Fast away the old year passes and what a year it was!

Season’s Greetings from Empowering Learners!  As I write this holiday message I still cannot quite fathom all that has happened with our project in the past year and how much we have planned in the New Year to sustain our efforts for the long term.  Excitement abounds and Ethan and I remind ourselves daily that we do not do this alone.  Our philanthropic partners are many and we’re sincerely grateful for all you do to support us and urge us on. 

Many of you have recently received our December appeal.  Thank you for your early responses and for your thoughtful comments.   Each and every gift is being put to good use and is gratefully received.  Our December 2011 balance sheet has been strong enough that Ethan has been able to start purchasing used and refurbished laptops for our journey to Namibia next summer.  We’re up to seven laptops secured toward our goal of 20.  These recent developments are deeply affirming and on behalf of our brothers and sisters in the ELCIN, the ultimate beneficiaries of these gifts, we say thank you! 

Many of you who know me well know that I have some absolutely favorite hymns.  And there is one – a stewardship hymn of course! – that I have been humming these past few days between Christmas and New Years.  The last verse I so enjoy and it’s resonating well with me as Empowering Learners accepts the gifts and prayers of friends and family and takes some important steps forward.

For the harvests of the spirit, thanks be to God.

For the good we all inherit, thanks be to God.

For the wonders that astound us, for the truths that still confound us,

most of all that love has found us, thanks be to God.

Wishing you well for the New Year and always!

Empowering Learners.