Hello Friends,

Can you believe that we are in the second week of Lent already? Wasn't it just a few weeks ago that we celebrated Christmas?
We had a very cold winter here this year. The reports were that it was the coldest winter here in 70 years. Since Pakistan itself isn't 70 years old, that is quite a record! I can't say that I was particularly pleased to be here for this record-setting event, but I kept consoling myself with the fact that at least most days, the temperatures were above 0 C (32 F) degrees. The other good thing was that there was no snow or ice, although there was frost on the ground, and there was one day that I was sure that it could snow. Just imagine how surprised and excited the children would be! Even on cold winter days, they get so excited about rain that there is no keeping them settled in the classrooms. The teachers themselves come out to enjoy the sight since rain is such a rare thing here!
Yesterday and today hold the promise of spring. The weather is warm and very pleasant during the day. It is still a bit nippy in the mornings and evenings, and it remains cold indoors, but the sun during the day is delightful. We had lunch outside today because it was too nice to stay indoors.
As you well know, today is Election Day in Pakistan. I know that you are all with us in prayer for safe and fair elections. There have already been some reports of violence in the northern areas. Unfortunately, it is keeping many people from voting, which is not a good thing.
My sincerest hope is that those who do vote will elect leaders who will care about the people and improve the situation for them. There have been real sufferings for the people in terms of shortages of oil, flour, gas, and electricity. Prices of all things have risen, making it extremely hard on the poor. They are, in effect, being deprived of the basic necessities of life. So, I hope that we will soon have the turmoil of who will be elected over so the government can concentrate on how to help the people. Please God, it will do that!
School activities keep me busy. We are again in the midst of our marathon interviews for next year's kindergarten class. We have interviewed about 150 so far, already twice as many as we will be able to take, and we have many more to go. There are many children that I feel sorry for in this process!
I have done two workshops for the teachers on how to teach writing, and have worked with them in writing a school philosophy. We are also involved in both the school and the convent in planning for our Golden Jubilee celebration which will take place in October. There is much to be done!
We are all most thankful to all of you who have been so good in keeping in touch and who have expressed your concern for us. Be assured that we are doing all we can to stay safe, and we have very careful security guards here in Bahawalpur for whom we are very grateful. Please continue to pray for us and know that we remember you with love in our prayers as well.

God bless you.
Sr. Anne