Greetings Friends of Habitat!
With the leaves changing color and falling on my front yard, I am reminded that Thanksgiving
is right around the corner. For me, that's cause to celebrate!
When I think of Thanksgiving, I feel an inner joy - a joy that is sometimes lacking as I rush
around in the normal course of a day. Thoughts of Thanksgiving remind me of what is right and well with the world
and in my own life, instead of what is lacking and dysfunctional. It calls to mind people for whom I am grateful and positive
events that have happened - and are happening - in my life. There's something about giving thanks that simply brightens my
day! So I try to give thanks often, but admittedly, my type-A personality prevents me from slowing down enough to "stop
and smell the roses" as frequently as I aspire.
However, on November
6th, Habitat will honor the donors and volunteers at our "Giving Thanks" reception who have made "Habitat
happen" over the past 12-15 months. The reception will consist of a dessert buffet social, followed by a short
presentation showing the fruits of our labors and highlighting some of the people who have significantly impacted
this housing ministry. However, the irony is this: The "Giving Thanks" reception is only possible
through the donations of volunteer Board members and the labors of special events volunteers! Even as we give thanks,
we're creating another opportunity to say "thank you!"
The fact that giving thanks is a never-ending cycle in nonprofit work is what is so exciting about
it! Our mission is accomplished completely through the generous donations of the community, the thousands of York
County volunteers who serve on our committees and labor on our worksites, and the extravagant grace of God. Each person gives
of his or her talents to help in some capacity and in the end, together we uplift individuals, families, and the community
as a whole. I am astounded at the level of energy, commitment, passion, and dedication I see on a daily basis from the volunteers
who make "Habitat happen" and make their community a better place to live, work, and play.
From the bottom of my heart, I want to say "Thank You!" to every donor, volunteer, staff
person, and friend of Habitat who has given a part of themselves to help eradicate substandard housing in York County.
Together we ARE building better lives...one house at a time. God bless.
Peace and Love to You,
Rosie
