Just a little note of thanks for the many packages and donations that have arrived safely over this past year…

If you sent women’s one-a-day vitamins…thank you: One HIV positive mother was severely anemic and continually staying in the hospital. She was also losing weight rapidly because she did not feel well enough to eat. She started taking women’s vitamins with iron and now two months later, she is healthy and gaining weight-always smiling and no longer needing to make so many visits to the hospital. She is now able to spend more time with her children because of you.

If you sent hydrocortisone cream…thank you: One bottle was given to a little boy whose ears and neck had a severe rash as a secondary effect from AIDS. The rash cleared up within a few days and he is now happy and attending school again because of you.

If you sent toothbrushes and toothpaste…thank you: One woman said she had been brushing her children’s teeth with sand using their fingers because the price for toothpaste now exceeds her monthly salary. Her smile can continue to beam white, along with her whole family, because of you.

If you sent pencils and blue pens…thank you: Some were taken to the elementary schools and the teachers were asked to select those most in need to receive them. Children are now able to complete their homework and gain more from their education because of you.

If you sent toys, stuffed animals, or books…thank you: One malnourished child was placed on an IV at the hospital for many days. He was given a stuffed animal that brought a big smile to his face, and he gave it a name right away. Children now have something to call their very own because of you.

If you sent children’s ibuprofen…thank you: One two-year-old girl was admitted into the hospital with a very high temperature, but when we went to visit, the nurses said there was no liquid form of medicine to reduce her fever. A bottle of children’s ibuprofen was delivered to this small HIV positive child and she was released from the hospital by the next day because of you.

If you sent funds to support Project HOPE…thank you: In the past month, 90 children have been able to continue attending school who would otherwise be sitting at home. Over 500 families had rice for Christmas dinner because of your special donation. More than 100 children are sleeping warmly right now because of the blankets purchased for them. Children are able to do better in school today because they are writing in their new notebooks rather than on scraps of paper. Close to 100 orphans have brand new uniforms to start the school year. People have improved health because of the medicine and healthy food you bought for them. 15 babies are continuing to grow into toddlers because of the milk you are helping to provide. Children now walk to school with confidence in their new shoes because of you.

Maybe you will remain nameless, but you know who you are, and I just want to take this opportunity to send a sincere thank you for your love, concern, and support of children that you might not ever meet. God is using your faithfulness and multiplying what you give to extend His love to the children He created. Please know that my thanks are echoed by the hundreds of lives that have been changed…because of you.

Happy New Year!
Love,
Janine

Go to the end of the path until you get to the gate.
Go through the gate and head straight out towards the horizon.
Keep going towards the horizon.
Sit down and have a rest every now and again, but keep on going.
Just keep on with it.
Keep on going as far as you can.
That's how you get there....