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Pittsburgh, PA 15146

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A Letter from Sawmi

Sawmi is one of our greatest success stories! Read her personal testimony below of how her life has been transformed by the work we do at Angels' Place.

Hello Everyone!

As the day for my college graduation is getting closer, I would like to thank everyone of you who has been with me through this journey. Without the help of each of you, I would not be where I am today. I would like to tell you all how grateful I am for everything you have done. Also, I would like to tell you a bit about my time here at Ohio Valley University as well my plans for the future.

I will graduate from OVU on the 8th of May, 2021 with a BA in Business. I am fortunate to have the love and support of my sponsors the Minsker Family, who will be by my side to witness the fruit of their investment in me over the past few years. They have been there for every important moment of my college life. This achievement is not just my achievement alone. I share my success with every person who supports the work of James Connection.

After graduation I plan to pursue my MBA at Oklahoma Christian University with a focus on either Human Resource Management or Health Care Administration. I will be working hard to prepare myself for future job placement. My long-term goal is to start an organization to help my community in India and Angels’ Place where I was raised. However, right after college, I will be looking for a job more in line with my degree so I can gain practical experience first.

I’ve had my share of challenges over the past four years. Everything was new for me. New friends, new food, new language, and different studies. I had to switch my major several times to find the right fit for my interests and passions and finally decided on Business. With time, I’ve made good friends and learned to adapt to all the new things. Through the process, I learned a lot about life and people and I’ve grown into a more mature and understanding person.

I love being involved in campus life. During my time at OVU, I was part of the Student Government Association, Steppingstone Student Chapter, Alpha Chi, the Social Club, and with my best friend’s encouragement, a club called Kappa. Being part of these groups, I have learned a lot about friendship and college life. I’ve grown to appreciate how much the university helps us, as students, grow spiritually. I also became aware that many international students did not get involved in social activities on campus. They didn’t have a place where they could build friendships on a deeper level, learn about each other’s cultures, and support each other while being far away from family and loved ones. So, during my Junior year, with the help of our International Director, Sally Massy (who was like a mother to every international student), I started a new club for International students within the larger Social Club. Being able to do that for all my international friends is one of my proudest achievements and brought me great happiness.

I know deep down in my heart, no matter what I do with my life, God had a purpose for me by bringing me to the United States and OVU. I want to continue to use my voice to make the world a better place. Above everything, I am excited and looking forward to how God will shape me and use me for his purpose in the months and years to come.

Love,
Sawmi

The Children are Back!

We are happy to report that the children have returned to Angels’ Place. Throughout the months of quarantine, Angels’ Place provided rice and dal to the families of the children, so that they would have nourishment while away from the orphanage. Their return has progressed gradually, and as we wrote earlier, the older children came back first in order to resume school as soon as possible. The younger children have now also returned, and Angels’ Place now has 145 children, who all are eating well, learning, and receiving regular health monitoring.

Angels’ Place continues to observe public health protocols. Students and staff wear masks at all times, practice disciplined hand washing, and maintain social distancing. The children's temperatures are taken regularly to monitor for any signs of fever. Also, admittance to the grounds is restricted and closely monitored. The Coronavirus has not significantly affected the area of India where Angels’ Place is located, which is relatively rural and remote, and this is a significant blessing. We remain in constant communication with the staff, and they report that the children are healthy and active.

The James Connection continues to work hard on behalf of all aspects of supporting the children at Angels’ Place. The production of lemongrass remains ongoing, and DoTerra continues to purchase the lemongrass oil. Members of the team in both the U.S. and India are also investigating ways to expand our service to the children as they transition into adulthood. Angels’ Place has steadily built programs in vocational training to provide job skills and prepare the older children as they begin their independent lives, and we look forward to growing these efforts.

Throughout the time of the quarantine, Angels’ Place staff have maintained the facility and kept in contact with the children, to ensure their well-being. We thank all of our supporters for making it possible to sustain operations, provide food to the children, and nurture their health, education, and spirit through this difficult time. These children all had great needs before the pandemic, and your generosity has made it possible for us to help see them through the additional strain of a health crisis. Your sponsorship has kept them fed and kept the orphanage in excellent condition to welcome them on their return.

If you would like to learn more about the many ways to support our work, visit our Ways to Help page.

A Thanksgiving Update

With the arrival of Thanksgiving comes an opportunity to reflect on what has been achieved at Angels’ Place during the fall of this very challenging year and to offer our thanks for blessings in the face of the daunting challenges. We are so grateful for the community of support that has made it possible for us to provide shelter for the children and food for the children of Angels’ Place throughout the pandemic. As we mentioned in our recent letter, your donations have made an impact, and your continued support is needed as we approach the close of 2020.

Through the fall, children in grades 7- 12 have returned to Angels’ Place and resumed their education in accordance with public health guidelines applied through the school system. Angels’ Place also provides supplementary opportunities during the time of the pandemic: on-site tutoring and writing instruction, library access, and special counseling sessions to support the mental health of the children during a stressful time. The lemongrass cultivation has continued this year, and sales bring a stream of earned revenue that supports the expenses of the orphanage – and also supports employment for local farmers in the community.

We ask for your continued prayers for the children and the staff of Angels’ Place. The pandemic has presented challenges to us all, and The James Connection has been working diligently to keep the children safe and healthy during this time, to help them continue their education, and to provide them with secure shelter and a nourishing diet – all of which your generosity has made possible. We need your donations now - perhaps more than ever before. As you consider your year-end charitable donations, please take time to support us again.

We give our thanks for you, for the staff of Angels’ Place, and for these wonderful children; and we wish you a safe and healthy Thanksgiving that reminds you of the many blessings that we have even in difficult times.

With prayers of thanksgiving,

The James Connection

September Update

Angels showing off the masks they made

Greetings to the James Connection community.

Life remains active for the children and staff of Angels’ Place, and we have several updates on activity at the orphanage regarding the Covid-19 pandemic, the academic progress of the children, and improvements planned for the orphanage.

Angels’ Place now has 50 children in residence, and the process of return began with the older children. They have a full schedule each day consisting of classes, time for study and homework, work in the vegetable gardens, and meals. The Angels’ Place staff members continue to keep the orphanage a safe space during the pandemic. The campus is restricted to the children and staff, children and staff are wearing masks, and the children receive a visit from Dr. Mang every Saturday.

We are happy to report good news on academic progress. Seven children from Angels’ Place participated in the Board Examination that follows the end of Grade 12, and all seven of the Angels’ Place children passed the exam. Often orphans lack the opportunity to attend school because of the difficulty of their circumstances. That fact that these seven completed their schooling successfully reflects their hard work, and the achievement has only been possible thanks to your generosity.

Finally, two initiatives are underway for improving the facilities at Angels’ Place. A recent grant of $27,000 from Toyota will allow for the construction of a new water collection system and cistern. Also, the orphanage is expanding its computer resources in order to support the increased demand for distance learning. We will let you know more as things develop.

As always, we thank you for your support of the James Connection, and your generosity has made all of this work possible.