One could start the year in pessimistic mode, full of black thoughts. One could hear the evening bell on New Year's Eve, marking the start of a new year as a mere refrain, a repetitive verse of the same old worn out lyrics. One could feel that it is another year to be spent in the desert, walking in circles, soon tired, broken, frightened, unstable, bitter, hardened or simply without courage. One could secretly wish for the peace of Christmas time. 

One could listen to Grigory on board his ship anchored in Port Elizabeth and begin to believe that nothing can be repaired. One could believe that plans and experience lead to nothing. One could even begin to feel that longing becomes too difficult to handle, how loneliness stalks you like a stealthy lion, one could even believe that old dangerous rhythms will repeat themselves maliciously again and again. One could so easily drown in hopelessness, even that the sharpest mind does not hold any answers for the heart. 

One could also listen to Cebo's story and run the risk of repeating a hopeless minor chord. On the ore quay in a strange country he talks with sorrow and gall bitter words about drugs that stole his daughter from him. One could allow guilt and powerlessness to grow together, allowing silence to become a hiding place. One could believe that a father's heart may start to dissolve slowly in hopelessness.

One could listen to Gabriel, a seaman from the Philippines. He tells his story and you feel how distance between you and those you love could make you bitter. One could hear each beep of a mobile phone as a reminder of everything you cannot repair when you find yourself on the other side of the globe, very far from your family.  

One could soak in a lack of hope. It is easy. It comes without effort. It is everywhere around us. These could be reasons - all of them - to start this year with deep mistrust.  

But, a Child was born for us. It changes the way in which we see the new year categorically. It allows us to hope with Grigory, Cebo and Gabriel. It allows us to look around us with fresh eyes, to see new possibilities - because the Child changed everything. 

Thank you so much for your financial support. The CSO appreciates it immensely, because it ensures that the men visiting our harbours are reminded of the Child and of the Cross. That is why there is hope in 2026!