Shutter Sisters

Joy to the World

By

All year long I’ve been telling stories on Shutter Sisters about Rwanda and my dear friend Odette who has been separated from these dear girls for three long, excruciating years.  Though no one knows for sure, this morning feels like Christmas as we’re getting little bits of encouraging news about the girls and the future of this amazing family.  If you’ve been following this story and want to spread a little Christmas cheer, stop by here and help us make a little more magic happen as we continue to make a way for the little house that love built.

Our yummy giveaway today is a handmade sterling silver bracelet from the Friends Association.  The bracelet, designed by Portland artist Eliza Saucy has the inscription:  Isn’t it amazing what one woman and her friends can do?  You can see this lovely bit of goodness and read the inspiring story behind it here.

As always, all month long, leave a comment and get a chance to be the winner of this beautiful bracelet.

Comments

  1. An absolutely wonderful image. Have been following your story..and am cheered to hear of the possibility of a happy reunion!!!!

  5. You are very inspirational and I can’t wait until my daughter opens her poster (one of yours) on Christmas morning!.
    Bonnie
    PS Love the bracelet.

  8. TRUELY WONDERFUL QUOTE, The links you’ve provided this month are gifts in them selves. Thanks to you all

  9. what a wonderful inscription! that is a great giveaway. and yes peace to that family, what strength in odette. as a mom myself i cannot imagine being separated for so long.

  11. I have loved your stories about Rwanda. I adopted my daughter from Ethiopia and spent a month there in 2006. The experience of it will stay with me forever.

  18. we were eating lunch at The Fox & The Hound on Tuesday, the only other people in the room were a group of 8 women 60+ playing Gin. The quote on the bracelet made me think of those women. Not because they were accomplishing anything necessarily, but that they were doing it together.
    I can’t imagine being separated from my babies. All my hopes for a happy reunion. I have not read their story yet, headed that way now, but no mother should be seperated from her child. Well, most.

  29. What a heart-wrenching story this is. How fabulous that there is a glimmer of hope. Oh, and lovely bracelet!

  30. i first found links for odette’s story through shutter sisters, though i am a new reader here as well. i’m so thankful for the rich stories & the beautiful community supporting odette. prayers for odette & all her dear ones.

  40. I’m LOVING this bracelet and also the story to accompany it. I have forwarded the link to the girlfriends I am meeting up with tonite. Each year we adopt a local halfway house for battered women. Gifts, stockings, baking, etc….This idea started with one WOMAN…who decided that just because you leave your spouse….doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to have a Christmas. It’s become a tradition…a tradition I am proud to take part in every year!

  47. My best friend and I want to save the world through amazing things like this. I think I’ll go buy her one of these bracelets for Christmas.

  51. Jen – I have been following your amazing journey and I am so inspired! Thanks for sharing your generous spirit with us through your stories…
    jag xox

  84. what wonderful news!!!!! I’d so love to win this bracelet …. it is so magical! I have 6 besties that we share all kinds of things …. this is the perfect representation of our bond!

  88. I have been looking for gifts this year that have significance and meaning, one that will benefit others and not just the recipient of the gift. A win/win, if you will. This bracelet is perfect for that and I’m ordering one today. I’ll still take another one if I’m lucky enough to win!! =)

  110. "Isn’t it amazing what one woman and her friends can do? "
    i am constantly reminded of the power and strength in numbers. it blows me away, and it’s ever encouraging to keep doing more.