The Villager Voice
A couple weeks ago I mentioned the ways our mission trips have inspired and opened the eyes of our young people to a world beyond the bounds of our own experience. Just this week Lynette Bester, my co-chaperone on our trips, and I received a note from Amelia Whitney, who went with us to both the Cheyenne River Reservation to work with members of the Lakota Sioux in South Dakota, and Volusia County in Florida where our relief work came on the heels of not one, but two successive devastating hurricanes. Here is the text of Amelia’s note:
Hi! I have been thinking of you both since I have been here and wanted to send you both a little update and also a HUGE thank you for your support and launching me into the career I’m pursuing today! I’m here in Kenya this summer and have been working for advocacy at ReaMedica, a maternal health ultrasound clinic providing scans to mothers across Kenya who cannot afford them and provide education platforms for women to understand the importance of them and family planning. We are partners and I have been volunteering my free time here at Maisha Foundation, a home for young mothers who were raped and abandoned but decided to follow through in their pregnancy where they are provided with classes and job prospects after their baby is born. I’ve found such a love for these women and their strength but would not be here without either of you. I just wanted to send you an update and express my immense gratitude for every opportunity and the support you gave me which has molded and given me the opportunity to be here. I hope you both are well and sending all my love to you both.
What amazing work Amelia is doing! And friends, it is far more than just Lynette and me; Amelia grew up and learned what it means to give of herself from all of you, you who created the kind of community (there’s that word again) that supported and nurtured her faith and self-confidence to the point where she is doing such wonderful work. Amelia’s note made my day and my week; it should make yours as well.
On another topic, remember this is the last weekend to make a monetary contribution to Lady Doak College on the occasion of their 75th anniversary this Friday.
Here are the links to Sunday’s bulletin and service:
