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I want to take a moment to say thank you to two amazing people: Russell and Stacey. These two have come to North Africa for the past 7 months from Texas to volunteer their time with Beauty For Ashes. How incredibly generous is that?
Stacey and Russell immediately became dear friends to us and to our community. They are easy to like, fun to be around, and hard workers. You can’t get much better than that! We have been so blessed by their efforts to help our grass-roots organization find our footing and build a strong foundation. They have quickly become integral to the BFA team, and we are so sad their time is coming to an end.
Stacey and Russell both coordinated, organized and ran activities in the girl’s detention centers. They worked everyday of the summer camp we held in Fes. They have helped us navigate the chaos of understanding grants and filing the endless stream of documents. They have dreamt and brainstormed big goals and visions with us, and they have given wise counsel when needed. They didn’t stop there, they have tirelessly helped on every little request we send their way, and even volunteered their time with other groups here doing amazing work in the community, such as a surf camp Kai Shapes does every summer with a local orphanage. They are always willing to give, never complaining, and up for any adventure.
They have embraced North Africa in all its crazy cultural differences, and immersed themselves in the people and culture of our town. They have taken the good and the bad all in stride, and trusted there was a purpose behind it all. They have patiently pursued direction on what the next steps are for them all the while wishing they could stay, but being willing to go if led.
There are not enough words to thank them for their time, their gifts, their energy, and their passion that they have given to Beauty For Ashes. We are blessed to have had them, and we are sad to see them go. But, we send them off with blessings and knowing wherever they land that place and those people will be given a most unexpected, wonderful gift.
So, we say thank you to two of the most generous people! And we know this is only see you later, because no matter where they end up next, they remain committed to staying connected and helping as we continue in our work here in North Africa.
Cheers to two people who have become some of our closest friends, and are some of the best volunteers we could ask for!
Blessings on your next adventure!