Leave The World A Bit Better

We had some “serious” celebrating today! There has been a shared sense of homesickness between AIAIA and our cousins in Malungeni as a result of not being able to have time together. The COVID pandemic has taught us a lot as to the depth and strength of our family bond in those times of being apart. Today, we were home together at last, singing, dancing and sharing a warm meal.

Tomorrow we will celebrate Eucharist and again be reminded of the source of love that unites us as a family. Tomorrow serves as a reminder that we will have completed two of our three week reunion trip to South Africa. I want to thank the 2023 AIAIA delegation, as well as all those past delegates that have stepped up and made a change for good in our world. Your courage and your passion to travel to the other side of our world has contributed greatly to the success of our twenty-three history as a nonprofit organization.

I honor our current delegation and all those that have preceded us with the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson;

“To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.”

My gratitude for your prayers and financial support to AIAIA. It has been said that “it takes a village,” thank you for choosing to be a part of our village.

James Cassidy, President AIAIA