Jewelry Project Update

About a month ago I shared how Chelsea and I were working with a group of ladies from the Thomassin church to make jewelry from paper beads.  It has been a wonderful opportunity to get to know the ladies that we are working with and to see them develop in their skills and begin to create some great quality jewelry. 

Each Thursday I have the opportunity to spend the morning with these ladies and I am loving getting to know them.  Today I had the chance to talk with Andrea.  She was sharing with me some of the expenses that she has.  She currently has a daughter who is studying in the Dominican Republic.  Her husband is a driver and is paid fairly, but doesn't make a lot of money.  Each month when he is paid they would take a large amount of that money and exchange it to US money to send $100 US to their daughter to cover her school expenses.  At the same time they were also having to pay money for their youngest daughter to go to a local high school.  After paying these 2 school bills there was not much left over for food or anything else.  With a large smile on her face, Andrea shared with me that this has all changed.  She is now able to make enough money each month to cover the school costs without having to take from her husband's pay.  The money her husband is making can now be used for the family's general expenses.

Thank you to those who have purchased some of the jewelry that Andrea and the others are making.  It really is making a huge impact on their lives.

Andrea showing some of her recently made jewelry.