The excitement and anticipation of another Christmas has passed. Now, we begin to look back over the year just behind us. We can't seem to resist putting the year into some order; some summary-- and calling it a good year...or a rough one. Sometimes we have regrets- things we could have done or should have done. I am sure this is true for many people. But I also hope that we can look back and feel grateful for the things we have enjoyed over the past year. I hope that we will even be grateful for the challenges we survived and thrived through.
As I prepare to leave for another trip to Eleanganny, Tamil Nadu, India, I am filled with gratitude. Last year at this time, I had no idea what was in store for me. I only knew that I would be safe and looked after because I was blessed to have a wonderful host on my journey. This year's trip will be exciting for different reasons.
For One Child of India will be helping more than 30 children to continue their education in the rural villages we will be visiting.
Can you believe it? We are so young and already have come so far!
I am grateful that I was able to be involved and help to build a wonderful organization that will truly make a difference in the lives of many children in Tamil Nadu, India. I am grateful for the friends who offered suggestions about the structure of For One Child of India, grateful for the people who agreed to support FOCI by taking a place on the Board of Directors, the experts who helped me build a website and newsletter (Liz...) and most grateful for the people who offered support- both financial support and words of encouragement.
So, as the picture in this newsletter says, "I am definitely not the same person I was when this year started." I am much more thankful. Even the difficult times remind me that I have the support and resources to make it through almost anything. And I know I have a responsibility to share those gifts. "Nandri" means "thank you" in Tamil. I will be saying more prayers of "thank you" in the coming year. I know that if you have been involved with For One Child of India, supporting it in whatever way you can, you are also not the same person that you were at the beginning of this year. Thank you for that. Give thanks for all the opportunities that even our struggles bring. You will be secure, because there is hope-- Job 11:18
THANK YOU! For bringing hope through For One Child of India
I promise I will make a new video of this years trip, but until then, this is of the family who inspires me to be a more compassionate and generous Christian. I hope that they will inspire you too!
Poittu Vanga, God Bless You.
RaeAnn