If you’ve ever been on a volunteer trip with Marla or her staff, you will hear almost every day, “Change is good!” The rain might come and the outdoor work may stop – no problem, because ACE always has a plan B… and C…and D…and so on.
ACE is a friend to change and that’s why we believe we have survived these challenging few years. Long before COVID, we had in our Trip Guide what we called The 5 Statements of ACE.
Let’s review and see if any of these foundation quotes have been used in the past few years of change… and how these also may have helped you in your everyday life!
- I’m here to serve and not to be served. This has been the real test… are we still serving God and each other versus having a pity party and wanting things to be back the way they were?
- You can’t make it tough enough for me to complain. Anyone complain recently or at all this year?
- I left all my expectations at home. Did you expect things to get back to normal sooner than it is? We sure did.
- It’s just the way I like it! No matter what is served up, are you ready to change your outlook to enjoy the experience?
And finally, the one we love the most… - Flexibility is the key to success! My favorite tree is the palm tree. I’ve watched it bend when a hurricane hit us, and it almost touched the ground as it took the battering of the wind and the rain. After the hurricane passed, it looked sort of like me on a bad hair day… perfectly fine and all there but looking a little worn.
With each month that passes, we find we are more and more flexible to the changes that come through our doors, onto our island and through the news. It’s such a strong reminder that God is still in charge. He loves us more than we love each other and, most of all, He reminds us through unexpected change that, through Him, “it is well with our souls.” I hope you come to the same conclusion during your seasons of change, always remembering that peace comes from within, not from what surrounds us.
Oh, one last change to point out, one that we love: Galina Breeze Hotel has a new look! We decided it was time to upgrade our image at the hotel with a new brand logo and new colors. When you come down, let us know what you think of the rebranding. It’s just the way we like it… and we hope you’ll like it, too!
TRIP COST
There is an old proverb, “If you give a man a fish, he’ll eat for a day, but if you teach a man to fish, he’ll eat for a lifetime.” History proves that lasting change in a poverty culture is achieved by empowering the people to reach their full potential and become self-sustaining. ACE is invested in our community long-term and in conjunction with our partners in the US, we are identifying the circumstances of those around us in order to find real solutions for their unique needs.
Marla, My favorite tree has always been a palm tree. The reason I won’t go in to, very personal to me. Any kind of palm tree, but especially the Royal Palm. While not native to the US, and living in Ohio, I’ve delicately decorated my apartment with palm tree items. I have a small wooden plaque that reads “Be Like A Palm Tree, stand tall, soak up the sun, remember your roots, weather life’s storms, enjoy the view”. My email address says it all! Blessings to you and Allen. ~Mandy from CESO, Inc.
Love this! Your “foundation quotes” ring true, and is something we all need to hear. I can’t wait to see the new look!
Would love to volunteer on a next trip
Hi Carrie, we would love to have you! Please reach out to office@acexperience.org so we can provide you with more information on booking a trip. Thanks so much!