"Is it almost over?"

"Are we really seeing a light at the end of the tunnel?"

"Can we start 2021 already?"

As we count down the days to the end of arguably one of the most tumultuous years of our collective lives, it's easy to get caught up in wishing it were over. In focusing on what's ahead, wanting to wipe this past year from our memories.

But let us not forget.

Let us celebrate what was good and true and embrace the resilience of our scholars. As schools and communities across Nepal shut down in order to confront a deadly world-wide pandemic, still these young women persevered. Dreams did not dissolve. Books were not forever closed and put away. Friendships did not turn to dust. No, quite the contrary. Our six scholars adapted and studied at home while taking care of family and community, never losing sight of the dreams that brought them here in the first place. On the darkest of days, they instead set their sights on what will be rather than what was or is.

And we are reminded. That this is the thread that weaves through the very foundation of our goal at the Bo M. Karlsson Foundation…to embrace change and empower women in Nepal to be a part of that change, regardless of the difficulties that go along with it. 2020 has been the year that stretched and tested these limits.

Can you see it now? The light rather than the darkness? The hope rather than the despair? To all of you who have been a part of this mission, our supporters and donors, you are part of that light. Without you, and without the hope that your support brings, the darkness wins. Let us not forget but let us move forward in the light of the season and the hope that stretches before us.

Thank you and Happy Holidays to all who are part of this amazing family!