January 9, 2013

Dear friends and partners,

Happy 2013 to all of you! The year has started with much excitement for the Nokor Tep Women’s Hospital. Unbelievable how good the foundation earth works look! It actually brings a sense of deep awe to me – and I can’t resist going and seeing this miracle in the making. It’s a miracle of all of us – standing together with the women of Cambodia. Just before the Christmas break I took some of our Tabitha staff to come and see – so much laughter – so much awe – it was a wonderful hour together.

We are having our second annual WALKATHON for Nokor Tep here in Cambodia. The date is February 16 – if you can come and join us. As we were standing looking at the land – several of the staff came forward – it’s so beautiful – this is in Cambodia! they said with wonder - several had tears in their eyes – I want to walk but I also want to donate myself – can I give $100? They were so shy with their gifts – so humble – this was a moment to treasure.

Then the awe left them and they turned to me – well Janne will you walk this year? Or will you just welcome us at the end? I knew their thoughts – a challenge is a challenge – I laughed – only if I have a personal sponsorship for $100,000. USD will I walk – I figure that’s a pretty safe statement to keep me out of trouble – but then you never know.

We had our annual 2 week break – when I returned to work I had an email that brought tears to my eyes. We had our first patronage – Clydette and Charles De Groot. What a gift but more importantly it was the grace with which this couple accepted the patronage role. They wrote “We have just had our annual foundation meeting and have decided that it would be a privilege to stand with you in your important endeavor to provide medical care for women in Cambodia. So yes, we are happy to accept your request to be patrons of Nokor Tep Women's Hospital and accept the corresponding rights, privileges and responsibilities.” How good that is! If you would like to consider becoming a patron do visit our web site at www.nokor-tep.net and click on the section for patrons.

2013 is a year of vision – a year of daring – daring to believe that you and I together will be another step closer to hearing the silent cries of the millions of women in Cambodia. Each of you are a step forward in this vision – each of you – no matter the contribution – no matter the effort – is making this vision a reality – a vision of compassion and of justice. Yes, 2013 is a good year for all of us. I thank my God that this is so.

Janne