As the year 2011 opens, my hope is that it will bring opportunities and challenges for us in our work in India, along with the ingenuity, optimism and grace we will need to help the orphan girls and poor children we are privileged to serve.  As our friend Goethe said, "Dream no small dreams for they have no power to move the hearts of (wo)men."

First off, a small request.  Knowing precious little about social networking (yet knowing it is out there, someplace), we can increase our presence in this world by connecting with one another on FACEBOOK.  This tool allows us to keep you up to date on current events taking place at our many Homes of Hope.  Would you be so kind as to become a fan of Homes of Hope India.  You can use the "Find us on Facebook" button above.  This is also a great way for you to spread the word of Homes of Hope with all your many friends who are already connected to this social network by clicking on the "Suggest to Friends" link on our page.

Also, if you would go to GUIDESTAR, to "Review a Charity" and give your experiences in working with Homes of Hope India-US.  Many funders go to Guidestar to find out what an organization is doing and what people think of it.  Your comments will help others know about our work and how people can be involved.

Twenty yoga enthusiasts from my home city of Wilmington NC are currently on a service retreat at Home of Hope in Kochi.  They have beautifully painted our outdoor water tank.  Most importantly, they have spent hours and hours with the girls, showering them with love, these precious girls whose backgrounds are so filled with privation.  A member of the group is Jemila Ericson, an on-air classical music host for our NPR station, WHQR.  This picture of Jemila and Mahalakshmi needs no caption.

And here's a wonderful story of outreach I thought you'd like....a group of 39 Nepalese girls had been duped into coming to India with the promise of performing in a traveling circus and getting a good education.  Instead, they were forced into child labor jobs with the circus.  When they were rescued by the police, our orphan girls and the sisters offered them refuge.  The sisters are now exploring how they can be returned to their families in Nepal.  But for now they are members of part of our extended family.
 

With all good wishes for the New Year, Paul