As the United States celebrates Thanksgiving on the 27th of this month, my thoughts turn to all the things we are thankful for here at Helping Hands. The "thankful list" is long, but today I would like to focus on one. I'm sure you will agree with me that the words "thank you" seem inadequate.

We are truly grateful for the premises into which we have recently moved. It has the most beautiful garden which makes a longstanding dream of mine come true! The children in the villages where we serve spend their days playing in the dirt. There are a few scattered thorn trees for shade, but not much else. Now, when they visit the Helping Hands Orphan Intervention Center, they can play on soft green grass and explore a garden filled with interesting plants, a small pond (fully stocked with tadpoles and frogs, eewww), soothing water features and secret nooks and crannies.



The birds in the garden are spectacular. I'm thrilled that our Care Givers and staff can find peace and tranquility in the garden when they feel overwhelmed by the hardships and sorrows they face daily. The new offices and indoor space is wonderful. For all this we are very thankful. Every person who gave toward our House Project has made this possible. Thank you. You can still give toward this, simply click here and make your donation, marking it "House Project", or you can send a check to our office - see Contact Us page for postal details.

Also, I'm pleased to announce that we have a Blog. (Thanks Jennifer for overseeing this!) Click here and read all the very interesting contributions to our blogspot or go to the Home Page of the Helping Hands website and click on Blog.

With warm regards (and enjoy your turkey)
Michelle Tessendorf