A peep into the “GF house” – 2019!
Since 2 years we have now done “officially” what we have been doing for years! It is good to reflect and see if we are still true to our calling? With a deep conviction and without a trace of doubt, we can say YES!
Our USA board members did not only come for the meeting but also to exchange ideas, reflect and to encouraged one another. This is always a highlight!
A team from Colorado, came to Bad Kreuznach for a recreational and cultural assignment. A team of young people, under the leadership of the Malfitano couple, met with a local church community for joint activities. A youth leader sums it up as follows:
“As a social worker (B.A.) I am active in youth welfare and I am happy about intercultural exchanges among young people, which can be helpful in removing prejudices and in broadening one’s own cultural horizons. The activities carried out, some of which I was able to take part in, included for example:
– Sports activities such as soccer, basketball and American football
– Intercultural and interreligious exchanges
– City tour and visit
– Culinary exchange
In summary, it can be said that the intercultural exchange was a complete success and an enrichment for everyone involved. Further cooperation with GFeV in this way is welcomed.”
GF for women: Monthly international ladies come together in order to gain a better understanding of the German culture. For these women, GF is a reliable contact for intercultural questions.
After one of these meeting, a young lady contacted us. She needed some coaching as well as answers on how to effectively integrate and find new perspectives in Germany.
Coaching: Many hours and days followed explaining the German laws, culture and work environment. With regard to working life, she was coached in cultural and emotional differences, linguistic expressions and preparing for job interviews. An internship followed. Then a permanent position and after 2 years of continues support, one could say she has successfully integrated.
A widow (with 3 children) residing in France requested support for her daughter who was in a psychiatric school at the time. She required assistance in English as well as working through possibilities for her future. Through reflecting talks and during our day-to-day activities, we could observe certain behavioral changes. Interacting with specialized doctors, we came to the conclusion that it appeared as if she was over medicated. Discussions with her and her mother led to a meeting with her Psychiatrist who agreed to drastically alter her medication plan. This resulted in her completing her high school diploma with very positive perspectives. We are thankful that we could play a small role in this improvement. This, once again, confirmed the importance of having an open house for all ages.
Through recommendation a pastor with a “burn-out syndrome” came to us. Better than our report are his personal impressions, which we are happy to present here:
“Thank you for being able to stay with you from *-* 2019. During my extreme difficult situation at work, it was like an oasis to be with you. Thank you very much that I could experience your hospitality as well as your attention. Thank you for all the conversations, the prayers, the coaching and the expert and empathic reflection on my personality, my work and the difficult professional situation as a whole. It was very encouraging and it helped me to better find my position, take it up and defend it. Looking back, I am very grateful for the array of “tools” that you equipped me with. My situation here at work has improved significantly over the last year, so that I have found new professional perspectives. Some things are still not as they should be, but we are on the right track. You made a decisive contribution to this. Also, the peace that I could enjoy. The long walks were refreshing and an excellent way to find peace inside, to switch off and to discover new horizons. I will be happy to come back. Thank you for your openness, your support, your house and the time you have given me.
I warmly greet you and continue to be blessed for your excellent work with your “GF-house“
Being on a 3-month home visit trip which includes many personal visits, recruiting, meetings and presentations, with no base to work from and planning can be a big challenge and extremely exhausting. We are thankful that our home could be that base at times for *L who is a director of a mission organisation in Brazil.
Many more telephone calls, voice messages, talks, visits, walks, spiritual reflections, sharing etc. is, GF in action!
You are more than welcome to contact us if you want to visit or comment.
Klaus & Annatjie
Ps. “We are made for larger ends than Earth can encompass.
Oh, let us be true to our exalted destiny.”
Catherine Booth