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Home for the elderly. We were united with a common objective: to love. This was our only desire as we went to work.
It was hard work in the middle of the summer heat: cleaning rooms for the elderly, serving at table, brightening up their evenings. But Love was flowing and you could feel it in the air. We were particularly focused on doing things together, not leaving anyone out, and being willing to lose our own ideas when necessary. Everything was done with a smile, and this made it all exceptional.
The elderly trusted and encouraged us. When a paper Mache flower that adorned a bedroom wall was not perfect, or a bingo card was missing one of its buttons, everyone was able to turn a blind eye.
From our side, here is what Salim from Kenya writes: “I’m happy to be at this home for the elderly. I feel at home because this kind of activity has made me want to be happy. There’s no sadness when we love like this!”
Caritas (1-14 August). In order to permit the volunteers of this association to have some holiday time, we offered to bring ahead the many activities that they carry out with such dedication in our region.
This time the work consisted of preparing a menu and distributing the meals to the many marginalized people of our city, and discovering their world.
It was also surprising for us to discover that every day, in spite of the difficulties, our smiles never disappeared. This was an added gift, aside from the meals that we distributed to the many persons who came each day.
The volunteers complimented us on the work we had done. And we experienced that differences of opinion are quickly worked out when you live the Golden Rule and when you keep a smile on your lips.
Now, after such an active and adventurous summer, we are re-charged and ready for the coming year. Together we are aiming to show to the world the beauty the new life that is flowing, as we rush toward our big appointment next September: Genfest 2012.
Compiled by Youth for a United World, Sassari, Italy
