Hi Friend,

This is a special thanks from us to you. I think we could all use a little recognition for making it through this year. It hasn't been easy.

All of the staff at Friendly Water for the World want to thank you for helping to turn this difficult year into an opportunity to grow and strengthen our community of friends. We've loved hearing from you, especially as we were all cooped up inside. And we enjoyed meeting so many during our virtual Chats (which will continue into next year) and at our big 10-Year Anniversary Fall Fundraiser.

Thanks also for continuing to stand by those who are so often alone. A crisis, let alone a pandemic, can create anxiety and stress that prevents someone from seeing any way through. You can feel like the whole world is against you. We all just crave a little stability (or a lot) and having someone you can count on means so much.

And thanks for giving, not just for the people and families in our developing communities, but also on behalf of all those who wanted to help this year, but couldn't. This work is so important to all of us, but not everyone was able to participate like they may have wanted in 2020. But they, just like you, want our work to continue. Your contribution made that happen.

So, thank you. Despite the challenges, we are encouraged by all that you helped us learn and accomplish this year (and during our first decade - make sure to read about that in our next newsletter). We can't wait for next year and are excited that our first work, a Soap Making project to support students and their community in Matsakha, Kenya, will be starting just after the new year.

There will be more projects like this next year, helping communities in Zambia, Kenya, India, and other countries recover and build a new resilient future. If you haven't had an opportunity to contribute this year or would like to give again, you'll help us reach more people seeking a better future for themselves and their families.

On behalf of your entire community, with special appreciation from me, all the staff, and our Board of Directors, thank you and Happy New Year!

- Will