The best gifts to send home

We know these people who own an Olive Wood factory in town. They make all sorts of figurines, cooking utensils, Nativity scenes, jewelry and Christmas Tree ornaments from beautiful, local olive wood. Now, most of the souvenirs you will find around town are actually made in China, so they aren't the best option when you're shopping for things to bring home from a trip here. The olive wood gifts are a little more expensive but well worth the price.

Not only do they make an excellent product, the factory is one of the only places in town who employs the disabled and the deaf. Most of these people would never have had the chance to have a decent job, a paycheck, respect from their families. Now many of them are supporting their families with the money they make at the factory. They have honor, which is very important in this culture.

Whenever we have guests come to visit, we always try to take them to the factory to see how the pieces are made and to meet the employees. They are all amazingly gracious and friendly.

And they love Noah.
This picture was taken months ago, but I love it. This is one of the ladies showing Noah how she sands the wood pieces after they're carved. He just wanted to eat it.

We are starting our own nativity set collection. Each year I think we will try to get a new piece. We also have beautiful serving spoons. And one of my favorite gifts I've given to friends here is a figure of a mother holding a child. If you want to check out what they have to offer, just go to holylanddesigns.net.