Might Have Been Otherwise

“And did you get what you wanted from this life, even so? I did. And what did you want? To call myself beloved, to feel myself beloved on the earth”. --- R. Carver

Comes that time in the AIAIA journey to Africa that you begin to think more clearly and intentionally about those individuals that have a way of standing out in your mind and heart. No easy task, given how many of God’s beloved you encounter on this journey. I want to acknowledge the children and their gift of joy and hope. Children are the future of our world community. They are beloved for the simple reason that they will continue the work of creating a more loving and inclusive world. Lavish them with only love and encouragement.

I have also been thinking a lot about my friend and colleague, Dr. John Song, one of God’s beloved that died at home in Minnesota during this time in Africa. John served on the AIAIA board and gave his all to the end of his earthly journey.  I will always be grateful for my beloved friend, John. John’s wish was that memorials be directed to Arm In Arm In Africa to carry on the work he helped guide as a Trustee of the organization

In closing, a reminder that we are all Beloved and are all on a journey and called to give our best to the end. In tribute to John, I share this bit of wisdom from Jane Kenyon, entitled Otherwise...

“I got out of bed on two strong legs. It might have been otherwise. I ate cereal, sweet milk, ripe, flawless peach. It might have been otherwise. I took the dog uphill to the birch wood. All morning I did the work I love. At noon I lay down with my mate. It might have been otherwise. We ate dinner together at a table with silver candlesticks. It might have been otherwise. I slept in a bed in a room with paintings on the walls, and planned another day just like this day. But one day, I know, it will be otherwise.”

Again, our thanks to family and friends for following and supporting the AIAIA journey. 

James Cassidy, President AIAIA