Merry Christmas, Seasons Greetings, Happy Holidays
As many of you know, I am currently living in the city of Nablus, which is located in the West Bank or Palestine. I am volunteering with an organization called Project Hope as an English teacher. Though I am sad not to be with all of you during this holiday season, I cannot begin to express to you how happy and fulfilled I am with my current project. Since the moment of my arrival I have been made to feel welcome, as if just my presence here is a gift that they couldn't wait to receive. Friends, colleagues and strangers alike have invited me into their lives through their shy smiles, kind words, helpful advice and never ending cups of tea. Every day I am humbled a little more as I witness the grace, dignity and integrity that these people show as they meet the difficulties they face in their every day lives. I am continually being motivated to try a little harder, be a little better and give a little more. I am proud to be tied to such an organization as Project Hope; an organization that works to create a positive change in their community by empowering their youth and giving them a creative outlet to help deal with living in an area constantly in conflict.
Unfortunately, like everything else in life, changing a community, changing someone’s life comes with a price tag, which is why I am sending you this today. Project Hope runs on a tight budget made of up international aid, private donations, and contributions made by us volunteers. To keep their doors open and to try to meet the ever-increasing demands of their community, Project Hope is forever searching for additional funding.
Children deserve to be able to grow up in a secure environment with hope for the future, not in fear and desolation. Yet, too often, the later is the reality for the children and young adults of Palestine. The cycle of violence that they are a part of has no chance of breaking, unless someone steps in and offers an alternative. That is what we are doing here. In helping to give them a sense of hope for the future, we are helping to break this never-ending cycle of violence. These children and young adults are the future leaders of Palestine and we can help determine just what kind of leaders they will be.
I am giving what I can to this cause that I so deeply believe in and I am asking that, if at all possible, you join me in giving. Help us give these young people a brighter future.
Before you make your decision, I hope that you will check out the Project Hope website and see for yourself the wonderful work in which we are involved. Any contribution you can give will make difference, as you will see on the website.
If after reading through the Project Hope website you decide that you would like to support this organization, I request that you contact me at jennmorgan82@gmail.com and I will inform you on the best way to make your donation. I also ask that you pass this letter on to anyone who believes that empowering the youth of today is the best way for safer, more peaceful tomorrow.
If you are unable to donate at this time, I understand. All I ask is that you keep this letter on hand so that in the future, if you have the means to donate you will not forget about us.
I would like to say once again, Happy Holidays; I miss you all so very much. I also want to thank you for taking the time to read this letter and I look forward to seeing you all when I come home in February. Also, in case you forgot check out "Ramblings from a Small Town Girl"
Love,
Jenn
PS I have attached a picture of myself with some of my students. I teach four classes a day of university age students and two classes to teenage girls who live in two of the near by refugee camps.
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