Creating the HOPE Bracelets in Ethiopia!

Creating the First HOPE Bracelets
Project Mercy June, 2003

Many of the volunteers for the HOPE Bracelet Project were unable to help the week we visited because they were studying for 8th grade National Examinations, which was a disappointment to us at first. We were amazed by the speed at which the students picked up the technical aspects of this new skill, though, and their interest in passing on the information to their friends after we have returned to America. The design and color sense of each student was so wonderful and diverse....no different than beaders in the US, eh? From left in the picture are Gete, Agrie, Kidan and Marta. Tammy Cunningham, the co-leader of our illustrious 23-person Share Our Strength group, is appreciatively looking on.....

On Day 1 Devon (standing) did a fantastic job of starting the basic bracelet-making training! We had a few bracelets with lots of Soft-flex showing after the crimps were tightened down and had to do some repair and re-stringing, but it was amazing how quickly the ladies got the knack of it!

We had lots of extra volunteers from our group, as well as some other visiting Americans that we had just met!

Beads are MAGICAL!

Nearly everyone in our group stopped by to make at least ONE bracelet! We were fortunate enough to have Marta and Deme at "the BEAD SHOP" one day while we were creating!

Noel and Tammy were also a big part of the effort!

(In case you haven't been fortunate enough to meet them, they're the folks in the yellow shirts)

THANKS!

Aren't they

Some

Happy

Beaders?

Devon, Tammy and I were SO proud
of these ladies!

Here they are.....
          each wearing all the
                    bracelets SHE MADE!

Gete and Agrie will be teaching several of their fellow students how to make bracelets as soon as the National exams are finished. That group will complete the last of the bracelets.

Click on these 3 images for a larger view.....they're MY favorites!!!

This scene will most likely be in the HDTV documentary. We're showing the camera ALL those beautiful bracelets (and the on-looking neighborhood ladies are amazed by these "crazy Americans!")	Doesn't Gete look Fabulous wearing ALL her bracelets??	Our Inspirational FOUR each showing off his/her Commemorative Bracelet! These sold on Nov. 16 at our silent auction for $1,000 EACH!

YOU can also help by THANKING and BUYING from those who donated!
See a List of all the Amazing DONORS
2003 2004

Click Here to Contribute Using PayPal

We're happy to report that all the 2003 bracelets have been SOLD! Check back to see when the 2004 edition is ready.....or E-Mail us to be added to the HOPE Updates List The cost is a minimum donation of $100 per bracelet Click Image to see a BIG picture of 3 bracelets!
	Each of the 500 2003 HOPE Bracelets features a sterling silver charm specially created by Colorado jeweler Michelene Berkey. The word "HOPE" is engraved on the reverse

We are already beginning to plan and collect BEADS and SUPPLIES for a SECOND EDITION of HOPE bracelets for 2004! Michelene has generously offered to create a sterling custom toggle clasp design just for this next batch ....stay tuned for details!

I took LOADS of Pictures!
Click on the links to pages below to see them ALL!

MAKING THE BRACELETS	SCENIC PICTURES INSIDE PROJECT MERCY
THE FAMINE....Pictures of the feeding center	SCENIC PICTURES South of Addis Ababa
The Women's Skills Enhancement Program	MORE PIX OF ADDIS AND THE COUNTRYSIDE
See A Short Movie...Hear the kids SING!	Misc. pictures from the trip
See A Short Movie...Hear the kids SING!	Highlights of the Ethiopia Trip
The HOPE Bracelet Project- Main Page	HOPE Bracelet Project- Peripheral Events
Get A Donation Form	The Flame A Thons

AND NOW....Pictures from the 2004 Trip!
Several pages!
including a new TORCH and 1,000 bracelets made this time!

Creating the First HOPE Bracelets Project Mercy June, 2003