By Riley

Today while at a coffee shop, I was excited to find fair trade coffee and jewelry made by women who have been exploited in the red light districts here. I was first drawn to a beautiful white necklace with a single teal jewel, but I just knew it wasn't for me. As I continued to look, I came across an earthy, green and brown necklace. The beads were heavy and connected by hand-twisted copper wire. I knew I had to buy it- it was my style. I told one of my friends, "I'm not sure why I need this necklace. I will wear it, but I'm not quite sure why I'm buying it." As I waited to check out, one of the ladies who worked there came up beside me.  I could not understand what she was saying, but I could tell she was excited. She quickly grabbed the green and brown necklace and asked if I was buying it. I told her that I was, and she gave me a huge hug, while expressing that she had made it. Her joy was overwhelming. She began thanking me, hugging me, and asking if I made jewelry. Her joy took my breath away. I just wanted to wear the necklace right then.  As she was wrapping it up for me, I began to think about what she has been through. I wondered what her story was, and took the opportunity to pray silently over her. Though I didn't get her name, I will remember to pray for her every time I wear that necklace.