Barbara Bond posted this message on ESRAlist: As usual I was so rushed before my visit to the states that I almost forgot to get the prerequisite gifts so I called ESRA . WOW .. were the Ethiopian gifts appreciated?

The new playing cards went over very well not only with the 10-12 year old gang but also with my own sophisticated bridge gang of more than 50 years.

The new mezuzot are being honored as folk art on the mantels of each bedroom in my son's new house.

The older mezuzot were brought to be tied on the cribs for the protection of my to-be-born grandniece and nephew (just as my grand mother did for me). They did their job because the twins, although born 7 weeks early at only 3.5 lbs each, were in perfect health and are home after just two weeks in the hospital.

I also brought the new calenders. I'm amazed at all the different ways people are planning to use them.

What's more, I noticed that my sister-in-law is still using the large tote that I brought here many years ago.