Love The World

So friends, every day, do something that won't compute. Love. Love the world Work for nothing. Love someone who does not appear to deserve it. Give your approval to all that you cannot understand. Ask the questions that have no answers. Listen to the earth - put your ear closer, and hear the faint chattering of the songs that are yet to come. Go with your love to the fields. Lie easy in the shade. Rest your head in her lap. Swear allegiance to what is highest in your thoughts. Expect the end of the world. Laugh. Laughter is immeasurable Be joyful though you have considered all the facts. Practice resurrection... -W. Berry This was a great day to "love the world and work for nothing." A part of the delegation returned to Itipini and assisted in purchasing new shoes for around 30 children. This was made possible through a donation to Arm In Arm In Africa by an RN that had joined us the last two years. For the approximate 280 individuals that have been a part of the AIAIA delegations over the last 18 years, you will be pleased to know that those same children from Itipini came to Malungeni for the day. There was music, dancing and food. The children also had the rare opportunity to make their own choices as to which dress, T-shirt, or knitted cap they wanted to wear home. I thank our financial contributors for making this day possible and for this year's delegation and their willingness to step up and assist in making this day happen for all the children of Itipini and Malungeni. As seen in the photos, this was also "spa" day! Other members of the delegation lovingly provided hand and foot massage to members of the Malungeni community. A chance to pamper individuals that rarely catch a chance to have a little TLC. After shoulder massages and  applying some some rather stylish nail polish, the community was poised to dance. It truly was a day to "practice resurrection," and to be joyful. I will close by sharing a brief reflection from Richard Rohr; "I have come to realize that those who make space for joy, those who prefer nothing to joy, those who desire the utter reality, will most assuredly have it. We must not be afraid to announce it to refugees, slum dwellers, Saddened prisoners, and angry prophets. Now and then we must even announce it to ourselves. In this prison of now, in this cynical and sophisticated age, someone must believe in JOY. James Cassidy, AIAIA