Day One

Lenten Peace Prayer God of new beginnings, God of life and possibilities, As you awaken the frozen ground bringing spring to birth, Awaken our frozen hearts to compassion for one another. Stir within us the work of your peace. AMEN Our delegation has arrived safely after a long, two day journey to Cape Town, South Africa. On this beautiful Ash Wednesday we began our day on the sacred grounds of the Kirstenbosch Botanical gardens for Eucharist. This was a great opportunity for the group to not only remember the meaning of our Lenten journey but to realize how this mission trip reflects that same message. Life is precious and to be lived in love and gratitude. We are grateful for how our families both in South Africa and St. Joan of Arc live that message. Our Ash Wednesday prayer continued at the senior centre in Gugulethu a township of 360,000 in Cape Town. We connected with prayer as well as hand massages and singing. These joyful and courageous seniors who have lived through the worst of apartheid continue to reflect  and love. Our afternoon provided the us the opportunity to meet Priscilla, the CEO of St. Luke's Hospice of South Africa. As of this year, Arm In Arm In Africa is proud to be an official partner with St. Luke's through the National Hospice Palliative Care Organization's program, Global Partnership. This hospice program provides end of life care for approximately 900 individuals and families in and around the Cape Town metropolitan area. There are over 250 employees, some of which provide end of life care in a correctional facility. At the end of this day we are filled with wonderful memories of the first day as well as gratitude for this journey. Thank you for your continued support and prayers. Peace, The 2015 AIAIA delegation