One of the girls diligently working on braiding a cross to be sent to OCMC Missionary Felice Stewart in Tanzania, Africa.

Last year in December, Felice Stewart (OCMC missionary serving in Tanzania) and I talked with each other about our respective ministries. At that time, I organized a workshop on making braided crosses with our girls during the sezatoare - knitting group. Felice placed a Christmas order, and the girls and staff at the half-way house went to work to fulfill this order before the Nativity of Christ. It was a good time, as we were in the middle of the fast, to talk about “taking up the Cross” and the protection of the Cross. Thanks be to God, Felice received the package but it was several days after the Nativity of Christ. She told me that Tanzanians cannot find crosses or the availability to buy crosses to wear around the neck. I provided this opportunity to the girls so that they can see that their hard work was appreciated and valued not only in their 'backyard' but all the way in Africa. I coordinated with Felice to have a follow-up skype call with the girls and staff. I gave the “nickel” tour of the half-way house and introduced everybody to Felice. The Cross of Christ brought us together, as Orthodox Christians, to help one another to grow stronger in the True Faith. Glory to God for all things!