08.21.10 *FOUND

They tend fields, they raise children, they shepherd flocks -- they make beads! Two of the villages outside of Varanasi have already implemented IGPs (Income Generation Programs) with the help of Made By Survivors. The women make tiny, brightly-colored glass beads. They have their "studio" set up in a dark, hot (!) room and they are serious! They know their skill and are proud of the beauty they produce. It's actually astounding. In these little villages built by mud and straw these sari-clad heros turn out tea-tin after tea-tin of bright, shiny candy-like beads. We cleaned them out, bought them all. How happy were we? I couldn't have been happier if I was buying a diamond ring. Now it's time to come up with some interesting designs for those beads. 


Most of these villages have never seen white people. And yes some of the children did cry. Actually, I think we all cried. Many had never been touched by anyone outside their village, at least with respect. What must that feel like? I was honored to hold any hand who would take mine. Hands that know how to love, to give, to provide, to create.