I think I was looking for some way to be hopeful.
Watching too much news on television can be bad for your health, and I was on my way to an unhealthy cynical side of life when I volunteered to Global Friends for whatever. I reasoned, I’m from the south. I know how to be welcoming and I can drive a car, so it seemed like a good match.
“My respect and admiration for Nell, Global Friends and their volunteers. They are an example to follow. I am sure that God already has a place in heaven for each of you, and I ask that here on earth He fills your lives with blessings and guides your path always.
- Claudia
Whatever is not what I found at Global Friends. Whoever is what I found: Claudia and Gabriel, a mom and little boy from El Salvador, who became my source of hope in spite of how messy the world continues to be.
They are my joy, showing heroic courage, as life changes drastically, and determination to make this change for the good of their futures. They are my joy, as they jump through hoops, scale mountains of paperwork, struggle with the English language, and find work. They are my joy, as they live in faith strong enough to hold them upright when loneliness is oppressive. They are my joy, when Gabriel plays soccer and Claudia learns to crochet. They are my joy, when I get to experience with them the first night of snowfall, the first birthdays away from the family who misses them terribly. And that joy translates into hope.
The network news is not the last word on the condition of the world. People are brave and strong and determined to live free and to be kind, honest and good. Claudia and Gabriel are called refugees by our government. New Americans by our culture, but I call them hope bearers. I get to hang around with them and they give me hope for our world. It is cliche to say we receive more than we give when we work as volunteers - but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true.
Because of the opportunity I have with Global Friends, my heart has grown, my calendar is full, and I have a new daughter and grandson. For that I am very thankful.
- Nell, a dedicated Global Friends volunteer
