DECEMBER 10, 2005

Dear Friends,

On those very early mornings when I run, I cool down by leaning back on a hillside overlooking the Harbor and looking up to the North Star, the Big Dipper and whatever planet slips into the company of morning stars. These past two weeks I saw exceptional beauty, the dark blue sky was translucent and the stars were so bright that I felt I could reach with my hand and touch them. I am overcome with the reality that God is with us.

Now, my thoughts turn to Mary. I think how for years under very difficult circumstances and hardship she cared for her son, Jesus, long before any signs of his greatness appeared. So it is with REACH and the HIV/AIDS affected children we are allowed to care for. Often, our care begins and continues long before we see the significance or the miracles of their lives. As He did with Mary, God offers us an opportunity to relentlessly love, to nurture, and to protect children on their way to purpose.

In the quiet of the morning, praying as I lie back under the stars, I resign to the truth that REACH has no special dispensation that relieves our hardship or eases the task God has given us. So rather than wishing for relief, I wish more and more for opportunities to see the 'promise of greatness' resident in each of our kids.

As we celebrate the birth of the Christ child, we celebrate that the "numbers" of children we serve are increasing with additional referrals, programs are continually enhanced, grounded and most importantly, a new confidence grows in the children and their families that we serve.

So after a hard run, the comfort of prayer, and before returning to the daily tasks of raising funds or meeting needs of those we serve, I invite you to join us by: 1. Supporting REACH with a monthly pledge to support a much needed additional staff member for education and case management and 2. To commit to visiting our website to see how you can volunteer or work with REACH to make a difference in our community and world.

Tomorrow, I will once again drag myself out of bed, run a couple of miles, linger on the hill, and look up in the sky to ponder God's miracles. I will give thanks for your faithfulness in allowing us to serve the most isolated and needful children and be thankful that God is with us; Alleluia!

Your Servant,

Susan K. Slonaker