Newsletter

2008 Winter Newsletter

What a wonderful time of the year! We are now in the holiday season, and somehow everything in life seems just a little bit better - days are brighter, food taste better, and people are friendlier. But with all that said, the economics of the world are frightening. Many are holding tighter to their money in these unsure times. I am proud to say that even with the tougher times, the DHS Club Partners have remained faithful, and therefore hopes and dreams continue to be realized at our Children's Homes.

We received a wonderful newsletter from Mants'ase Children's Home in Lesotho, Africa. It is now summer there and extremely hot and dry. With the arrival of summer, the farm life activity has increased. There were six kids and a calf born, which now brings the animals to ten goats, two cows, and a bull. The children are all well and in the last term of the school year. During the last school vacation, the children learned how to sew on sewing machines purchased from our DHSClubKids donations. They designed apron patterns, which they then sewed and they also made bed covers and mats. Because of your generosity, these skills learned to help the orphans to provide for themselves and to give them a skill they can use after their time at the orphanage. It was also joyfully reported that the foundation for the new boys' dormitory is underway.

At Karokol, in Kyrgyzstan, the weather is just the opposite. Winter has already started with snow and very cold temperatures. The heating bill last year was $5000 and this year is expected to be colder. There are six more children now at the home, so many needs have increased. With the money we are sending now, coats, boots, socks, and winter undergarments will be bought. If the money can stretch enough, they would love to buy an electric grinder, noodle maker, and more cups and bowls. The house for the older children still needs rugs for the bedrooms and living area, a refrigerator, mattresses, and heavy quilts.

At Lynetta Children's Home in India, it is also summer. They boys did very well in their studies this past year. The need there continues to be the completion of the second story of the home.

One of our faithful Partners, Pat Shelar, passed on recently. Pat was a wonderful supporter of DHS Club Kids and many other activities and charities in her life. She was truly a blessing to all who knew her, and will be greatly missed. Many people gave to DHS Club Kids in her memory and I thank them for their thoughtfulness to this remarkable woman.

May this holiday season be a blessing to all. Merry Christmas!

Pat Burke