By Wilma Jakobsen | Project Leader
Volmoed Retreat Centre Report August 2023
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS DONATIONS!
A number of very special groups came to Volmoed in the past months, seeking the quiet and beauty and peace, even though we have been in the grip of a cold and stormy winter with gale force winds taking down trees and sometimes causing power outages. Yet we are grateful for the sunny days in between.
The groups included a silent retreat, with the theme of Compassion; a weekend retreat for young people seeking direction about their vocational paths; and a group from York, England, who met with leaders of the long standing link committees in the former diocese of Cape Town. Volmoed helped to facilitate conversations about how to reactivate the link between them that bridges cultures, language and promotes learning, post the Covid-19 pandemic.
More recently, the Tutu Travel Seminar group from the USA spent several days at Volmoed and in the area, learning about South Africa and grappling with the issues raised from its apartheid history, the Truth and Reconciliation commission, the challenges of race, of gender and gender based violence, and dealing with poverty.
Meanwhile a gathering of residents began a discussion on ‘Getting old at Volmoed’ over a soup lunch together. This is a journey that holds many challenges, and will continue. We also began a series of story sharing at the weekly gathering of staff and residents. One person each week shares their story of where they were before Volmoed, how they came to Volmoed, and what Volmoed has meant to them. This is proving to be a rich experience. We have also begun a process of discussion to articulate the values and mission of Volmoed.
On the practical side, much of our infrastructure is of an age that it has broken or needs fixing. This includes the tractor, water pumps, water pipes, and the roof of one of the rental houses needs fixing. None of this is cheap but it has to be done. Cash flow at Volmoed continues to be a challenge. Thank you for your ongoing support. Without you we could not do the work we do.
We plan to participate in a Little by Little campaign in September whereby donations of up to $50 will be matched. Watch out for more information!
YOUR GENEROUS DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED!
THANK YOU!
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