Saluting American Volunteers

A Big Thank You

Yesterday, September 11, I went with other volunteers in Cape Town to the home of the Consul General , Dr. Alberta Mayberry for what was one of the more memorable "thank yous" I have ever received. Together with volunteers from Living Hope, the South Africa ministry with which I am associated, and those from 20 or more groups, we joined with Americans in the United States and around the world to honor Interfaith (National) Service Day. On this day Americans commemorate the awful events of 9/11 by not only remembering the sadness, pain and heroism of those who lost their lives, but also by doing something positive in our communities to honor those who died. It was also a time to honor American volunteers who , at their own expense, serve in communities all over the world, working with nationals in so many areas of need. Dr. Mayberry welcomed us so warmly and, on behalf of the President, thanked us for our work. An eloquent speaker herself, Dr.Mayberry observed that what was a moment of tragedy has now turned into a life of service for many people. "I am proud of the young people especially and all who have chosen to serve," she said. "You receive so much more when you give back." I was so moved when she conveyed the words from Mr. Carlos Christopher Daniels in the South Africa government's rural Development Office. He not only thanked us but gave us a blessing. He said: "We as a nation are grateful for the thousands of volunteers who come to our shores every year. Words are inadequate to express our appreciation for their unselfish behavior, offering up their time away from family, friends, rsources and skills to better our communities.We really appreciate you and we hope we will never take your sacrificial service for granted. I pray that God will cause you to reap where you have not sown, that those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed and that God's blessings will continue to overtake them." We too observed a moment of silence to remember the more than three thousand men and women who died on that day and then we took Dr. Mayberry's advice to mingle and get to know other people. I enjoyed hearing about the work and ministries of others, both Americans and South Africans and it was an excellent place to network. But above all, it was so good to see that Dr. Mayberry herself volunteers her time and expertise and the people from the University of the Western Cape there were enthusiastic in their praise of her work with them. What an example!. We each received a certificate of appreciation and a volunteer kit, and , of course, we feasted on, among other things, succulent turkey. I love what I do and I am not at all starved for appreciation but it was a special experience to be part of that wonderful group of people and to hear those words. thank you. I gave Dr.Maybery one of the bags made by the women from our Evangeline classes and she too was very appreciative. Now I thank each of you who reads this blog, and every one who sends out love, support and prayer for Evangeline Ministries and for my work here. Thank You!