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thank you to the Cottonwood community
Mark Tacke, brother of Sister Mary Paule, recently accepted a certificate honoring the Cottonwood Community.  It
is a certificate of heartfelt thanks for all who have donated to the orphanages
over the years. St. Mary’s and Assumption Parishes have graciously
agreed to display the certificate and a brochure over the next few weeks.
It is hoped that you will have a moment to see this certificate in your
honor.
On a recent visit, Steve & Joan Riggers, their daughter, Brenna, and her husband, Matt were given the certificate to bring home to Cottonwood. During their time there they had the opportunity to meet with the boards of both orphanages and old friends of Sister Mary Paule. The Riggers were very pleased to find that the orphanages under the directorships of Rose Kasumbi, Bethany Children’s Home and Pumeza Mqhayi, Thembehlie Home continue to run just as they did under the care of Sister Mary Paule. Before her passing, Sister had commented on her confidence in both directors. Her confidence is not unfounded. They continue to keep her work alive. Both directors were emotional when extending their thanks for all of the support from Sister Mary Paule’s community in Idaho. Repeatedly they asked the Riggers to let you know just how grateful they are for your assistance. New windows were being installed while the Riggers visited. Beds were being built so that the children would not have to share beds. Rose, director of Bethany Home, expressed that she was having sleepless nights wondering where funding would come from to get them through the next few months. Then a wonderful donation came from Cottonwood that took care of the children’s day to day care and feeding. In addition, there was exciting news in that two of the children that had lived at Thembehlie had received scholarships to attend Rhodes University in Grahmstown, South Africa. All of this would not be possible if not for you. While visiting Mthatha, the Riggers had a chance to spend time with two of Sister Mary Paule’s closest friends, Sister Anna-Rita and Sister Maria Corda. It was so good to hear their stories of Sister and share some memories. Their friendship and great affection for Sister was so apparent. They extremely glad that Sister’s work at the orphanages was able to continue. All who knew and worked with Sister Mary Paule wanted somehow to thank all of you for your kind generosity. Each and every one of you has made a huge difference in the lives of children that were so very dear to Sister Mary Paule. |
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