Saturday, August 11, 2012

After the fact

Sorry, my intentions were good but as it turns out, I was not able to connect to the cyber world while I was in Dearborn this week.  Instead, circumstances allowed me to soak up the entire expereince (which was really good on so many levels), and now that it's over for another two years, I can begin to put some of it into action.





The Daughters of Isabella are organized into local Circles, a group of local Circles make up a State, and all States are part of the International organization.  Local Circles meet usually monthly to discuss the successes and challenges of promoting unity, friendship and charity, while State conventions are held every two years.  On opposite years, International conventions are also held on a bi-annual basis.


This meeting in Dearborn was an International convention so even a new-comer to the organization such as I, had an opportunity to meet some of the women of faith who are living these ideals in places as close to me as the cities located a few hours' away to those who are located at the other end of the country and continent.

Throughout the past year, Daughters of Isabella have donated a total of $2,914,550.88 to various charitable organizations, and they have volunteered a total of 3,465,162.75 hours in prayer and presence to God's people in schools, hospitals, nursing homes and in many other ways.  Even the baby shower that was held during these days was impresive to see.  Gifts which were donated filled the room in which they were arranged, and before we left the convention, these were donated to three pregnancy crisis centres, just one of which serves more than 1000 clients each year.

This gathering was capped off with a banquet which celebrated Christmas in Dearborn.  It was like celebrating Christmas in August, complete with a Christmas tree, decorations and even a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Existing friendships were strengthened, new friendships were forged and now we look forward to the future with renewed energy and hope that the delegates to this convention and those who are part of their local Circles can continue to be living witnesses of the motto they profess: Unity, Friendship and Charity!

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