Merry Christmas from Lost Creek Hippies Vineyard!

As Christmas fast approaches, we get a chance to reflect on what a strange and often beautiful world we live in, and to be thankful to live in our peaceful country, being able to provide for ourselves and our families. This is time also to note the great work being done by our 3 charities:

• People Serving People, St. Paul: Daily providing safe housing, food, and clothing for about 350 persons / day. They also make sure the many children remain in school, and help parents get education, health care services, and jobs. Their website details how they do this, and how we can help by volunteering.

• Habitat For Humanity of Minnesota ( www.hfhmn.org ): Now building 400 homes / year throughout Minnesota, has built 2,200 homes and repaired 2,000 homes to date. All homes are built with volunteer labor and major sweat equity by deserving low income persons. There has been a cascade of benefits to both these families and to our communities. Check this out on their website, it is inspiring!

• Central Asia Institute ( centralasiainstitute.org ) : Educating children and adults, with a emphasis on girls, in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. They have built  and help fund 189 schools, provide support for 120 schools and 65 adult vocational and literacy programs. They have a very well-run program, delivering on their mission. Check out their progress on their website, including the short video and their well-written Journey Of Hope newsletter. There are many inspiring stories, great to read. There are also several poems written by girls and young women. Here is one I found particularly a joy to read:

To My Teacher, by Nelab

You are the star in my sky. Alone in the

Blue sky.

You gave me the courage to fly. When the

Taliban broke my wings and broke

My heart

You were there to guide me. You told

Me Try! If you try, you can fly!

When they left me along the highways

You took my hand and changed my life.

You showed me the meaning of being

A brave lady.

You taught me how to work for

Liberty, how to be human and support

Other humans.

Like a candle, you have freed me

From darkness.

We are so proud to be able, thanks to you, our many volunteers to meaningfully contribute to the success of these 3 outstanding organizations. We continue to believe that when we help a person or family to attain dignity and safety, we become better people, as we are all connected on this beautiful planet.

We urge you to adopt one of these charities, help them, and follow their progress. It is inspiring!

Merry Christmas to All!

Lost Creek Hippies Vineyard