I am continually amazed by the generosity and kindness in Mid-Missouri.
In the past few days I have been able to chat in our community about the City of Refuge and just what we do for refugees. Yesterday I had fun heading to the yarn shop to purchase yarn for a baby afghan, and then present our work. I stopped by the grocery store for a few things and had the chance to chat with the store manager about sponsoring a charcuterie board at the golf tournament. I picked up a snack at the natural grocery store and chatted there. I grabbed a drink at a fast food place and, yes, I chatted there.
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| Click here to check out the "deets" on the golf tournament! |
This morning I got a call from my vet's office and they plan to sponsor a hole at our golf tournament! Yesterday, when I picked up my poor puppy dog from his dental cleaning visit, the office manager and I chatted about refugees and then she told one of the vets about our conversation. Earlier yesterday, I was able to chat with our wonderful financial advisor and he is also interested in sponsoring a hole.
One person with enthusiasm and passion can make a difference. At times I doubt just how much of a difference I am making. Weeks like this one can certainly be a "landmark" to look back upon so that the clouds of doubt can be banished. In Bible times, people would come to a turning point in their lives, negative or positive, and would set up a landmark to commemorate that event. They could revisit that place, alone or with their children, and then call to mind just what happened. I believe that we need more landmarks in our lives.
When self-doubt and discouragement weigh us down, we can go back in our memories to our landmarks. The landmarks can encourage us to keep going and keep making a difference. They can also help us push away the negative thoughts and not get bogged down in those negative thoughts.
Yesterday I met a sweet college student and her friend. "Katy" has such a bright smile and such enthusiasm for life. Katy is a second generation newcomer and, I am guessing, her friend is a first generation newcomer. She eagerly participated in the sewing class and was able to walk out of the building with a used sewing machine. I wish that you could have seen her proudly showing off her first project, a cute little throw pillow.
Katy attended the financial literacy class last night and even brought a friend! She was engaged in class and was full of thoughtful questions. As luck would have it (even though I feel that it was more a God thing), Shane taught all about scholarships! Katy and her friend listened attentively and then promised to come back to the next class.
Meeting Katy was another landmark event for me. Later, I heard that she stood in the middle of our store (stocked completely by donations) and tears streamed down her face. Our community was able to help her with things to "kit out" her new apartment. Katy was overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of our staff and our community. Katy is why I do what I do!
As for the generous businesses and organizations that promised to donate, I am going to be so excited to give shout outs as the support arrives. I love to give credit where credit is due! I will definitely be setting up a landmark to remember this week and the many businesses that are striving to make a difference in the refugee community. Because of these partnerships, the City of Refuge can continue vital programming, and maybe even set up new but needed programs. Our new partners will be making a difference in our community. Thank you!
If you or your organization would be interested in participating at the golf tournament or sponsoring, please send an email at Stefanie@cityofrefugecolumbia.org.
And of some have compassion, making a difference: Jude 1:22 KJV
Click here to find out more about donation opportunities at City of Refuge.
All opinions expressed here are solely mine and are not a reflection of the opinions of the AmeriCorps VISTA program
or of City of Refuge in Columbia, MO.
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