Farewell Event

My community farewell party was a highlight of my experience in Africa. It was lovingly organized by all the volunteers of the drop-in centre and friends in Bethal. It was kept a big secret from me, although I knew the date, time and place of the event. I felt so loved and appreciated as the evening progressed with speeches, poetry, singing and dancing. Sixty people attended on the coldest night of the winter….decorations, food and transport for attendees in the township completed the event. A slide show was shown of me in many roles and activities while in Africa….so many special memories filled my heart with so many incredible people that have touched me so deeply during my time here.

What also made the evening special was the attendance of so many youth…..Youth Leaders from the drop-in centre and youngsters of friends. I’ve always felt that the future of a country is bright and promising when young people care about their community and are willing to be a part of solutions to the challenges that face it.

Below is the speech given by the Deputy Chairperson of the CCBE for OVCS and the Leth’ithemba Drop-In Centre…..

FAREWELL MESSAGE TO JUDY ON BEHALF OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE LETH’ITHEMBA DROP IN CENTRE

Judy – America will never be the same to us anymore, because we have met Judy Schneringer from California.

A lady with a vision that almost becomes visible while you are working with her in accomplishing that vision.
A lady who is willing to make sacrifices to accomplish her vision.
A lady who knows how to travel by aeroplane, by car, by taxi, and also by foot.
A lady who is always positive and empowers people to be their best and to do their best.
A lady who doesn’t live by dollars, but by serving others.

Judy, you will always be remembered for the primary role you’ve played in the preparation, birth and growth of the Leth’ithemba Drop-in-Centre.
Thank you for your time, energy, expertise, love, endurance and sacrifice.
The Leth’ithemba Drop- in-Centre is a small baby now, but we trust it will grow steadily.
God gave you the grace to be part of its foundation, its birth and its growth.
We see you as a gift from God who helped Leth’ithemba Drop-in-Centre happen.
You were a gift from God for a specific time and place and we honour Him for that.

May god bless you and your family richly with His love, grace and presence and we hope that your memories of us will blossom in the coming years because Leth’ithemba Drop-in-Centre will be blossoming.