Stories and e-mail from the earlier trips
RETURN HOME

Greetings from Cuba,

 We just finished our 1st class. We had 11 men and 2 women. Most are very talented silver artists. They are so excited to come in contact with our beads. They are all so excited to see beads they have never seen before. Each student finished about 3 necklaces and they were lovely. They were thrilled and gave me back the necklaces to sell for Beads of hope to buy them more beads. I have at least 30 to 40 necklaces and earrings. They were all so wonderful and appreciative that they named their organization here Beads of Hope. It meant so much to me.
President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalyn was here at the same time that we were and I had a chance to talk with Rosalyn about what we are doing here, she was very supportive.I am having a wonderful time. Giuditta is a wonderful help, she has come from Venice Italy to assist us.

Marilyn

I sold in Cuba $650.00 US dollars of their jewelry to other women that came to Cuba the same tima as I did. That is a 5 year salary for the average person. You and I are making a huge difference in their lives. I am returning in April we are working on helping them get a permenant sales location from the government down on the marina where the cruise ships arrive. Softflex again gave stringing materials and tools. Without all your donations this would not be happening. A huge Thank you to Ava Motherwell and Mike and Scott at Softflex and the many others who have donated beads. From the Women of Cuba and myself Marilyn Berg 

PS. We still can use supplies. metal beads,
clasps, crimp beads anything used for beading. Tax Deductable Beads of
Hope Cuentas de esperandza