NEW YORK, NY - Nowadays, it's always a plus when one travels by air to successfully claim luggage at both ends of a trip. Unfortunately, lost luggage is a very common occurrence these days.

When I returned from Armenia in October, the anxiety of claiming my bags was more than usual. Reason being, one suitcase contained letters and photos from our CASP (Children of Armenia Sponsorship Program) children to their sponsor families. However, I breathed a sigh of relief when I finally spotted my big black suitcase which, for the second time this year, returned safely with me carrying the children's letters -- over 1,000 each time!

"Getting the mail out" to the sponsors is always a top priority upon my return. This mission was accomplished within four days, thanks to the assistance of the Ashekian family members. Many sponsors have since called to share the heartwarming contents of the letters they received.

Many of the children themselves write to their sponsors; however, their guardians also write simply because they wish to express their deepest gratitude to the sponsors who are literally helping to sustain the very being of their children. Since the majority of our people in Armenia continue to struggle not only financially, but emotionally as well, corresponding with their sponsor affords a sense of support and kinship. This process of exchanging letters has manifold benefits. Thankfully, more and more individuals are visiting Armenia. Many have used this as an opportunity to visit with their sponsored children, which has helped to establish a bond from afar.

We thank our sponsors who have written letters faithfully and urge those who have not written to please do so. I cannot stress enough the positive effect these letters have on the children and their respective families. Letters may be sent to CASP, 84 Ellsworth Blvd., Kensington, CT 06037.

The following is a recently received letter (translated) by a sponsor.

Regards to Very Dear Mr. & Mrs. (name withheld) From the beautiful village of Oshagan in mountainous Armenia, little Susanna's mother Amalia sends you deep words of gratitude.

At this moment, I am very emotional and full of doublefold feelings of gratitude. Your Godsend act warms my heart which is incapable of reciprocating your benevolence, which lightens the heavy and painful burden that fate has given me. I got married, believing and ensuring myself of happiness which was doubled with the birth of my little daughter. However, before enjoying the first few years of my married life, I lost my husband, and my fragile offspring and I were thrown into the heartless turmoil of fate. My heart, full of sorrow, found its solace in little Susanna's eyes. But soon I was faced with a second tragedy. Like all other mothers, I used to rejoice with each of little Susanna's baby sounds and, with all my heart, I was waiting for her first words. But, alas, that came much later. My daughter's difficulty in speech was a new and shattering blow to my already broken heart. And yet, silently I bore this new hardship as being God's will. With dimly hopeful eyes, I knocked on all doors where I could find the key for her cure. And yet, all was in vain.

Ten years have passed. Now my daughter cannot fully communicate with people around her, although she understands and grasps everything. And it was at this heavy moment that you, God-loving benefactors, came forth in our lives. Once again, hope lit in my heart. This time, I send my Susanna to a special school where, in addition to learning how to read, she is in special therapy classes. It has not been too long yet there is noticeable improvement.

And, for all this, I am indebted to you. Without your help, I could not have sent her to this school where I am hopeful that my daughter will learn to speak fluently.

And now I constantly pray to Almighty God that his blessings be with you and your family always and every day. With faith, everlasting blessing, warm gratitude and prayers,

Yours,
Amalia