Joy to the World

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

[Marcie]

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

[abbey]

Inspiring ... as always!!!!
Beautiful!

[Charlane]

a happy reunion possibility is a dream I'm sure - what a beautiful image

[norah]

How wonderful!

[Bonnie]

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.

[Stephanie]

Your stories and images are always amazing.

[nadia]

Oh I really hope there will be a happy reunion soon!

[pam]

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

[kristin]

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.

[laura]

what a wonderful story and photograph! it shows the joy of the season!

[Sebrina]

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.

[Kelley]

Awesome News!! Beautiful picture!

[Cindy]

Lovely bracelet. Great saying.

[Kathleen O.]

Heartwarming, inspiring story. What a big heart you have...

[krista]

how beautiful!!

[Christy]

What a beautiful bracelet!

[Sandra]

Oh...just beautiful!

[CarrieJ]

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.

[Lu]

I find myself looking forward to Odette stories. Her children are truly beautiful.

[~Kristina]

thanks for bringing this to my attention!

[elaine]

the feeling and the bracelet are beautiful...thanks for sharing the story!

[Kath]

It is amazing. Thanks for the opportunity to win this bracelet.

[Karyn]

That sounds wonderful!

[Rachel Dallaire]

Beautiful. Just beautiful.

[Marcene]

An amazing story. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[Annie]

Thank's for the exciting news and sharing this story with the rest of us!

[AppleTree]

Lovely...

[claudia]

what beautiful young women!

[Janine]

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

[lizzy]

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.

[Nicole]

Beautiful bracelet...simple but meaningful!

[Charlotte]

beautiful! thank you.

[christina]

What a beautiful bracelet with a sweet message.

[Lucy]

There is hope and there is love.

[Julie Marie]

Beautiful ...

[Stephanie Fox]

Inspiring story.

[Emily]

What a beautiful bracelet and beautiful post!

[Erin]

I am so happy that things are starting to look up for this family! God bless you and all your work!

[michelle]

beautiful.

[wn]

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!

[Camille]

So cool.
Spurs us on in action and love!!

[Sha]

I just discovered your website. I love it. :)

[Kristin]

Gorgeous shot!

[Becky]

Simple. Beautiful.

[kristen k.]

beautiful.

[raina]

What an inspiring story. I would be honored to wear a bracelet with such an eloquent sentiment.

[Liz]

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.

[Liz Dager]

To be able to support and give to those in need is amazing!

[Ashleigh]

I so want one. It's to be treasured!

[Heidi Rumph]

This picture is beautiful!! very inspiring and the bracelet is very nice :)