MARCH 10, 2008

Dear Friends,

The universe is not only stranger than we can imagine, It is stranger than we can imagine.
~ Arthur Stanley Eddington

Did you happen to see last month's eclipse of the moon? It was quite striking, being clothed in translucent red-oranges, colors thought appropriate by a slowly imposing earth. I envisioned Scotty from Star Trek beaming me with a friend, up to the moon for a dance; for a glance back to be amazed by the bright red ring seeping round the earth’s edge, to stay long enough to watch a sunrise and sunset happening simultaneously.

Okay, my fabrication may be a bit strange, but stranger to me is the human heart that has lost its capacity for imagination, lost the love of occasions and people.

To be "beamed" to an eclipsed moon may someday be possible. Presently, it can only be imagined. What is not presently beyond possible is the truth that we are called to help suffering children of the earth. Now. Here. We can make it possible for them to dance for a while with those who love them. By supporting them through REACH, we can quietly, slowly, impose joy and delight to clothe the sphere of sorrow that so thoroughly and constantly colors their reality. With your help, for the children of REACH we can sing,

And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,

They danced by the light of the moon,

The moon

The moon.

They danced by the light of the moon.

~ Edward Lear, The Owl And The Pussycat

Your Servant,

Susan K. Slonaker

P.S. This month six new families have joined REACH; one child is unaware of being HIV infected. Secrecy stems from the fear of isolation - a truth that our families live with every day. REACH is making a difference, please continue to help. Ask at your workplace about matching funds, and please designate REACH Ministries when you contribute through The United Way. Thank you.