{"title":"Founder's Corner","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA Note from Founder and President, Becky McDonald\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIf my Jewelry Could Talk…\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e…Oh, the stories they could tell! Here at WAR, we are starting a new venture with the intent to make some of my own personal possessions, starting with my jewelry, available to YOU for purchase! Yes, you read that correctly. These “things” don’t really matter to me. It’s the stories behind them and the precious lives they represent that I treasure. Check back regularly to see what pieces are being featured, and read the stories behind their creation. Many of the pieces I wear are personal gifts made by survivors. These pieces have traveled the world with me. They’ve run through red light districts, hugged crying kids offered for sale, giggled with girls in safehouses as we talked about their dreams, or sat faithfully on my sink in a hotel or guest house along the way. I’ve worn these pieces in palaces with princesses, and donned them to attend royal weddings. They’ve visited humble widows’ homes where we’ve sat on mud floors, and have attended banquets for hundreds of rescued women--where we play games, dance, and delight in being girls set free. They’ve sat through the graduations of girls and boys who are now doctors, lawyers, nurses, seamstresses, engineers, teachers, or loving mommies who are, to their own, what no one ever was to them. They’ve known soap bubbles and baby spit as teen moms learned to bathe their babies. They’ve rocked a child with polio, whose mother hid her under a bed to protect her from predators. They’ve had countless tears wash them clean, and have listened as I wept with, prayed over, and comforted countless broken lives. They’ve watched me fight my way through a crowd of angry men or stare down a predator just daring me to pass him by. These pieces have become my own warrior jewelry, echoing the shout, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e“These were made by hands of brokenhearted ones whose lives are now set free—I dare you to defy that freedom!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e*All proceeds from the sale of these items benefits WAR, Int'l programming.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"market-nippon-teacup-candle-109144","title":"Nippon Teacup Candle","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe story behind these beautiful hand-painted porcelain tea cups began well over a hundred years ago. Starting in 1891, Japanese potters began fashioning tea cups with elaborate hand-painted designs with the word 'Nippon' stamped on their bases, an English word mirroring the pronunciation of the Japanese word for Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1933, seven-year-old Kitty was gifted three of these tea cups by a doctor's wife who was on her grandpa's milk route. Now, years later, these same tea cups were gifted to Women At Risk, International for the purpose of creating a stunning, one-of-a-kind quality candle. With your purchase of this item, not only do you gain a beautiful piece of history, but you also support the lives of at-risk women within the local community—affirming their dignity and inspiring hope as they courageously endeavor to rewrite the stories of their lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eValued at $50-$150, we are offering you these one-of-a-kind teacup candles for $45 each so snag yours or gift one today!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease let us know your candle color preference in the \"Special Instructions for Seller\" section of your order, and we will do our utmost to fulfill your request while supplies last. Choices include \u003cstrong\u003emint \u003c\/strong\u003eand \u003cstrong\u003epink.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Market","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46670952595685,"sku":"109144","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1417\/1532\/files\/109144-mint1.jpg?v=1744051602"},{"product_id":"market-elegant-baroque-pearl-necklace-109285","title":"Elegant Baroque Pearl Necklace","description":"\u003cp\u003eHanging from an adjustable satin cord, this simply elegant design features a beautiful baroque pearl along with tiny faceted crystals cut from real gemstones. In shades of purple, pink, and grey, the crystals are attached to a sterling silver tassel overlaid with 14k gold. This necklace pairs beautifully with our simple \u003ca title=\"106892\" href=\"https:\/\/warchestboutique.com\/products\/porntip-baroque-pearl-earring-106892?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=e8758bd28\u0026amp;_ss=r\"\u003eBaroque Pearl Earrings\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost of the pieces available to the WAR world through the Founder’s Corner are made by rescued or at-risk women who gifted me personally, but the story behind this necklace is different. This particular piece was made by a Thai woman we call “the grouchy one.” From day one, I’ve visited her store for inspiration and ideas because she has a knack for unusual pieces that wear well. No one likes to go there with me though because she’s a grouch! I’ve learned in life that grouchy people are unhappy people. It reminds me of watching Sesame Street with my kiddos long ago, and how we would talk about “The Grouch.” I decided this woman needed some “loving on.” After the experience of Covid-19, the first time I walked back into her shop she practically jumped up and hugged me. I had finally broken through the veneer! Covid-19 had intensified her loneliness and threatened her business. My guess is her other customers gave up on “the grouchy one.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWear this necklace as a reminder that the grouchy people in our lives are desperately lonely and more in need of our attention than anyone. Mother Teresa once said, “There is a worse poverty than the lack of things… it’s the poverty of the soul called loneliness.” Indeed, our nation is a third-world country when it comes to loneliness. Love on those lonely people in your life. Deep within their heart is a desperate person crying for love, and just like each of us, they are gems, cut and shorn like the facets on these stones.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Market","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47536450994405,"sku":"109285","price":40.