Do you sometimes wish you could do more to "Make a Difference?" Are you at a loss as to where to begin, what to do? Join me here for some inspiration and living examples of what you can do to make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Recently I had the pleasure to meet up with two old friends of mine: Jenny and Gonzalo. They have a volunteer work in Ecuador, where Gonzalo is from and were here in the UK for a while to help care for Jenny's elderly mum. Now they are returning to Ecuador and we will be helping to support their work there.
In Ecuador, there are no such systems as the NHS, nor government benefit programs. So the people depend on NGOs and Charities for some of their most basic needs, especially the poor. Gonzalo and Jenny will be shipping down supplies of inspirational and educational books in Spanish, that they had been able to aquire while they were here.
Gonzalo's brother, who is a doctor, also gives of his time and expertise to the needy in his country. Here he is giving a free medical check to a handicapped patient.
Activities include a training course for other volunteers called 12 Founation Stones. Here are photos of the graduation of those finishing the course.
"Chocolatito" is the name of a program for deprived children, which often involves the apprearance of a clown!
I have been rather delinquent posting about our activities.
It started with Christmas.
We were very busy participating in numerous events of all kinds during this holiday season. We collaborated with several charities such as Noah's Ark Children's Hospice, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Help a London Child, and more. We had quite a few touching moments, especially involving children, when we were able to help spread the Joy of this Season. Some of these children are life limited, meaning they are not expected to live very long, due to some form of sickness. Others had severe handicaps and others were just normal people, but nevertheless, needing love and inspiration, just like you and me! We were able to share the special Christmas songs that tell about the joy of the birth of Jesus, distribute hundreds of various forms of Christmas literature and audio material and in general share together the special joy of the season.
I hope to be able to share a couple of the moments that stuck out to me and helped make this a very special time indeed, as soon as I have a little more time!
Our personal Christmas was shared with our son Tim, who came over for a visit from Italy. It was his first time to England so we had fun showing him some of the sights during the time he was here. We also had a family of 5 stay with us during this time. They included 3 young children, so our house was full of children's laughter and merriment during this holiday time!
For New Year 's Eve, we once again had our Candle Light Ceremony. This year our house was open to guests from about 3 PM until after midnight. Neighbours, friends, General Members, Active Members and full time Members visited through out the evening and into the New Year. Besides abundant food and drink, we had several bonding and inspirational activities together, ending with the Candle Light Ceremony. This Ceremony is a Family tradition for many years now. We all sit around a large white candle which represents Jesus. One by one we each lit our own candle, placed it in the middle next to the large candle and shared three things: 1.What we were most thankful for this past year. 2.What goal or vision we would like to accomplish this coming year 3.A verse or meaningful quotation that applies to us regarding the new year ahead. This simple ceremony was inspiring and meaningful as we shared our own thoughts and listened to those around us. It was a happy, but also meaningful way to see in the New Year!
We thought we would have some down time after the New Year, but we just seem to be staying very busy! Another thing that is helping us to step outside of our comfort zone (which is good for growth!) is that we are moving to another house. There is probably no need to explain how much this involves, especially since we are closing a rather large house and have a lot of furniture and household items to find new homes for, not to mention all else that is involved with moving.
Hopefully, after the move is complete (and we have our internet connected!) I will be able to share a bit more details of some of the special moments that God placed in our paths.
Gonzalo and Jenny will be shipping down supplies of inspirational and educational books in Spanish, that they had been able to aquire while they were here.
