It is difficult to believe but our first year at Seafarer Help passed like a quick moment, like a swift glimps of light. 2007 arrived with grey tearful clouds and abandance of work. First few days at the office proved to be crowded with emotions and requests,- "Tell my wife that I am all right!", " Ask my son when he'll be back!", "Connect me with my family!"O-oops!We don't do that, even though we understand perfectly well how lonely and desperate people might feel after a months, and sometimes,-you'll be surprised!-years away from home. But we are ready to listen, so that's what we often had to do during the first week of new 2007. It is really interesting to be on the passive, receptive end of the conversation: your silence, pauses, intencity of your attention, even breathing is that mysterious sea on which caller places boats and ships of their thoughts. They know exactly when your attention dropps and become slightly panicy, trying to gain it back and re-establish the connection...

This year already gave us couple of turbulent and complicated cases. Sometimes three, or more countries are involved in solving the problem and such a dialogue becomes truly fascinating and nurrishing for both soul and intellect. When in the process of dealing with the issue a positive event happens, a door, even tiny one opens, the sutisfuction is immence. It is beautiful to be able to make friends all over the world, and when phone stopps ringing start imagening them, attaching faces and personalities to voices you hear on the other end of line. What looks like friendly Turkish woman, is she wearing bright dresses, or smart office outfits? What books reads strict and always serious English chaplain?Is Russian captain dreaming about streets of Vladimir, or Suzdal when he's asleep after a day full of responcibilities?

So many questions could be asked! And luckily some can be answered. Especially with experience which finally starts to step in after a year of work.But it brings new challengies and needs, of course. There is a strong urge to speak as many languages as possible,- callers who hear sounds of their native language are immediately comforted by it. Sadly one could never speak all the world's languages, or give help to every single person in need. However, it is good to try. And we will keep trying in new 2007, hopefully with luck, courage and hope, fine weather and plain sailing!