January 2005 Email

January 2005

Season Greetings Family and Friends,

With the season here, the time has come to share an upcoming opportunity and to let you know that I need some financial support. As some of you may know, it has been my dream and goal for many years to volunteer to care for orphaned babies inflicted with AIDS. You may ask why I want to do this. Well, I have no intellectual answer for you. However, I know with every fiber in my being, it is something I am supposed to do. Perhaps it is my belief that there is comfort I can provide a suffering child afflicted with AIDS. Maybe it is simply holding the child and having it know and feel someone really cares.

Since retiring from Little St.Simons Island almost two years ago, I have been pursuing this dream. I’ve been surprised at the uniqueness and difficulties of the obstacles, and until recently, have been all but stifled in my pursuit. Then God began to open the doors that I could not. Perhaps He is showing me patience and timing. In any case, I’m very happy and excited to share two events that have changed everything and given me new energy in pursuit of my life’s dream.

The first, several months ago a very dear friend who knew of my dream, called and offered to help by providing a sizable contribution to my goal. I was so excited I was about to burst. The timing couldn’t have been better, in that I was at the point of doubt. After months and months of research, telephone calls and e-mails, the second event was an offer for me to volunteer at an orphanage in Cato Ridge, South Africa. I accepted without reservation! I’m delighted to announce that I leave May of 2005 and I will be staying at least one year. The location and conditions are considered a bit rough, however, they said they will supply a bed in a room that I will share with 3-5 other volunteers, and further explained I will have running water and electricity, usually (not sure what that means). Beyond that, I must supply ALL other needs from personal to travel expenses from now until then.

I started out believing it would be honorable and noble if I made this journey on a shoestring budget, just getting by and minimizing everything. It was not long before I was reminded that this “life event” is not about my experiences or me. The real purpose is the impact on the lives of these forgotten children of God. Moreover, my ability to help these children beyond my volunteered time is directly proportional to your contributions. In fact, I cannot have too much help or take too much with me to give and care for these unfortunate children. Those of you, who know me, know I will be a good steward of these contributions.

With a lot of help , I have created a Public Charity, Non-Profit organization called Our Journey, Inc. Through this organization, your generous donations are tax deductible. I will be sending an updated letter early next year, asking for ongoing support. However, in that some of you are looking and needing a deduction for this year, I wanted to let you know the opportunity exists. I can promise you it may very well be the best return on any investment you can make. Please call or email, I would love to tell you all about it! And, feel free to share this with your friends and family.

Please help me with OUR Journey.

With Much Love,
Maureen