January 2019 Newsletter

January 2019,

Dear Friends and Supporters, 

I have come to appreciate the New Year’s holiday, specifically New Year’s resolutions which are really peoples’ desire to improve themselves and make positive changes.  Stereotypically you hear resolutions about people wanting to get in shape, but more so I am hearing resolutions by people who want to make better choices in life, and includes giving and helping others more.  The notion of resolutions is uniquely human and illustrates one of our best qualities, acknowledging our imperfections and more importantly improving ourselves.  Only humans can take a moment, evaluate their lives, and then work on progressing to be better. 

New Year’s resolutions give me hope because it means we do not have to settle or accept every negative thing in the world.  Whether it is personal or communal we can change to make things better.  SIHG exists to make right a deep wrong.  No child is meant to be alone.  Humans take a long time to develop and their parents are to protect, care and teach their children throughout the child’s life, especially when they are young.  Yet, this does not always happen, 20 years ago  Becky set out to make things better.  Without SIHG many of the children would be left in bad homes or no homes at all.  But thanks to Becky, Linda, the excellent staff, and countless donors many kids are given protections, education and love. 

I would challenge you this New Year to look for ways to make the world a better place.  By all means get a gym membership, eat healthier, make yourself better, but also consider the world we inhabit, and search out ways to make it better.  Find organizations doing this work and support them.  No donation is too small, a little help from a large group can accomplish great things. 

Sincerely, 

Jonathan Baloian

SIHG Needs and News:   

• Do you have construction experience?  SIHG would love somebody who could go to Kenya and help with the construction on the Girl’s house.  Please email mail.sigh@gmail if you are interested.   
• In December two new board members were added, Nic Campos and Debbie Hall Friede.  We are thrilled both are joining and look forward to their contributions.  Debbie shared a little about her history with SIHG and why she wants to donate her time.  (We will hear from Nic next month).  

I’ve known Becky since 1985. I have always been impressed by her life dedication to serve the children of Kenya.  My life has been blessed with a successful Marketing/Sales career in the golf industry for over 30 years.  During this time, I was fortunate to travel to Kenya many times to volunteer; each time impacted my life in many ways.   We have sponsored two children whose lives have been changed through the love extended at SIHG.   I’m excited to serve on the board to support Becky, The Children of SIHG and our Lord’s vision for the future.  I hold a B.A. in Business from Southern Methodist University.  We live in Ormond Beach, Florida with my husband Hank and dog Gracie.

Sincerely,  

Debbie Hall Friede