Reflecting over this past year, the only word to describe 2012 is incredible [difficult to believe; extraordinary]. 2012 was a year that marked a new beginning for this organization. Dreams became reality. Women previously met became wonderful students and inspiring friends. Stories were re-written, lives impacted forever. Even our stateside staff underwent a transition, saying a tough goodbye to a few and a warm hello to others. We began the year unaware of just what the in-country launch would hold, but it was truly incredible. Our program could’ve held a training cycle for the women and wrapped it up in October when I returned to the States. That would’ve been okay. But that’s not even close to how the story is being written. It’s all just beginning.

Just 2 weeks into 2013, I can already tell that this is going to be another year of incredible. There are just some things about this organization that haven’t gone as planned but have gone so much better than the best-case, like our NGO status granted in days rather than months. Or finding the facility that symbolized despair and oppression, putting a hold on it, and seeing all of you come together so passionately to believe in the future of this organization, in hope winning, and in our impact on lives in Zambia, exceeding the funding amount to purchase it so very soon. We have witnessed the power of community and relationships, and that’s what we’re all about: giving hope through love. Recognizing that we’re all from different backgrounds but we’re really all quite similar. Stepping into each other’s stories to shine light in the darkness. We are all here for each other.

This year is another beginning, a new chapter for us. In just a couple of months, we’ll be opening the doors to the Chikondi Community Center, which will serve as a safe place of encouragement, learning, creativity and opportunity for vulnerable Zambian women in an impoverished neighborhood. As much as planning is a good thing, so is just saying, “yes” to the journey ahead. That’s where we’re at. We have an idea of what we’d like for 2013, but our arms are open to a world of possibilities, a new year of incredible. We’re in for the ride of our lives, and we invite you to join us. Buckle up. Here’s to 2013, a year of incredible for us and for you. Let’s open our eyes and hearts to experience it daily. I promise it’s there.

With Chikondi, Amy