It's just three days now before the 2011VFWI group leaves for Malawi. The excitement builds and I sit in the midst of a mountain of amazing supplies and gifts donated by our open-hearted supporters. By tomorrow night I will have packed: pencils, notebooks, t-shirts, erasers, educational scholarships for girls, prayer cloths, quilting materials, a computer, books, Amherst Writers and Artists resource manuals, pencil sharpeners, medicines and more. All contributed by you!

I also carry the many spiritual gifts of love, prayers, inspiration, encouragement, presence and guidance that you have given so freely. Without it VFWI could not thrive.

While only six women make the physical trip with us, there are hundreds of other women, girls and men who will be with us in spirit. One of my favorite aspects of this work is to share stories about you with the people of Malawi and in return to tell you the stories of the people of Malawi. That's what it's all about for VFWI - connecting people through story.

I invite you to check in often to "listen" to a story or two and share a story with us as well.

Many thanks for all your support, inspiration and caring!!
Love,
Mary