It's our first Christmas in a non-Christian country, and so this year our Christmas spirit, more than ever before, has to come from within. For the first time there are few traces of the festive trappings and trimmings that at home continually serve to remind us of this special season.

But, of course, as the Grinch learned so long ago, Christmas doesn't come from a store, and so we're learning that those feelings of love and giving can bring with them Christmas joy whether you're a long, long way from home, as we are now, or back in snowy Ottawa, with cheerful Christmas lights twinkling and loved ones near.

Christmas provides an ideal moment to reflect on all the people who have helped and supported us over the past year. In the last twelve months we have added new links in our friendship chain, and have found caring people in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand whose generosity and friendship have enriched our lives immeasurably.

We would like to thank the many people back at home who generously sent money to help struggling volunteers in Indonesia, as well as those who came to the aid of the unschooled children of Palmerston Island. You have made a real contribution.

Every one of you who has supported us with words of encouragement or advice have also contributed to our endeavour in a most wonderful and meaningful way. We feel privileged and honoured that Southam News and the wonderful people at the Ottawa Citizen have given us the opportunity to share our adventures with you. We also want to thank everyone who is following our voyage, for it gives us strength and courage to know that your thoughts are with us, even from afar.

Diane King and Paul Couch have invested countless hours in creating a wonderful Northern Magic website that has allowed people all over the world to participate in our adventure. And our special thanks go to the Hooper and Villeneuve families of Orleans, who have gone above and beyond the calls of ordinary friendship.

Of course, we can't fail to acknowledge with extreme gratitude the Herculean and unceasing efforts of our Calgary family towards supporting us in every possible way.

In all of you, the many wonderful, caring people that we have found in such abundance, there is the proof that the ideals represented by Christmas are thriving all over the world.

Herbert, Diane, Michael, Jonathan and Christopher Stuemer

S/V Northern Magic
Lumut, Malaysia

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