We have been blessed abundantly and are truly grateful for the gift of Ma’an lil- Hayat – a place of joy, creativity, meaningful work, and life-giving relationships – much needed in Bethlehem, in a context that is often marked by tension, insecurity, unemployment, fear, and all that is consistent with life under Israeli military occupation.

Since the day we opened our doors, we have received numerous visits from families in the Bethlehem area who have loved ones with a disability who need to find a daytime activity or workplace. It has been very hard for us to watch the waiting list grow longer as the months pass, since we have already reached capacity due to the space limitations of the rented apartment that houses Ma’an lil-Hayat.

We are grateful to all of you – our many friends here in Palestine and throughout the world – for your support, prayers, enthusiasm, and encouragement. May God continue to bless you during 2012 and give us all the grace to be signs of hope and instruments of peace.