Shimmering in the sunlight on a beach in Mazatlán, Mexico, are thousands of small, shiny pieces of seashells, just waiting to be discovered. These stunning shell fragments have been shaped and polished over time by the continuous rolling action of the waves. As one walks along the shoreline, these unique light-colored shells stand out despite their small size and relative insignificance.

Seashells there differ considerably in size and shape and are in various stages of being shaped and polished. Upon closer examination, the refining process these beautiful shells have gone through becomes apparent.

Polished GemShells

There are many similarities between the transformational process these polished pieces of shells experience and the process survivors of human trafficking and other forms of exploitation undergo as they rebuild their lives.

This particular Mazatlán beach is not as good for swimming as many others in the area because large, jagged rocks are prominent on one part of it, while the other part drops off abruptly into the ocean. Formidable waves relentlessly pound the shore and can easily knock a person off balance.

Waves on this beach pummel the shore in rapid succession at a rate of about 3½ per minute, which equates to over 5,000 per day, 1.8 million per year, and more than 18 million waves per decade. The waves sweep the seashells from the ocean floor and carry them in a perpetual cycle, going back and forth from the sea to the shore. As shells slam into the large rocks along the shoreline, they break into smaller pieces, which then continue on their arduous journey.

What those who have been exploited have endured is incomprehensible. Typically, they have been repeatedly broken—physically, spiritually, sexually, and emotionally.

Day by day, week by week, month by month, and year by year, the tedious process of the waves shaping these small pieces of shells continues. Gradually, the rough edges of the shells are removed. Unfortunately, women who have miraculously survived the horrors of exploitation must now choose to embark upon another challenging uphill journey to create a new life, become independent, and thrive.

Like the seashells, these women will likely have many rough edges that need to be shaped for them to become “polished.” Soaring Dove participants will experience this shaping process as they progress through each step of the program. They will begin to discover who they are, how beautiful they truly are, and, most importantly, who they can become. Just as the continuous motion of the waves gradually shapes the shells, the consistent, guided efforts of Soaring Dove participants will change their lives.

While the pieces of seashells are typically in motion, sometimes the process of shaping them is temporarily delayed when a large wave carries the shells to a point high on the beach. There they rest until a larger wave pulls them back into the ocean to continue the incremental shaping process.

Soaring Dove participants may also occasionally experience unforeseen setbacks and need a slight reprieve. However, patience, perseverance, and mentoring—both within and outside the organization—will assist them in succeeding both in the program and in life.

At first glance, it would appear that the sand from the beach is the primary polishing agent for the small pieces of seashells. However, upon closer examination, it becomes apparent that the sand is likely only completing the final shaping process of preparing the shells to be polished.

Once shaped, the polishing process effectively begins. Certain areas of the beach are composed almost exclusively of very small fragments of seashells ranging in size from small chips to very fine granules. It is these very small shell fragments that are actually polishing the exquisite pieces of seashells that are so highly sought after.

As one might expect, most of these distinctive shells can be found along the shore, among the smaller polishing shell fragments.

Shells polishing each other also relates to how Soaring Dove participants interact with one another. Peer cooperation, teamwork, camaraderie, bonding, teaching, and mentoring are absolutely essential to each woman’s success. If participants do not get along well, struggle to work together, or fail to form meaningful connections, their chances of success diminish. To get the most out of the program and rebuild their lives effectively, participants must actively help (polish) each other—it is the Soaring Dove Way!

Small Shell Chips

It is also noteworthy that the same process that polishes small pieces of seashells does not polish what is referred to as “sea glass.” While sea glass is also tumbled and shaped by the rolling action of the waves, it does not become polished in the process. Its surfaces remain frosted or etched because the glass is too hard to be polished.

Similarly, some participants may not initially realize their full potential at Soaring Dove because they are somewhat like sea glass. However, unlike sea glass, these women can choose to embrace the program and allow themselves to be shaped, thereby becoming polishable. In short, Soaring Dove participants must want help, desire change, and be willing to do what it takes to succeed in the program and become “polished.”

Sea Glass & GemShells

There are relatively few small pieces of shells on the Mazatlán beach that actually complete the polishing process. Those that do are absolutely striking! They possess a simple, refined beauty and actually shine. Typically, these polished shells are white or lightly colored, resembling elegant gemstones—we refer to them as “GemShells.”

It is amazing to witness the exquisite transformation that takes place as the waves continuously shape and polish small, nondescript pieces of seashells—especially when one considers that many of them began as rough, irregular oyster shells that resembled igneous rocks, with no apparent beauty.

The GemShell Transformational Process

Oyster Shells → Still Rough → Some Shaping → Shaped Shells → GemShells

What is even more remarkable is witnessing the miraculous transformation that occurs when someone who has been trafficked or exploited rebuilds their life and finally thrives with newfound independence. Their commitment and perseverance to create a future for themselves—despite significant obstacles and challenges—is truly inspiring.

Like the GemShells being polished by the repetitive action of the waves, Soaring Dove participants will have the opportunity to methodically progress through each phase of the program, becoming more refined and “polished” as they transform themselves.

Upon entering Soaring Dove, each woman will carefully choose her own unique GemShell, which will be fashioned into an attractive, one-of-a-kind necklace. Participants will have a wide assortment of GemShells in various shapes, sizes, and colors to choose from. These GemShell necklaces will serve as a simple yet powerful reminder of what each woman can become—a representation of her “polished” self.

In addition, upon graduation (which typically takes two years), participants will receive a sterling silver Soaring Dove pendant necklace. As our graduates go out into the world to pursue careers, start families, and serve others, we firmly believe they will add beauty and make a difference wherever they go—just like the GemShells.

Ultimately, at Soaring Dove, we are committed to helping these strong, unique women truly “Soar.” We want them to succeed, to have a promising future, to inspire others, and to build a life filled with hope, joy, and purpose.