JUNE 5, 2004

Dear Friends,

In addition to poetry, music, food, art, chess, kittens, dogs, children, and black birds, Shakespeare's work is one of my passions. Often I see many of the well-crafted characters from his plays and sonnets in those we serve and those who serve.

REACH, like a Shakespearean story, experiences all the elements of life: joy, tragedy, comedy, drama, mystery, half-truths, whole truths, love and a hope for humanity. And it is this love and hope for humanity that remains a constant within REACH.

At a recent event featuring master guitarist, Phil Keaggy, 14-year-old Emma, who is affected by HIV/AIDS and has endured the wearisome fears associated with this, was asked "what does REACH mean to you?" I remember leaning forward, anticipating an answer of justifiable despair and hardship. Instead, her response was both simple and complex; it carried assurance, pride, and a sense of hope as she said, "family, love and memories."

Emma served my soul; she reminded me as Shakespeare does in all that he writes, that villains cannot prevail. God seasons humanity with his love and justice - in the midst of hardship. Shakespeare closes Sonnet 30 with these lines,

But if the while I think on thee, dear friend, All losses are restored and sorrows end.

Emma's words return to my mind: family, love and memories. Friendship, love and faith in God will overwhelm the hopelessness of humanity. As we lose ourselves in the love of friends, our losses are restored, our sorrows end.

Humbly, I thank you for your continued support of prayers, financial gifts and friendship with REACH.

Blessings my friends,

Susan K. Slonaker

PS: If you are not already supporting us, would you please consider $10 to $25 a month, to help us purchase much needed over-the-counter medicine and other items for our children and their families?