A prior staff member, Adam Martin, is spending 2009 is serving as a volunteer teacher in Namibia. A group of friends and CARES staff sent a care package (or is that a CARES package?) with various fun items for his students. Took about a month to get there. Below is the note of thanks he sent.
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Hello Everyone!

I received the big CARES and Friends care package last week, and was completely overwhelmed. Over a fourth of the school participated in the first Library Art Contest, and there were some massive prize packages for learners with creativity, skill, and patience (that, unfortunately, often goes unnoticed and unrewarded).  Here, you might get 15 American cents for your birthday, and the family kills a goat for Christmas.  Believe me, the prize packages causes pandemonium… and a few amazing individuals are walking on clouds.  I cannot thank you enough for the joy that will get me through Term 2.  :)

And all 100+ who participated got a special pencil, pen, and a sweet.  Joy!

I miss you all – and think about great times with the 629 Pioneer and extended crew… often.  If there’s ever a ringing in your ears late morning/early afternoon, there’s probably a nostalgic Adam taking a break from lesson planning and marking papers alone in his little flat a hemisphere away.  *sighs*

Much Love,

Adam

PS – The great thing here, is that everyone shares… so I see all the learners reading and playing Kalamazoopoly and…  So much.  Hands off my sweets though!