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1417\/1532\/files\/109285-1.jpg?v=1754595836"},{"product_id":"market-antiqua-turquoise-necklace-109288","title":"Antiqua Turquoise Necklace","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOn my first visit, I fell in love with Guatemala, its beauty and its people. The city of Antigua is a UNESCO National Heritage Site, and I saw why. Known for their turquoise and silver, the Mayan Empire once ruled from there. I immediately began imagining myself retiring there, working daily in programs for young teen moms who choose to keep their babies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlong with four partners, we started teaching women to make jewelry to support themselves and to sell here in the U.S. We’ve held conferences, medical clinics, trainings, and more. At one medical clinic, those needing help sat in the room of a safehouse waiting for the American doctors to treat them upstairs. We sat on the porch making jewelry, and one woman sat with her face slashed from ear to ear, her daughter cuddled up to her. She’d rescued her own daughter from abuse and capture, and this slashing was the price she paid. She smiled the whole time, however, thrilled to know she was getting first-world health care. I witnessed her joy with awe. To most of us, we’d think she had nothing to be happy about. Her joy at us caring about her medical needs and the recovery of her daughter humbled me.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis necklace was made for me that day by another woman rescued from domestic violence. Hanging on thread, these turquoise-colored stones go with everything from a t-shirt and jeans to a suit or dress. I was told the stones were turquoise, but they may be dyed howlite as well. Howlite’s veins create a beauty that is stunning.  Worn for years with pride, this statement piece has had the gentle watering of tears of sorrow turned to joy as I’ve rocked countless wounded in my arms. Wear this necklace knowing it was crafted with love and that it’s witnessed the transforming power of rescue and work with dignity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Market","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47626925375717,"sku":"109288","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1417\/1532\/files\/Anitquanecklace.png?v=1757008149"},{"product_id":"market-stunning-in-black-necklace","title":"Stunning in Black Necklace","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis necklace was made for me personally by “Katie.” Worn for years with pride, these faceted black crystals have been watered by tears of sorrow turned to joy as I’ve rocked countless wounded in my arms. This beautiful statement piece pairs equally well with a suit or a pair of jeans. The 10 beaded black flowers sparkle with joy just like the personality of the precious woman who created it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Katie” started a business to employ both abused and at-risk women in her native land of Thailand. She used to jump up and down in joy, squeal and shout as she saw me walking towards her small store. Safely tucked inside were women at risk from surrounding nations. When one of them returned home to her village to have her baby with her husband and family, I was worried about the medical costs and asked Katie if I could help. She fluffed me off and said with a giggle, “I give them health benefits.” This was a rare occurrence and showed me I could trust her to care for her women!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eI sat with American jewelers in her store for hours as they designed jewelry and listened to whispered stories among the women. Wear them knowing they’ve witnessed the power of rescue and work with dignity. Wear them knowing they were crafted with love, hope, and joy in the face of deep sorrow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Market","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47626925408485,"sku":"109289","price":70.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1417\/1532\/files\/StunninginBlackNecklace.png?v=1757009366"},{"product_id":"tiger-triangle-necklace-109293","title":"Tiger Triangle Necklace","description":"\u003cp\u003eTiger Triangle Necklace  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan class=\"im\"\u003eIf you opened my closet, you’d know my favorite color is black. It goes with everything! Also, as a young mom, it masked most of the kids paw prints and gunk. Later, it became so practical that it took only one suit with multiple blouses to change things up… so the trend stuck!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSurrounded by sterling silver, this triangle pendant is made from a black stone painted in Bengal tiger print  and hangs from a black ribbon.  Growing up as an American in the jungles of Bangladesh, I literally had tigers in my back yard. Today, they’ve all moved to the Sundarbans to get away from overpopulation. But the tiger print is still a favorite and symbolizes the heart and soul of WAR, Int’l–to fight for our cubs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis necklace was given to me by a Thai woman I struck up a conversation with. Surprised that I’d stop to chat and learn about her life, she presented me with this gift. As an American, I usually try to turn away gifts. However, I grew up in Asia so I remind myself that here, gifts are normal and refusing them is an insult to the giver. So I bite my tongue and say, “Thank you.” Whenever I’ve worn this necklace, it has reminded me to stop and sit with friends whether new or well established. In our culture we are in such a hurry that this doesn’t come naturally. Some time ago, I took a half day to spend with a couple of friends nearing the end of life. As I looked into their faces, I sat with them, played music for them, prayed over them, and came away encouraged by their peaceful presence.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith the ability to pair this piece with just about any outfit, it is my hope you enjoy them as much as I have!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Market","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48219138818277,"sku":"109293","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1417\/1532\/files\/unnamed.png?v=1767622328"},{"product_id":"pearl-jade-set-109303","title":"Pearl \u0026 Jade Set","description":"\u003cp\u003ePearl \u0026amp; Jade Set\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAfter a lifetime of traveling the 60+ lands of the WAR world, India is one of the most extravagantly diverse, luxurious lands I’ve ever encountered. Having grown up as an American on the Indian subcontinent, I’ve always been impressed with the glamour and elegance the Indian people bring to every occasion. Even the poorest women wrap their arms in jewelry and wear flamboyantly colored saris that float in the air. This is the same land where I once visited an ancient palace transformed into a stunning restaurant where we enjoyed an afternoon excursion for tea and crumpets. When I excused myself in search of a restroom, I found myself caught behind a peacock parading its way down the hall and refusing to let me pass. As India’s national bird, they have free reign to wander about everywhere! Talk about an experience! