ALL IS CALM, ALL IS BRIGHT
What a year it has been! For some this may have felt like the longest year and for others it may have felt pretty non-existent. But for all I can likely speak to the fact that it was unprecedented. We have watched as many friends, family, businesses and churches alike had to learn to pivot and pivot quickly. We have been so blown away and encouraged by everyone's ability to lean in, grow and thrive during this difficult time.
It has been a year of deep reflection, education and adjustment. It has been a year of tears and laughter. A year of dreaming and dreams fulfilled. But mainly it has been a year of thankfulness. 2019 for us was a year of focused establishment. 2020 was a year to take what was established and adjust and amend areas where we saw cracks. It has been a year of growth in the least traditional ways, and yet ways that will sustain us for years to come.
2020 may have challenged us, but ultimately made us stronger.
Because of you, our partners, we were able to pivot with ease. You made it possible for our staff and community to be cared for during a pandemic. You made it possible for masks to be made and needed supplies to be purchased to re-open our community centers. You made it possible to establish sustainable garden projects so that when our senior leadership couldn’t be present, the local staff could still run our community gardens and provide food to families. When the local schools were closed down, you made it possible for us to be able to tutor children and continue empowering them in the area of education. When our lead coaches couldn’t get through due to roads being blocked by the military, you made it possible for our village coaches to still run practices and meet together as a team.
2020 proved just how much transformation has taken place among our communities over the past 7 years. The growth of our village staff has moved us to tears. Because of YOU, that was made possible. Once timid, hidden behind closed doors, now leading the charge caring for their neighbors and loving them well. It has been the most beautiful thing to watch unfold.
In addition to the growth among our communities, our family also grew as we welcomed the most precious baby girl home this past February, Miss Everly Brave Miller. Adoption is the most beautiful gift. And this little “reina” is pure magic.
We hope that despite all the heartache 2020 brought, that the beauty of 2020 outshined it all.
We cannot thank you enough for your commitment to us and to our communities. There are not enough words to express our gratitude for your generous partnership, the success we are seeing is because of you! Cycles are being broken and lives are being transformed forever.
Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas. May 2021 be BRIGHT.
Jaclyn, Micheal & Everly Miller, along with the MARKED Family
*Thank you for thinking about us in your year end giving. 100% of your donations are tax-deductible and go directly towards the work we do. All donations made on or before December 31st 2020, will go towards your 2020 tax-year.