... on Christmas Eve, 24th December a beautiful healthy girl was born to Nayan and Sraboni ... we are all VERY happy! And her name ... not yet ... it will take a while for just the right name to be selected and her naming ceremony will be very special.

Soon though, when astrology determines an auspicious day, she will be presented at the village temple. Coloured threads will be tied around her wrists and ankles as blessings are recited over her by the temple monks and family members.

And then begins a new family life for Nayan and Sraboni - with one big challenge. Sraboni will be raising this wee one in Chittagong with her in-laws whilst Nayan works with Motif in Dhaka, some 200 miles away (6-9 hr drive).

Economic realities in a developing country such as Bangladesh are tough and affect many families this way. The husband and father often works as in another country, rather than just another city, to ensure there is a living for his family. The wife and mother then lives with her in-laws. She may or may not work locally, but it's her husband's family who will take care of her and her children whilst he is away.

You can be sure that we are very supportive of Nayan spending as much time with his wife and daughter as possible!

A new life at the start of a new year brings its own sense of hope in the future - what are some things that raise hope in you as you look to 2012?

Looking Forward,