We have been blessed with many great visitors, guests and volunteers so far this year, some of them old friends, others first time visitors. It is great to welcome new people and introduce them to the story of Sarnelli House but there is nothing better than seeing old friends again. Many of our guests come through foundations with whom we work and we are grateful for these relationships as well.
Tim from Switzerland came to volunteer in his travels around Asia. His father is involved with the Jan & Oscar Foundation, who have been great friends to Sarnelli House. Tim was enthusiastic and energetic, and he was a great hit with the kids and the other voluteers. We hope to see him again some day
Madi, Nicole, Rylee and Jon from the USA and their translator Gift from Bangkok came to Sarnelli for their second teaching trip. This is a wonderful team of young doctors and med students from Wisconsin University (Go Badgers!) who are passionate about global health. Madi is specializing in pediatrics so her contribution here is so valuable. The team ran sessions on hygiene and community living for the staff and kids and supported and taught the staff about caring for the children with cerebral palsy. We look forward to their expertise next year.
Robert and Julia, volunteers from Redemptorist Volunteers Ministry, Bonn, Germany came to experience Sarnelli House life for the first time during a break in their volunteering programmes in different countries. They are on a parallel mission to Freya and Kitty, our two volunteers from RVM. It was great to have them here and we wish them well for the remainder of their own programmes.
We said a sad farewell to Pauline from APO Germany after her three-month period of volunteering at Sarnelli House. She was proactive, energetic, and didn’t waste a moment connecting and giving her time and affection to the children at Sarnelli House. Pauline was a huge hit with the girls at Our Lady of Refuge House and was a very positive and calming influence for them. The staff recognised this and were very fond of her as a result.
Janet and Mick O‘Connor from the USA are regular visitors and relatives of Fr. Shea. They spread lots of love to the staff and are always welcome guests. They went on outings, helped with maintenance and brought good cheer to all.