Newsletter December 2012

Dear friends,
It is some time ago since you have heard anything from Auxila-Brasli-ja. The first reason : is that we have been busy with the Alpe d' Huez sponsored cycling event. We are proud to announce that €14,500,- has been given to the June Foundation. Three wells can be dug, they will be called: ' Hakweldocht ' ,' Auxilialpe' and Alpe Wervershoof.
The second reason : some time ago Cornelis Trommel wrote a very good article over our Foundation with positive and negative points. His recommendations are being studied at the moment. It is a good idea to think about what one is doing. We will keep you informed.

In the meantime we are financially supporting two young people. Joan Vriend is in Durban helping children and women who have been abused to come to terms with their traumatic experiences and to return to the community. Veerle van der Togt is going to help people in Borneo with Raleigh International ( water systems, crèches and community halls etc).

We conclude with a message from Father Sjaak.

During the last 6 months I haven't been doing much for Brasilia/Auxilia because of my Sabbatical in the US. I had a wonderful time with lots of traveling and experiences. De main reason for a break from work was to do some studies but it turned out to be much more than that. Every weekend I met up with friends who returned from The Hague tithe US. They showed me their new homes and work places. That gave me a unique insiders view.
During my stay a few historical events happened like hurricane Sandy and the presidential elections. These events were a big part of daily life.
The main reason for my stay here was of-course the sabbatical study program at Boston College.
I followed 5 courses in Trauma counseling, Resilience in stress, Addictions, Pastoral presence in the modern world, and Spirituality. All of them very practical and helpful. I am deeply grateful to all the benefactors and friends who made this experience possible. The pictures of the big "American Tour" are on my Facebook page.
Just before Christmas I return to The Hague. The longer I am away from home, the more I realize that we have something quite unique going on there and I look forward to being a part of it again. I wish you all a beautiful Christmas and a New Year full of good stories to tell and nice experiences to share.

Best wishes, Sjaak de Boer, pastor