Rogers update

Dear Friends,

I wanted to give you all an update and let you know what an honor it has been to get to know you. Pittsburgh by far has been the nicest place we ever lived in because of warm generous people like you. Because of economic necessity, I went back on active military status in December and Christie accepted a federal position with the National Institute of Health this month. As a result, we sold our house in Cranberry and relocated back to the DC area this week.

If you're ever in the area, please don't hesitate to look us up. You're always welcome here.

Love,
Eric, Christie and Eric Jr.

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.
-John Quincy Adams

Redefining Christmas

I was feeling a bit anxious about the current recession when the leaders of Discovery sent this link. http://www.globalrichlist.com/ It gives you your financial standing in the world and believe me, despite our economic woes, most of us are still quite rich by the world's standards. It really helps put things in perspective.

Then, a few days ago, I heard about this website on NPR. http://www.redefinechristmas.org/#moreAbout It's about redefining gift giving during Christmas, and it really articulated what I've been thinking for years. I have to say, it was wonderful giving gifts to those who really need it as opposed to those who already have everything. Unfortunately, my military obligations preclude me from leading a gift drive this year for our Burmese friends. Though my family still intends to redefine Christmas and give gifts to those who really need it. I encourage you to do the same. Catholic Charities, JF&CS, Discovery Church, Grace Lutheran Church and Emanuel's Lutheran Church are all on the front lines in working with refugees. Please consider giving a gift to someone truly in need on behalf of a loved one.

Conference on Refugee Warehousing

ANNOUNCING THE 2008 CONFERENCE ON REFUGEE WAREHOUSINGPresented by FORGE (Facilitating Opportunities for Refugee Growth and Empowerment) and the Global Studies Program at the University ofPittsburgh October 10th-12th, 2008 (Special note: PRC Executive Director, KhadraMohammed will speak on the morning of the 11th) University of Pittsburgh Keynote Speakers:Dr. Barbara Harrell-Bond OBE (The American University in Cairo)Merrill Smith(U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants) The situation of refugees stuck in 'temporary' shelters with thedenial of basic human rights is unacceptable. However, findingalternatives to the situation requires consideration of complexissues. The 2008 Conference on Refugee Warehousing will offer a forumto consider the issues and strengthen the movement against refugeewarehousing. Participants and speakers include: Khadra Mohammed (Executive Directorof the Pittsburgh Refugee Center), Judy Wakahiu (Executive Director ofthe Refugee Consortium in Kenya), and Abraham A. Awolich (Co-Directorand Co-Founder of New Sudan Education Initiative). For more information, visit http://www.refugeeconference.org/or contact Ellie Ott: warehousing08@refugeeconference.org

Beer Does Help People!

Thanks Everyone! We had a great time hanging out and helping people at the same time!

Drink Beer, Help People

Join us for a beer tasting event at the home of Eric and Christie Rogers. We will have food and a variety of craft and international beers to sample.

What: A Beer Tasting Event
When: Saturday, September 13
Time: 5:30 pm to 8 pm
Where: 140 Windsor Court, Cranberry Township
Questions: (724) 452-4695 or ericcole1@juno.com or rogers.christie@gmail.com

Please bring items from the Wish List (see below)

Last year we furnished two apartments with items that were donated. Thank you for making this possible! This fall more than 80 Burmese refugees are relocating to Pittsburgh with only the clothes on their backs and a few belongings. Once again we are collecting household, personal and toiletry items to help with the set up of their new homes.
Wish List
Household Goods:
Rice cooker (Asian style plug in type, the larger the better), rice, cups, plates, bowls, silverware, chopsticks, pots and pans, teapot, dry and canned foods, can opener, paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, laundry baskets or laundry bags, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, household cleaners, buckets, mops, brooms, dishtowels, bath towels, washcloths, shower curtain & rings, twin bed sheets, blankets, pillows, bedding, folding or plastic chairs, desk lamps, garbage can, garbage bags, alarm clocks, light bulbs

Toiletry and Personal Items:
Shampoo, lotion, bar soap, pain relievers, deodorant, razors, shaving cream, toothpaste, toothbrushes, umbrellas, feminine products, hair dryers

Gift Certificates:Wal-Mart or Giant Eagle

San Kyi asked me to post this. That brings up the total number to 49 living on Troy Hill.

Dear Eric, This picture is Pay Paw arrived to Pittsburgh bus station on Sunday morning 3:15 AM,who is transfared from Roanoke VA.Now he live in his brother Lay Moo Apt at Troyhill.He came from Thailand border refugee camp last week.One of the our sponsor Mr Loyd help to pick up from bus station to Troyhill at early morning on Sunday.
San Kyi

Pirates Game a Blast!

Thank you everyone who purchased Pirates tickets for the Burmese refugees! We had 41 tickets, which turned out to be more than enough to cover those on Troy Hill. In fact, we were able to bring some refugees from Tanzania and students from China as well. They all had a great time and like most of us, enjoyed the fireworks and REO Speedwagon more than the game itself. You guys are awesome!