MARCH 5, 2007
Dear Friends,
"I beg you to forgive me for beginning a story that I cannot end. But the end is not yet upon my lips. It is still a love song in the wind." – Kahlil Gibran
I often commute by train from Tacoma to Portland, Oregon for meetings with students and community leaders. The three hours of travel affords me time to work and reflect. Surrounded by folks working on their computers, others listening to their iPods, standing in between cars with their cell phones against their ears in conversation, I am constantly taken aback by how conveniently and easily we can be connected yet isolated from those nearby.
I want to introduce you to Abby Isaacson, Director of Programs who oversees REACH mentoring, high school, camp, world in prayer and global initiatives and Amy Salins, Director of Progressive Units who oversees psychosocial development and education. Each does a brilliant job of staying connected with the real people of REACH, while at the same time mastering the skills of working their way through the web of technology - emails, cell phones and machines that can so easily separate people. In intimate ways that motivate and strengthen relationships, they nourish each child and REACH family member referred to us.
Because of their qualities of intelligence, energy, foresight, patience, understanding, love, truthfulness, to mention a few, children and families who often have felt neglect or fear are quickly strengthened and have responded to REACH with a remarkable sense of trust.
Rocked by the sh oo sh - sh oo sh - sh oo sh, slipping along the rails, it becomes the train of my thoughts that sway to a comforting rhythm, thoughts about these two remarkable young women of REACH; a rhythm of moving forward on tracks of perseverance and hope. They have helped begin the story but, like the poet said, it is not finished – Abby and Amy help make REACH a love song in progress.
Blessings my friend,
Susan K. Slonaker
Your contributions are making a difference for many children. We need all the help that you can give; please continue to give graciously.