The Miracle Foundation had a wonderful end to 2009 — it was busy, busy, busy (hence, the break in blog updates!). So sorry to those who were anxiously waiting for more news about TMF!

So, here’s what happened:

In mid-October, the orphans, housemothers and volunteers in India celebrated the Hindu holiday called Diwali, or Festival of Lights. The name comes from a combination of 2 Hindi words, Deepa meaning Light and Awali meaning Row. The resulting “row of lights” symbolizes Indian culture, and its traditions of teaching the purging of ignorance and suppression of darkness that dims the light of knowledge. Several volunteers and sponsors sent letters to India in celebration.  We are so thankful to those who wrote letters – like the oil lamps lit for Diwali, our childrens’ faces light up when they receive letters from abroad!

The TMF Christmas Open House was on December 18 and it could not have been a bigger success! Thank you to all the volunteers and ambassadors, new and old, who came to celebrate with us. There was an assortment of Christmas cookies, holiday punch and other festive snacks, as well as a host of laughter and merriment.

Our achievements in 2009 were phenomenal! We provided aid to 592 children, homes to 99 new orphans and care to 36 single mothers so that they could deliver healthy babies. 95% of our children were sponsored, which is truly amazing. Everything those children need is supplied on a monthly basis as a result of our sponsors’ generosity! Sooch Village is now equipped with a computer lab housing 25 Dell computers. The children learn basic computer skills there, like typing and internet literacy. Also at Sooch, 50% of the vegetables the children eat are grown in their own organic garden. The kids love to see the fruits of their labor, which is so rewarding and beneficial for their self-esteem.

One of the most notable accomplishments was the securing of a domestic adoption license in Jharhkand. This means that our orphans can be adopted by families in India, which is exactly the kind of future we hope all of our children will someday experience.

Overall, we are incredibly pleased with the progress we made in 2009 and we hope 2010 will be even better. Our success is purely dependent on our sponsors, donors and volunteers and we are so thankful to each of you!