Mama Robi is based on a photograph by Kim Cole who kindly gave me permission to use it. The first time I saw Kim’s photo I was overwhelmed by Isabella’s beauty and her face, radiant with joy. I wanted to capture that joy in my art. I later learned that in 1998 Isabella Robi (known as Mama Robi) started a small school in Nakuru, Kenya because she saw children on the street that needed to be educated. When Mama Robi humbly speaks to an audience she begins with, “My name is Isabella Robi, and I love God.” Through persistence and prayer, the little school has become Project Kenya, serving over 800 children in many different ways. Mama Robi’s vision was to “teach and show Christ’s love.” She has said, “God has given me a love for children.” This kind of faith defines joy to me and is beautiful to behold. This textile work uses commercial and hand-painted fabrics, machine stitching, thread painting, and some monoprinting. The fabric on the back was purchased in Africa, by my mom.