updated: 29 December 2011

Dear Father David,

Merry Christmas!

Just home after an amazing three weeks working in Nepal.  Had an brilliant time, and was so nice to see all the children again.  This is my third trip to work at Paradise Children’s Home in Kathmandu in the past two years.…..definitely a country that hooks you!  Unfortunately only ended up spending a week at Paradise – got caught up doing some other volunteer work out to the East of Kathmandu with early child development centres.  Wish I could have stayed longer, but was also keen to be home for Josef and Amelia’s first Christmas….amazing how they’ve both grown in the time I’ve been away!

I wondered if you would mind putting a thank you in the church newsletter.  

I was inundated with toys, clothes, books, stationary and even money (!) from all corners of the Nelson/Tasman region.  Goes to show what a generous and thoughtful community we live in..  The children were very appreciative of the new clothes – especially now that winter is on the way!  From the money that was given to me, I brought a gas shower and cylinder so now the children can take their weekly shower in warm water, rather than outside under the icy cold water tank – where all the children do their own laundry by hand!  So much poverty and need everywhere you look, it really puts things in perspective - they really were just so grateful for the goodies I left behind..

A few photos from my time attached – some are from Paradise, and some from the schools I visited out East.

Thank you again for helping to spread the word – the response I got has been really unbelievable.

Best wishes for a safe and happy 2012. See you next year.

Many thanks,
Anna