MAY 11, 2008

Dear Friends,

The soul is healed by being with children.
~Fyodor Dostoevsky

The yard of the small yellow house was unkempt and barely larger than the rusty trailer parked in it which was used, we were told, for additional space to "turn tricks." Weeds in neglected flowerbeds clamored at different angles growing high enough to cover window panes and prevent any hint of natural light inside.

I sat in my car with Pam Wenz, Director of Mentoring, quietly observing the area before entering the house to visit four AIDS-infected sisters all under the age of eight, referred to us by the Infectious Disease Department.

A social worker had warned us of the girls' fight to survive. As we walked toward the front door, our awareness of their plight heightened. Resting among the weeds was the wheelchair of six-year-old Angela. Filthy clothes were strewn about; flies hovered over food left on dishes here, there, on the porch and lawn. Uncapped medicine bottles lay about, jettisoned after use. A strong desire to turn, to run, to avoid this encounter struck me as the smell of urine, meth and vomit emanated from the front door, the worst of third-world odors, the unavoidable indicators of our need to be there.

The door was flung open. Four thin girls stood inside wearing dirty slips and no underwear. Their paleness was offset by dirty bodies and the shadows of ill health on their faces. As my eyes adjusted to the room's dimness, I saw two men seated across the living room smoking, glaring at us. They said nothing but with their eyes made clear we interfered with the horribly fragile situation of these children's lives, for them, situations of profit.

My gut filled with equal parts of fear and sorrow. Somehow, we had to help without delay. With the assistance of the courts, REACH helped free the girls and place them with loving parents. With God's help they continue on a path of healing and health.

In that case we made a difference, and in the cases of others, we labor to serve. I plead with you, on behalf of the children, please partner with us and help them heal.

Blessings,

Susan K. Slonaker

P.S. Your financial gifts of $25, $50, or $100 as well as a donation of flight miles will help bring families to Camp. Please designate REACH when you give through the United Way or with matching gifts at your workplace.