africa. Or how about Benevolence? For all your support.
The journey. A journey refers to a group of giraffes.
Passion! Because of all the passion you girls have toward a great cause!
Jouney
Journey! Sorry.
The sweetie name in the world to me is Kinnly, when I hear it, say it or think it, I smile and think it would make a great name for a new addition!
Intertwined threads
I vote for “Asha”. Means “life” in Swahili. Because y’alls lives are coming together to help theres. It rolls off the tongue nicely as well.
How about WAZZALA [Beautiful and elegant (Amharic/Ethiopian)]? Plus it just sounds fun to say!
I also think ZANTA [Beautiful girl (Swahili)]sounds nice and translates wonderfully…
Winnie (Mandela)
AFRICAN SUNSET….or DESERT NIGHT……SANDUNES…CAPECOD
I’ve said that least 1147201 times. SCK was here
Hope! Because that’s what you are giving theses woman by participating in this program.
Emeka means blessed
The Nile
Its pretty awesome that we get to follow along and be apart of this journey <3
Kum ba yah!
Or anticipation!
Ubuntu!
Definition: “I am what I am because of who we all are.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_(philosophy)
I would name the new piece Hope. Speaks for itself.
be great, be bold, be grand
love begins in the heart and radiates out into the whole world
all things are “possible” given enough time
Diversity
“Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough.”
– Anon
Simplicity is my vote
Aya- the most popular name for a girl in Africa.