Reflections of 25 Years

I have been offered the somewhat daunting challenge to share my top recollections as I look back over the last quarter century since the advent of Arm In Arm In Africa. As many of you know, in the last year I have taken on the responsibility of being the Chair Emeritus for our organization. Our Board of Directors have welcomed Ed Luterbach to serve as our new Chair, providing a most exciting vision as we begin our next 25 years of building partnerships in South Africa.

This most recent transition is actually one of my highlights as I take the time to remember and look back on our journey. Many of you have heard me speak about the African philosophy known as UBUNTU. It is an African philosophy that emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals. If we are able to see ourselves in other people, our experience in the world will inevitably be richer and kinder. If we look at others and see ourselves reflected back, we inevitably treat people better. As I, and many of us over the years have journeyed with our brothers and sisters in South Africa, I am grateful for the countless opportunities to see how this approach to life encompasses all our aspirations about how to live life well, together. The essence of UBUNTU is not only a highlight of my African experience, it is my personal hope and prayer for how our world community must soon choose to make  a lasting commitment as a way of life. 

We have heard it said that "it takes a village to raise a child." This African proverb expresses the importance of how it calls an entire community to interact with children and to ensure a safe and healthy environment in order for children to grow. In my quarter of a century journey with the South African community, I resoundingly give credit to the courage and determination of all women. I have countless memories of seeing your fierce love and devotion to your children. In those times that food, clean water and medicine are simply not available, you remain not only stalwart, you remain committed to joy. The women of Africa have shown repeatedly that "life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." 

As I reflect on our shared journey, I want to highlight the importance of all those individuals and families that have stepped up to contribute financially to our organization. Desmond Tutu reminds us that "We need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they're falling in." Many of you have been faithful in your contributions for the entire 25 years. A great number of you have actually stepped up as delegates and made the journey to spend time with our South African cousins. Your trust and generosity provides the bedrock of our ability to make a change for good in our world.

As we enter our upcoming anniversary year, it is important to first pause and reflect back on the many highlights of the past. I have appreciated the opportunity to walk down memory lane because I always love running into you. It is equally important and very exciting to imagine and plan for our future.

You have, and will always have, my undying gratitude.

James Cassidy
Chair Emeritus