The New Year

Hello Everyone,

After 2 years in South Africa and writing newsletters, I thought I would try my hand with a blog. Never too young or too old to learn.

The holidays have past but the message of Christmas lives on and I pray for a more peaceful year for those all over the world. Unfortunately, there is much suffering all over the world. I put up my Zimbabwe 'Charley Brown' tree again this year. Its a very small tree with 4-5 straw orniments and a ribbon garnishing the wire limbs. Christmas dinner was spent with my supervisor's family and their extended family who had come from Zim. We all felt we were eating too much, knowing so many have so little. They were able to shop for staples while here and take much food home with them. It was a needed relief for them from the poor conditions of their country.

Now, I'm back at work fulltime and the staff at Lutheran AIDS Action Program (LAAP) is planning with the churches for their activities for the upcoming year and I'm working on the 2008 report for our funders. I hope to travel to more countries this year and have family come and visit. I do miss everyone but am so grateful for the encouragement and support.

Until next time.
In God's Grace,

Paula