I have just received word from Darfur that a shipment of Darfur Baskets of Strength has now left Kalma Camp and is on its way to Khartoum Airport. From there, the baskets will be flown out on a Lufthansa flight to Washington, D.C. via London. They will arrive in the United States, clear customs, and then be put on a truck and transported to my warehouse in Central Massachusetts. You should receive your basket within the next two weeks.

As you know, the situation in Darfur has become increasingly difficult and dangerous both for the refugees in the camps and for the humanitarian aid workers there. I am deeply grateful to the extraordinary effort and commitment on the part of CHF International in supporting this initiative. I am now also working with an organization in Northern Darfur who are setting up Women Centers for rape victims. One aspect of this will be a Weaving Cooperative where women who are skilled weavers will gather in a tent, be served meals, and will weave baskets - both as a way to earn a dignified livelihood whilst in the camps and as a way to heal from the daily traumas of their lives. As one weaver expressed recently upon hearing that American audiences loved the baskets, "you mean we are not forgotten?"

Your support makes all the difference to this initiative and I know that when you finally receive your basket you will cherish it, knowing that even though it has been on a very long and anguished journey, it has ended safely in your hands - a beautiful emissary of hope .

I appreciate your enduring patience and support.

Amber Chand