Greetings from Sarnelli House!

This month we have two volunteers, Kate and Kirin, to tell us their experience at the Sarnelli House in the last few months of the ending year 2007. Thank you very much for all the work you have done for us and the kids.

     Seasons Greetings from a pair of new eyes! We are two college graduates that have been volunteering at the Sarnelli House for two months now. Right from the start, the children and staff took us in as if we were family. In turn, we have grown to love everything about this place. These children have stolen our hearts with their vivacious personalities and enchanting smiles. Some of the best smiles you've ever seen. It is amazing how close you can feel to someone even when there are only a select few words spoken. It just proves that love doesn't need explanation; it doesn't require conversation; it simply is. It is every time our little buddy Tien comes and grabs our hand. It is each time we give little Mut a hug and kiss before she goes off to bed. It is the hands covering our eyes as we guess every name we can think of even though we always know it's Prieo. It is seeing the new kids come to Sarnelli, lost and scared, and knowing that if little Lyn can smile after all that she has been through, then there is hope these little ones will smile again too. This year we have been blessed with thirteen new children. Although the initial days can be hard, it's heartwarming to see the Sarnelli family welcome them with open arms. They are already keeping up with the rest of them!

     The past few weeks we have been blessed to have visitors from an English insurance company that have been sprucing up the place right and left! They raised money to buy a new playground and have painted the children's homes in vibrant colors. Their presence alone has brought excitement to the children's lives. Along with these improvements, seven of the older girls at Sarnelli recently moved into the Nazareth house. Not only will they have a place of their own, but they will also be learning how to approach this new stage of their lives with the help of their house moms.

     Fortunately, this year has not been all work and no play! For Halloween, we had a big celebration filled with face painting and full bellies. As the night drew to an end, we embarked on a haunted trek that left many latching on to us for dear life. Also, the children and staff are anxiously awaiting their three-day camping trip to celebrate the New Year.

     We ask you to keep Josie and Baby Buffalo in your prayers. Josie has been in the hospital for over two months, and Baby Buffalo was recently admitted due to a bacterial infection. The children continue to pray for you and keep you in their thoughts. It is amazing to see how all of your contributions have created a home filled with love and comfort for these 130 kids. What Fr. Mike has created here would not be possible without your support. We hope this finds you healthy and happy this Christmas season and throughout the New Year!

God Bless,

Kate, Kirin and the Sarnelli Family

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