Mrs Kogie dropped in a wish and the following account of her family's humble move to feed the hungry in their home town Johannesburg in South Africa.
Wouldn’t it be great, if regardless of where in the world we resided, we could come together in thought and consciousness to help others. If each of us undertook to do something small in our corner of the world. It could make a huge difference in someone’s life and ultimately have a bigger impact in the world. The size of the initiative is not important. As devotees of Agathiyar we should step forward to do this. Thank you Shan aiya, Bala, Sri Krishna and the many AVM pioneers who have been giving and serving others selflessly. All of you have given me the courage and light to begin the small things in my corner.
A Time to Smile
The day was wintry but warm when my family and I went off to a small farm. It was a lovely, welcoming place, with happy ducks and chickens roaming around. There was a small dam within sight, some cows, vegetable beds and patches of herb and flower gardens. In the middle of the property stood the farmhouse, with a host of excited people waving and gesturing us toward them. It was a beautiful home with beautiful people. It was also a home not frequented by many.
It was the home of elderly and people with disabilities (some with physical and some with other disabilities). We had gone there with their Sunday lunch. We were welcomed with great excitement and invited into their dining hall. Each person took the time to introduce him or herself, which was very special. When lunch was ready to be served one person of the 70-member family stood up to say a prayer. It was heart warming and painful at the same time. My prayer in response was “Thank you Agathiyar for giving us the opportunity to do this”.
Their smiles were beautiful. They thanked us profusely for the meal, which was not necessary. They had given us the opportunity to give something back, to feel a deep sense of care and compassion and not expect anything in return.
It was no longer about providing a meal, it became about giving our time and a smile, which they appeared to appreciate profusely, both of which costs us nothing.
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| After a hearty meal they were each handed a winter hat by Mr Kugan |
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| Sporting the winter hats and a smile |
