Hello dear Kasers

There has been a discussion about postage issues in Canadian Corner, which brought to mind reflections which I thought to share with you all.

Hope you are following our South African journey with us www.allfororphans.com although I am already days behind! We have been pretty hectic meeting and greeting and parcel
opening.

Firstly I just want to tell you that the warmth and love and gratitude
here in South Africa for everything you are doing is frankly overwhelming. You have
given far more than your time to knit and send, or the money that it has
cost you to post, you have given hope.

I know postage has been an issue for some of you. And I think Dawne (in the Canadian Corner)
provides a positive solution for those of you wishing to remain part of
the KAS community without incurring postage costs you feel to be
onerous, by donating a small amount each month,

KAS is spreading far and wide in the communities we are working in,
Soweto and Cosmo City being the largest of them. We once coined the term
that squares had become the 'currency of hope' and when you are here
and talking to people who are involved on the ground, it is true. The
squares represent far more than themselves.

We have garnered so much enthusiasm for KAS that some of you may have
out-knitted yourselves and ended up paying too much in postage. This is
not a desirable outcome. What is desirable is that we find a balance. A
few squares sent regularly and a small amount donated (even $1 a month
from thousands will make an enormous difference) is going to be far more
viable in the long term for the children and KAS then large amounts in
postage and then feeling that its all too expensive and it would be
better to find another charity. We will send out an appeal to you all in the next day or so and explain how this will help.

The children, sadly, tragically, will be here needing your help for tens
and tens of years to come.

KAS has created a community and communities work out ways to do things.
For those of you wanting to knit your heart out, follow Anne Powell's advice
and approach your church or local community to help. I have just
discussed this issue with Ronda and her words to you are: " Pray for God's
provision and trust that it will come."

For those of you wanting to be part of this amazing international group
of people TRULY making a difference, but finding the costs onerous, take
more time to knit one beautiful item or a few squares and send small
amounts that you can afford, donate just a small recurring amount a
month (we are receiving a few now of $2 and $3 and $5 a month) they all
add up.

Your contributions should always be within your means. But you can rest
assured that no matter what size they are, they are making a difference.

Among our openings in the last 3 days, I must have opened 40 packages
with 3 squares in them. That is about 3 blankets worth. I have an image
in my mind of three children warmed by a beautiful hand made blanket, 12
women laughing and chatting while they stitched blankets together
yesterday in a small communal room and discussed ways to teach others,
Wandile and Lindiwe powering through packages, marvelling at the bounty
on the table, piles and piles of squares each made up of small and large
amounts from hundreds and hundreds of people wanting to help, the
spread of KAS.

It is a wonderful thing that you are doing.

Sandy