MAY 15, 2006

Dear Friends,

I am a child
Hath not a child hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions?
If you prick us, do we not bleed?
If you tickle us, do we not laugh?
If you poison us, do we not die?

Adapted, Merchant of Venice - "thanks Will"

The questions of the child reveal what is common among humans - a desire to belong, to be accepted, to be in some native sense, ordinary. The questions of a child reveal hope - that which fuels the human soul.

The children of REACH come from Zambia, Uganda, Romania, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Malawi; New York, Arizona, the northwest regional states and from cities and towns familiar to us: Portland, Gig Harbor, Medford, Spokane, Bremerton, Boise, Seattle, Tucson and Syracuse. Their subcultures vary, some children are adopted, there are foster children, many are without one parent or both; some of our families are middle class and 51% are at the poverty level. Some know their HIV/AIDS status while other adolescent children are shielded from truth that must eventually be revealed.

Investing energy and resources in the children of our communities reflects our heart for children around the world. HIV/AIDS are a horrible disease causing not only physical pain but painful consequences: isolation, loneliness, demeaning censure and judgment demonstrated by members of our greater community. Neglect of a child, the absence of unconditional love within the community, even the community of faith, is often the unseen poison of the soul.

As I watch the children in our care that we serve, I strive to understand on a spiritual level the power of pain, the mystery of tears, and of sadness. I am always surprised by the numinous consequences, how the power of God's healing comforts those who suffer and creates wonder among those in the world who observe.

Blessings on your head,

Susan K. Slonaker