Bright is a young Zimbabwean man in his early 20's. Bright has been in South Africa for three months and had only been here a couple of weeks when the xenophobic violence broke out.
He ended up in the notorious Soetwater Camp where he formed close relationship with his other Zim brothers. In the middle of the night he arrived at Chrysalis with 21 of them. Their last few days at Soetwater had been a real challenge as they were forced to participate in a hunger strike.
At Chrysalis Bright visited the volunteer’s tent where he had a beaded key ring in the shape of a slip-slop that he wanted to sell. Everyone oohed and aaahed and were practically fighting over his little hand-made treasure. (He should have dropped the R5 and started auctioning it). It was obvious that he was a gifted wire and bead artist.
Most of the Zim guys had started applying and going for interviews, for waitering positions in restaurants. For some strange reason, irrespective of how many restaurants he applied to - nothing came of it.
Recognising his talent as an artist, volunteers scheduled an interview for Bright at a beading company called Street Wires. On the way there, Bright was not too enthusiastic and kept on mentioning that he really wanted to waiter (in the hope of a decent, sustainable income).
Bright arrived a little early and walked around their shop, which displays many beautifully beaded artworks. At this point Brights breathing became shallow and his hands started trembling. Eventually Eddie interviewed him and took him on a tour of the workshop. During this time, Bright was silent, not because he had nothing to say, but because he could not find the words to describe his excitement.
Bright got the job and started working last week Thursday. After the interview Bright did not want to leave and stayed to watch the other beaders in action.
I don't think Eddie has ever had anyone that is so eager to create beaded works of art - many people are skilled beaders but few of them are true artists. Bright is an artist in his core - the fire to create beautiful things burns deeply, and he is overjoyed at the opportunity to be paid for his works of art.
Since last Wednesday a few of the volunteers have spoken to him. To date he has not had any employment that has created such joy – a door of opportunity that has encouraged him to think about bigger dreams for his future. This true happiness is so much more than a prayer answered and a job found. It is Gods own hand that has given passion, direction and a future filled with glory and hope.