May we introduce to you, our Volunteers from "Overseas"?

• Sr. Barbara Saranac and
• Sr. Nayda Del Moral from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Federal Association of the Order of Malta in Washington sponsored the fares for both of these nurses, who worked in Blessed Gérard’s Care Centre & Hospice for one month, but have already left for home.

• Sr. Barbara Sarenac wrote to us:
  "Well we are home at last and safe thanks for the prayers. The flights were all fine until we left Chicago to Milwaukee. That was a scarey ride, a lot of dips and drops. When we got to the airport in J'Burg all the lights and computers went down for a short time, was hoping that we weren't going to get stuck there and we didn't. We had alot of running around to do, … My kids and husband, and yes the two babies were at the airport and i cried I was soooooo happy to see them. Father, … my films are just great … Sister Sophie and Stephan: I truly miss them a lot. If any or all of you have ringing ears its cuz I talk about our good times to everyone. ... I’m still tired today, jetlag only I hope … Well, it’s very hot here, 90’s (i.e. >30° C), and humid. You know the way I sweat. … Please send my love and best to all,
  
  I remain,
  
  Sister Barbara"

• 
  Sister Nayda Del Moral

• Herr Stephan Killian from Passau, Germany. Mr. Killian is a volunteer paramedic for Malteser-Hilfsdienst and has given up two months weeks of his time to help us. He introduces himself:
  
  "Grüß Gott!
  
  My name is Stephan Killian and I’m 22 years old. I’ve left Germany on June 20th and I’m going to stay in Mandini for 2 months. Why did I come to South Africa? Well, I’ve got to wait ‘til April ’99 when I will start training as a male nurse and so I’ve thought why should I wast this time. I’ve heard about the Care Centre via the Internet and I’ve decided to take this chance and gain some experience in a foreign country. Besides I wanted to extend my knowledge as a paramedic and nursing assistant by helping needy people in a different environment than what I’m used to.
  My hobbies are jogging, making music and reading.
  
  Stephan Killian"

• Marie-Sophie Freiin von Venningen from Osterberg, Germany, a nursing assistant, will also work with us for eight weeks. She introduces herself:
  
  My name is Sophie von Venningen. I am 21 years old and from the South of Germany. After I graduated from High School last year, I made an apprenticeship as a dressmaker this year and I attended a training as a nursing auxiliary at Malteser-Hilfsdienst to come here to South Africa, to Mandeni, to see the people and their needs and I hope I can help them where my help is needed.
  
  Sophie von Venningen

• Herr Björn Peters from Heusweiler, Saar, Germany is a volunteer fire fighter and advanced first aider who has also given up three months of his time to come and help us before going home to begin his studies to become a medical doctor. He introduces himself:
  
  "Hello!
  
  I’m Björn Peters and I’m 20 years old. I come from Germany near of Saarbrücken. Until July 1997 I have attended a High School in Völklingen/Germany. From September 1997 until June 1998 I have had to do military service in the German Air Force. In October 1998, I will begin my studies at a medical school in Germany. I work as a volunteer helper in the Care Centre of the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard in Mandeni, so that the time between the end of my military service and the beginning of my studies is not wasted. I have done First Aid training and I have worked for one month in a hospital in Germany to get practical training for my studies. I came to South Africa because I want to improve my knowledge. In addition to this, I want to get acquainted to other cultures and a different country.
  
  Björn Peters"

On behalf of our organisation and the people who we help, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for the time they have sacrificed and hard work which all the volunteers have done. It is very difficult to single anyone out for a special effort, as each and every one has his or her own special talent and contributes accordingly.

This page is part of the Brotherhood of Blessed Gérard - Newsletter No. 15

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This page was last updated on Tuesday, 15 January 2013 12:50:20