Dear Manna Family,
It's a privilege to announce to you that Tuesday marked MPI's 3-Year Anniversary! While it seems like just yesterday
that a few of us sat down to discuss and map out a common dream, today it is a huge joy and privilege to look back at all the accomplishments that
have taken place since then. AND we have each and every one of you to thank, for it has, and will continue to be, a team effort.
Last week I had the opportunity to spend time in Nicaragua with our Project Directors, the local community leaders, and
the leaders of partner organizations. The quality of individuals that MPI continues to attract and work alongside is remarkable; through their
unified efforts, communities have and will continue to be changed. I was encouraged more than ever before by the countless deep relationships that
have been cultured, as well as the overall progress realized through the programs by virtue of the consistent hard work of dedicated
individuals.
Don't let me fool you though. Just as progress is surely being made in the local communities, I was harshly reminded
just how much work has yet to be done. Many individuals and familes still struggle daily to put bread on the table, to raise healthy children,
and to provide an education and support system that will enable their children to seek brighter futures. I believe it is this unmistakable reality
motivating our volunteers to work together in a cohesive manner to bring about positive change.
An interesting reflection we continue to hear from those who have worked with MPI abroad or from a college campus is
that they feel they have directly benefited from their time of service moreso than those they served. Although this may initially seem a
negative outcome, after taking a step back at this 3-year mark, I can assure you that the positive benefits are very real across the board. My
observations and conversations in Nicaragua last week were so encouraging of the tangible changes that have occurred and continue to enhance the
targeted communities.
However, I also do not want to downplay the power and importance of the impact on the lives of the volunteers. Many of
these individuals have continued to be involved with MPI, while many others have moved on to work with other organizations realizing positive changes
throughout the world. And undoubtedly, everyone has gone forward into their daily lives with a broader perspective and more humanitarian mindset.
Fortunately, we all have the rest of our lives to continue sharing our experiences and joys in serving others.
With the goal of further cultivating such progress, MPI continues to move forward and to strive for bigger goals. We
hope to share more specifically and this in the upcoming MannaMail, so stay tuned...
On behalf of MPI's Board of Directors and along with everyone else who has been impacted through their experience with
MPI, we want to thank you for your unique contributions. I sincerely addressed you as family because in many ways that is what you have
become through your constant support and encouragement.
May you have a wonderful 2007!
-Luke Putnam |
