Thankful
My wife and I were talking tonight about the amazing partners who have assisted the work of IFC. There is only one word that adequately says what we feel–Thankful. There are people who have given for the entire 18 plus years that IFC has been serving the poor. There are those who give from their need and others who out of the blessings. We have partners who continue to give after moving or changing jobs. They help with general needs, children’s support and building a new school.
There have been over 600 who have joined me in going to the base in Indonesia. They take their vacation or personal time and pay their own way to go and serve. Who are these amazing people??? I have the privilege to know many of them and travel with them. There are some who have been more than once and some over five times. That is commitment!!!
We have had surgeons, nurses, teachers and medical workers volunteer. We have had builders, welders, mechanics and road workers come to give of their skills. We have had artists, computer IT experts, photographers and people willing to give. It is such a blessing to have these awesome volunteers. Again the only word to say is–Thankful.
It is around 24 hours in flight to get from Seattle to the base. In addition, we spend three nights in transit just to set foot on the island of Halmahera. It takes endurance to make that trip. We have had volunteers who were in their 80’s who made that trip. It is all worth it when they arrive and meet the children and staff.
Those traveling internationally have to acquire visas and protect themselves from Malaria and a handful of tropical ailments. Our partners are the best people on this planet. We are Thankful.