I was stunned to receive a message from the chargé d’affaires for the Republic of Belarus in Washington D.C. (standing in for the Belarusian Ambassador to the U.S.).
He was inviting me to meet with him and the Consul General of Belarus at the Belarusian consulate in New York City.
Reason: The government of Belarus was bestowing a major award on New Thing after our 15 years of service to the people of their country: the Certificate of Honor of the Administration of Presidential Affairs of the Republic of Belarus — “For the significant contribution to the development of humanitarian cooperation and implementation of social projects in the Republic of Belarus.”
I cannot put into words what an honor it was for New Thing to receive such recognition, and I could only accept this award on your behalf….
Friends like you, after all, have made New Thing’s work in Belarus possible.
The generosity of caring people have provided food, clothing, medicine, medical equipment, furniture, and much more.
You’ve opened or built or remodeled facilities for the care of orphans and abused children and the sick and the homeless.
You’ve loved people in need, people you’ll probably never meet in this life, simply because you had the opportunity.
I am grateful to be a part of this work alongside you. I’ll leave for Minsk again this Saturday, and I hope you will go with me in spirit.
Much love,
Doug Brendel
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