After a full-on, uplifting and brilliant time together, for our WoW “Open Hearted” in Grafton NSW, I am now on my third coffee after a slow morning of unpacking, both literally and metaphorically. I wish to thank Alice and Tom and family for hosting the event in their home-town of Grafton. The historic Hall, with all its charm and rustic vibe was the perfect place to hold our event. My list of thanks is very extensive, but it is important to emphasise how blessed a community is, when we have people who see the value of volunteering and participating in community events such as WoW that has its heart grounded in "Wholeness and Wellness".
I want to thank all the children who shared with us, I was very moved by each child's response in our combined Art Therapy class led by Anne Bonnefin. The insights, wisdom and clear expression shared, was very deep and heartfelt. I was watching the adults "nods of appreciation" as we went around the room sharing our thoughts. We were so blessed to have them included as part of our event.
I wish to thank David and his wife Narelle. David Drake is a wonderful supporter, encourager and practical helper at our events. He is often on the phone offering ideas and practical ways to enhance our events, and we are always blessed by Narelle, contributing wonderful nutritious food along with recipes, thank you both so much!
Those who helped in the kitchen, gloves off to you all, my right hand man David and helpers Graeme and Janine, brilliant, thank you, along with all your behind the scenes help in other areas as well.
Jan Thompson, deserves an extra star for her ability to jump in and run kids activities, many may not know that Kass Unger and Helen Granleese contracted Covid prior to the event. Kass had been preparing to work with the kids activities and Jan was down to assist, but Jan very ably moved into teacher mode and did a great job. She also brought much needed decorative gear which lifted our spirits and value-added to the feel of the experience.
Uncle Kerry was a hit with his dream time stories, educational indigenous teachings, drama, games and vibrant presence. What a great gift he was to our event!
Seeds of Wellbeing practitioner, Helen Dobra, Qigong teacher was amazing and I found myself more relaxed in the kitchen with the ambience of her music, her lilting voice and the sweet scent of relaxing oils permeating throughout the space.
My thanks to Tom Granleese, who whilst recovering from a recent illness pushed through, lugging TV sets and helping to clear blocked drains with the help of Mark Bonnefin (ex plumber) and all round helper.
I wish to uphold our online presenters Tony and Charmaine Chvala-Smith for there insiteful contributions over Zoom, we have the recording of their class on Openheartedness from a biblical perspective, and I will be going back to revisit this again as there was so much to learn from.
Of course none of this would have happened if it was not for Anne Bonnefin who has been so integral to every element of our Wholeness and Wellness “WoW" programs. Her dedication, talent, gentleness of spirit and generosity of heart, are at the core of everything she is involved in and we a truly blessed by her friendship and dedication to uplifting community in a Christ centred way.
The WoW team, Anne Bonnefin, Marshall Leaver and Robert Thompson have tried to create Wholeness and Wellness as part of Community of Christ to the wider community and we look forward to a new incarnation through the "Creating Connection" model and we look forward to sharing more about this in the New Year.
Thank you for your support for WoW and we look forward to sharing more about upcoming events as they unfold.
I have included here the link to Tony and Charmaine’s class :
https://youtu.be/y1DGZ5iaf3Y
Shalom,
Robert Thompson