JUNE 8, 2005

Dear Friends,

As I watch Brian, our intern, put his finger in the wax that has dripped from the candle and "steal" an abundance of red hot tamales from the glass candy jar on my desk; as I listen to the chatter of staff members talking about the complex issues that surround the children and families we serve, I feel as if I hear God breathing and I sense His movement through this place and through our world. It is an amazing world, and I stand in awe of its beauty and mysteries.

It is amazing; even as we face the realities of children who live in isolation and on the fringes of society; as we grieve for the children in such places as Mumbai India where in a city of 23 million one million are packed together in every square mile dealing with the complex issues of AIDS and with the complexities of culture. Still, here and there, God is present.  It is amazing that we meet and work with people like our Brian, who makes a mess with melted wax, who plans for med school, loves and plays with suffering children, and allows the mind and presence of God to be the care of his heart.  

Love is a big part of what is beautiful in this world. As we listen for God and reach for the heart of those we serve I am reminded of the words of Hasari Pal, "all that is not given is lost." There will always be the stuff of life that amazes us, challenges us and saddens us. As the family of REACH gives all it can for the children, please remember to give the most important gift you can and you will be amazed at the difference it can make in this world.

Blessings my friends,

Susan K. Slonaker