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This month begins my third year of writing "Making a Difference," and I want to extend my sincere appreciation to you for enriching my life and enlightening our readers by sharing your inspirational stories through this column.

Also, special thanks to those who read this column and make nominations for me to consider writing about.

Let's look back at some of the stories from 2008 with updates on what's happened since they were published.

Wish I could include every 2008 story, but space will not allow me to do so.

Kenya mission team

Jan. 20: "Answering call to Kenya" was about plans to go on a fact-finding mission trip to Kenya by five members of Christ United Methodist Church. Because of severe unrest in Kenya, the trip was put on hold.

Update: The mission team, made up of Jan Brittain, Shirley Cromwell, Carolyn Cotton, Sue Drinkard and Ron Wilson, went to Kenya in late July after political unrest subsided.

They returned home with a clearer vision of the effects of extreme poverty and how CUMC could help the people there.

In February a 16-member medical/education mission team from CUMC will go to help the people in Kenya.

Anza Cole

Feb. 3: "Church member devotes life to service" was about Anza Cole's many years of service to the community and Centenary United Methodist Church.

Update: Cole continues working in her church and helping others, such as helping her close friend Mary Ann Yarborough, who has learned she has cancer. Cole's many acts of kindness bring a bright light to the lives of others.

Emily Reichard

March 9: "Teenager is an inspiration" was about 13-year-old Emily Reichard, who has a rare autoimmune disease and established "Emily's Fund" at Brenner Children's Hospital to help less fortunate children.

Update: Emily's mom, Linda Hiatt, said after Emily's story was published there was "an incredible response from friends old and new and $13,000 has been raised as a result."

Emily's physician at Brenner continues to use the fund to assist families of children with autoimmune diseases in our area. Emily is doing well and was invited to be a member of Greensboro Ballet's Youth Ensemble. The dance classes have helped her get stronger and regain her balance and stamina.

Joseph's House

May 4: "A Safe haven" was about Joseph's House, a faith-based nonprofit founded by the Rev. Nancy McLean to serve homeless young adults between 18 and 21.

Update: Nancy McLean said she received many invitations to speak to groups about Joseph's House as a result of the story. Recently, a lease was signed for retail space on Market Street where Joseph's House will operate a new project called Joseph's Gear, a hip-hop resale store for young adults. The Community Foundation and the Tannenbaum Sternberger Foundation donated startup funds. Contact McLean at 389-0880 or nancy@josephshouse.net.

Freedom House

May 18: "House provides new life for women" was about executive director Ann Thomsson's work with Freedom House, a group home where women and their children can live together in a supportive Christian environment as they work on their drug addiction recovery.

Update: Freedom House continues to minister to families so they will stay drug-free and move toward more stable and productive lives. An even larger thrift store was opened in November and has done so well a still larger space is now needed. Freedom House plans to participate in the Human Race walk in March and there are big plans for the first Freedom House Golf tournament at the Greensboro County Club in May. For information, call 286-7622.

Water walking

June 8: "Walking in water is a great way to exercise" was about the benefits of water walking and the class at Spears YMCA.

Update: Helen Wellman, instructor, said enrollment in her classes jumped after the story was published and that all her classes are filled to capacity. Wellman teaches five days a week and is pleased to see others improve physically as a result of water walking exercises.

Prayer shawl ministry

Aug. 10: "Making gifts of the heart" was about the prayer shawl ministry at West Market Street United Methodist Church.

Update: Prayer shawl ministries have spread to churches throughout Greensboro.

West Market Street has given away 44 special blankets to infants at their baptisms and 271 blankets and shawls. "We will continue to have two groups of knitters in 2009, as the needs are great," Sarah Hester said.

Betty Stratford

Aug. 17: "Tutors needed for refugees" was about Mendenhall Middle School and media specialist Betty Stratford's efforts to have tutors for refugee children.

Update: "There are 25 students now being tutored one- on-one by wonderful volunteer tutors," Stratford said, but more are still needed. Contact Stratford at stratfe@gcsnc.com or 545-2000. "No experience is needed," Stratford said, "just a willingness to spend about an hour a week working with a grateful child."

Kaye Peeples

Sept. 14: "Sisters share bond, kidney" was about Kaye Peeples of Greensboro giving her sister, Tonya Blaylock, a kidney.

Update: Both Peeples and Blaylock are doing great. The kidney Blaylock received is working perfectly. Her doctor said, "It could not be better if it were your own." Peeples helps to care for her mother, Laine Wyrick, who recently had pneumonia.

To make a nomination for this column, contact Peggy Longmire at 288-9040 or e-mail her at rlongmire@triad.rr.com