Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Coming Full Circle




Medfield Day
It was a perfect September Day, the sun was shining and there was a light breeze.  It was our very first booth at Medfield Day and I was so excited to be a part of this.  Medfield is a classic New England small town, with a typical town fair.  This fun event draws thousands, “It’s like hosting a huge block party,” according to MEMO organizer Russ Hallisey.  

While it’s a small town, it has a big impact - to the greater Boston area and beyond. So many in this town step up and step out to make a difference; raise money, chair a board, read to students, help protect our environment, provide furniture and food for the homeless, run our local government, preserve our history… all illuminating our world in their own way.

Most of the booths relate to our community.  We were a little different.  Our focus is to the wider world and draws from the indescribable bonds forged in a small town when tragedy strikes and community members step up. So many reached out when my family most needed a village. Meals, rides, yard work, and prayers helped us survive and heal from a horrific event.  Despite tragedy, our family was blessed and God’s grace flowed abundantly.


So, yes, I was really excited! 

We were finally out in the community, talking about Amilia’s Light for the first time, explaining how we are paying it forward.  We showcased how we're lluminating our world, raising funds for the Empowerment Program  and launching A5: Amilia’s Angels, Ambassadors for Anti-Trafficking Awareness.


Board of Amilia's Light at Medfield Day
Our Board, Michelle, Charlie, Jodi & Jackie
The day could not have been more perfect. Our amazing team, Jackie Collins, Barbara Seeglitz, and Jodi Holman, designed and set up beautiful booth, with our signature colors.  There was so much excitement and buzz in the air and we met so many new and old friends.  The Ugandan jewelry made by the girls we support was a real draw. We signed up new followers and volunteers and several groups expressed interest in working with us especially with A5.  


Youth A5 program
Delia (In turquoise) and a friend


Delia Davis, one of Amilia’s friends from nursery school, was one of the first volunteers to sign up for the program.  “I’ve been wanting to do something like this for so long, I’ve been thinking about it for almost two years.”  Delia came and spent the afternoon with us, and I had a chance to get reacquainted with her.  I’ve seen Delia, just a handful of times, since she was a little girl, playing dolls in my home.  It was such a delight to have her brainstorm ideas with me for A5.  I’m almost giddy with the possibilities of how this can grow. 


There were emotional moments as well.  I turned to speak to a woman looking at our jewelry, only to realize, it was Amilia’s pre-school teacher, Sharon.   Our eyes met, recognition hit, and tears flowed. I have wanted to reconnect to her, but somehow never made the effort to walk back into the nursery school.  
And then, there she was… 
   
It was a full circle moment

A new supporter stopped by to talk with our Treasurer, Charlie Peck.  I had not met Pete Peterson before, I had only heard him speak at town meetings and read about him in the paper.  A man dedicated to the business of our town.  After he learned about Amilia's Light and later spoke with me, there were tears in his eyes, and he thanked me for our good work..  That was a real jolt- I never anticipated being thanked, except perhaps from our girls in Uganda.   It was humbling, because I just feel privileged to be illuminating our world.

Sources: