gift of time and talent

As a member of Asbury Memorial Church for some years now, I have pledged to give to that congregation my presence, my gifts, my talents, and my service.

Once upon a time I gave my service - meaning my time - to the Hospitality Team for over a year, helping to take care of food service before and during any meals or "big" coffee hours, as well as dish clean-up and trash removal afterward.

Another time, I gave my service - meaning my time - to the Flower Ministry for about a year, helping to transform the huge displays at the front of the church on Sunday mornings into smaller bouquets to brighten the homes of those ill or celebrating a big birthday.

This year, I gave my service and my talents to the Vacation Bible School, a week of evenings spent with children in grades pre-K through 6th, to better inform them about Bible stories.

I was given three evenings to enact those tales, along with others who were volunteering their service and talents.

I had so much fun, I'm going to do this again!

i thank You, God, for the opportunity to let my light shine.

(smile!)

bday65 to celebrate at gala20!

While I was at the venue tonight, I thought: "Why not?"

So I bought the ticket for the future event, knowing it was a good deal more than I typically spend on one-night deals.

So why did I do it?

 

First, I was at the Savannah Children's Theatre to see their latest musical - featuring a story I was raised with - for the second time.

They just keep getting better, giving more every year.

This is their fifth production this year - THIS YEAR! - with more on the near horizon.

 

Second, I like the idea of going to a gala... I do!

I recall having an in-depth conversation with Deborah Ray and perhaps K.T. Aull, and who knows who else, about the differences between a gala, a fete, a party, and a soiree.

They actually have better recollections of my descriptions than I do!

But here's the main thing about a gala: cocktail attire is required.

Cocktail dresses for the women, cocktail jackets for the men.

I have a new black dress that I've not ever worn and this sounds like the perfect occasion for me to get dolled up and go out for the evening...

and a Saturday evening at that!

Third, I need a worthy event for my bday65 gift to me.

At a cost of $75 per ticket, this certainly qualifies.

It also benefits a cause I believe in, so that makes it perfect.

Now, to wait for the day...

and try to decide later whether to bid at the silent auction there.

(smile!)

birthday money to foster mom elsewhere

I knew I had money waiting at Kiva... but I didn't realize how many of those I've loaned to have fully paid off their loans.

My thanks to the Rosa Mistica group in Paraguay - brava!

They paid off in less than a year.

My thanks to Fatima Marisela in El Salvador - brava!

She is 100% paid in full in less than a year, too.

My thanks to Cucu Kurniasih in Indonesia - brava!

She received birthday money from me last year, and she is paid in full.

 

All together, they have returned to me the funds to support Jully in Uganda.

She is a refugee mother to six children, farming millet, sorghum, maize, and beans to support them and help provide them with an education.

Now, she wants to branch out -

wait for it -

by planting trees.

(smile!)

(Yes, that's a little pun humor, from me to you!)

 

One of the reasons I chose her and her loan is because there was an anonymous donor -

going by "the moonshot factory" -

who was doubling all monies for her loan.

Most excellent!

In fact, she is completely funded and good to go.

(smile!)

 

i thank You, God, for leading me to this opportunity to help another!