08.13.10 *FOUND

One of the highlights of this trip thus far has been the week spent alongside a group of talented young women who are part of Made By Survivor's new silversmithing program. All of these women have stories that movies could be made of, all of which will rip your heart out.

There's C* -- she grew up in a prison cell. Her father shot her mother and she had no other family to raise her, so she went to jail with her father until she was rescued by The Women's Interlink Foundation. The atrocities she witnessed remain unspeakable.  She doesn't talk much about her past. Many survivors don't. They look to the future. She is one of the most skilled jewelers in the program. And there's M*, she has partial hearing loss and therefore speaks with an impediment. We don't know what caused this. We don't see her in the light of pity, instead, she shines as one of the brightest—she draws, she paints, she dances and now, she makes jewelry. Her eyes are haunting, her smile is hopeful and she will undoubtedly excel and lead many other women in the art of silversmithing. It's remarkable. They have found this program to be extremely healing and productive as it requires a high degree of commitment.

The women in the program are learning on copper and brass, next step: silver! Stay tuned for finished products debuting later this year on www.madebysurvivors.com. They also already have their first commission. The mighty organization Amnesty International (www.amnesty.org) is celebrating their 50th year of advocating for human rights worldwide and has commissioned this team to design several pendants representing freedom. Perfect!

*Names changed for privacy and protection.