Tish Harrison Warren says, "Joy is not 'toxic positivity.' It does not insist that we pretend things are better than they are. It does not refuse to face grief or sorrow. But it does say that they are not all there is and they are not all that needs to be faced." 

We choose joy - not because we feel it - but because we know that the resurrection of Jesus brings hope that God will raise us from the ashes too. 

What's in the box?

• Natural Shampoo Bar | Made by Sacha Del | Retail Value: $14
• Wooden Soap Saver | Made by Noah's Ark | Retail Value: $12
• Organic Cotton Shower Pouf | Made by Kalkedon | Retail Value: $12
• Turkish Hand Towel | Made by Kalkedon | Retail Value: $10
• Kitenge Ribbon | Made by Street Hope | Retail Value: $4

Retail Value: $52

ABOUT THE ARTISAN

Sacha Del 

Sacha Del is a soap business in Thailand specializing in hand-molded, hot-pressed soaps. Their range of soap offerings ensures both safety and efficacy for both body and hair care. Sacha Del takes pride in being one of the pioneers of bar shampoos. The company plans to extend their line of face and hair products, as well as adding eco-friendly home cleaning products. All their products are 100% biodegradable and contain no chemicals, silicone, parabens, or sulfates - in addition to being animal cruelty-free. Sacha Del actively contributes to society by creating employment opportunities for marginalized individuals, striving to foster dignified jobs and a more inclusive workforce.

Noah's Ark

Noah's Ark was established in 1986 with the sole objective of artisans' welfare and education in Moradabad, India. They support artisans through fair trade practices and provide training in the production of quality products for overseas markets. Noah's Ark uplifts thee downtrodden of society, using their profits to invest back in their community with many social projects related to education, health, water, and sanitation. 

This order of wooden soap savers provided two months of work to 30 artisans. They were able to earn money for their families and to save for the upcoming festivals.

Kalkedon 

Kalkedon Towels launched their business to honor the Turkish culture. Turkish cotton towels are unique, traditional pieces. Sharing this part of the ancient Aegean culture is the main reason Kalkedon Towels began. Their towels come from a little town in the Western part of Turkey. Kakedon Towels believes that the artisans they work with are valuable and that people should care about each other.

Their towels are weaved with Turkish cotton ring-spun yarns on traditional jacquard looms. The towels are dyed with organic and traditional dyeing techniques.

Although the GDP per capita is not so low in Turkey, unemployment is high and the income level is low in the villages where Kalkedon's artisans live. The orders for MHG create opportunities and affect the women's lives significantly. 

Street Hope

Street Hope began as a group of women from Mathare slum who had lived on the street for their entire lives. After working with Mercy House Global to learn the art of hand-stitching, the women of Street Hope are growing in their skills and confidence, providing food and education for their children, learning to read, overcoming addiction, and moving into their own homes.