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis stunning necklace and bracelet trio is made with genuine pearls and accented by gorgeous red jade offset by garnet spacers. The double-stranded necklace and two matching bangle bracelets is sure to add a touch of allure to your attire. As you fasten this necklace and slip on the bracelets, know they were given to me with great love by a precious Indian woman. Let her courage inspire you as it has inspired me!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Market","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48638328307941,"sku":"109303","price":70.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1417\/1532\/files\/PearlandJade.jpg?v=1775058125"},{"product_id":"german-silver-stone-earrings-109304","title":"German Silver\u0026Stone Earrings","description":"\u003cp\u003eGerman Silver\u0026amp;Stone Earrings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen WAR, Int’l first started partnering with a safehouse network of over 500 women in India, Becky was given this pair of earrings as a gift from a survivor. There, it is very rare to see someone with blue eyes, however, this survivor had beautiful blue eyes which Becky complimented. Touched by these kind words, she then made Becky these stunning earrings of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eaqua blue chalcedony surrounded by German silver.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChalcedony is a variety of quartz with crystals so small they cannot be seen distinctly even with a microscope. It’s a reminder to us that the same God who created the vast expanse of the heavens has created the minute as well. Among the vastness and intricacy of the universe, we are not lost to Him, but He knows us and thinks of us. May these earrings and the story behind them be a reminder to you of the God who sees and the God who hears each of us no matter where we find ourselves!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Market","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48638329225445,"sku":"109304","price":30.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1417\/1532\/files\/Silverandstone2.jpg?v=1775060115"},{"product_id":"hematite-beauty-necklace-109305","title":"Hematite Beauty Necklace","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeep within the earth, hematite is formed by heat and pressure that over time creates a beautiful, luminous stone that once polished appears similar to a pearl. With a high iron ore content, it serves as a basis for making steel, one of the strongest metals in use. Just as this stone is turned into something stronger by going through fire, so too can our greatest sources of pain and struggle turn into strengths. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhile on a research trip to Uganda with my husband, whose Ph.D. had a special emphasis in African studies, this necklace was a gift. He was fascinated by this stone that looks so much like a black pearl you have to look closely to see the difference. I eventually stopped wearing it because we no longer carry this particular piece, and I’m often asked whether the jewelry I wear is something we carry and available for purchase. Many of the pieces featured here in the \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eFounder\u003c\/span\u003e’s \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003eCorner\u003c\/span\u003e are there for that reason–people want them when they see them. So this is your opportunity to enjoy this lovely strand of beaded black hematite even as I have!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Market","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48638329290981,"sku":"109305","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1417\/1532\/files\/hematite.png?v=1775060572"},{"product_id":"rani-amethyst-necklace-109306","title":"Rani Amethyst Necklace","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIndia is a land steeped in traditions from centuries of the royal Rajas and Ranis (kings and queens). If you really want to be an Indian princess, wear this necklace in your hair with the medallion resting on your forehead. With its amethyst stones and German silver accents, you’re sure to feel like royalty.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOn one of my many travels, two jewelers sat with me in safehouses located in major cities of India where thousands of girls are trafficked. Here, however, broken lives are being tenderly tucked into safe spaces where they can learn to read, write, design jewelry, rebuild their lives, and find healing. I don’t think I’ve ever cried more than in the darkened streets of Mumbai when my husband and I were driven in the inky blackness to the bright clean lights of a safehouse of tiny babies and young children. Listening to music, we held hands fiercely as we braved another night of rocking babies, hugging children, and listening to their stories of rescue and healing. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpilling from the lips of a young boy was his compelling story of rescue. Thrown away by his mother when he had leprosy, he ate from the garbage in the Mumbai slums. One day at the tender age of 8, he looked to the heavens and cried out, “God, if You’re there, I just can’t take this any more!” Then around the \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003ecorner\u003c\/span\u003e came the \u003cspan class=\"il\"\u003efounder\u003c\/span\u003e and “Uncle” who would rescue him and give him a life. He stood proudly and said, “Look at me. Today, I have clean clothes, go to school, and have a home forever!” \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChildren like him do just that–go to school. But the girls over 18 who are rescued are given job skills. This enchanting necklace was made by just such a woman. Wear it with pride, knowing that sometimes, dreams really do come true.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Market","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48638329323749,"sku":"109306","price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1417\/1532\/files\/Raninecklace.png?v=1775062792"}],"url":"https:\/\/warchestboutique.com\/collections\/founders-corner\/amethyst.oembed","provider":"WAR Chest Boutique","version":"1.0","type":"link"}