Happy Wednesday Friends!
In some letters this weeks letter, we hear about the choice of design. It is always wonderful to hear about the personal connections.
There are, as always, some awesome letters which definitely pull at the heart strings.
Grab a cuppa or cool drink, sit back and relax while you soak up some well-deserved gratitude!
***
Every time there is a course for New to the ADF chaplains we present them with a personalised laundry bag in order to introduce them to what we do and why. This latest batch of chaplains received their laundry bags, made by Fran T and Clarissa L. Neither of the ladies could be present so Sue G and Kirsten O stood in for us and did a wonderful job as Aussie Hero Reps.
Dear Jan-Maree,
I wanted to write to express my thanks for the beautiful laundry bag that Aussie Hero Quilts recently gifted me as a new to service Chaplain. Fran T crafted such a beautiful bag, and I am very grateful! I didn’t know anything about Aussie Hero Quilts before last Friday and I was really excited to talk to Kirsten O about the great work you all do, and how much she loved both her quilts. I will definitely keep AHQ in mind as I interact with members and their families moving forward – it is such a wonderful initiative.
Please accept deep bows from me for your generosity and ongoing care of our veterans.
Warmly,
...
Dear Clarissa L,
Thank you very, very much for the sewn laundry bag. You did absolutely amazing work and receiving it was the highlight of a very long first week at Chaplain's College. The inclusion of the quote from Philippians "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" is a stalwart passage that has helped me through many hard times. Thank you, thank you! I will treasure it always.
A bit about myself - I completed a Bachelor of Languages in my 20s and then I enlisted in the RAAF in 2017. After a few years I'd worked with so many amazing chaplains that I considered commissioning and becoming a chaplain myself. When I applied to transfer there was not a single female Catholic chaplain in Defence, and I prepared for months for my OSB. I was very grateful to be accepted to the In-Service Transfer Scheme where Defence covered my study fees and I committed to a ROSO of four years (though I'll likely stay much longer!) The study pathway meant that I did a Bachelor of Theology where almost all my classmates were either seminarians or retired men studying for the deaconate. I have no idea if the Catholic church will ever accept women to the priesthood, but I am very glad Defence recognises that the work of a chaplain can be done by any experienced and theologically qualified male OR female. I'm currently posted to my hometown of Adelaide and am happy for my next posting to be anywhere in Australia.
I have an indoor cat (domestic longhair) called Whiskey and she is the best companion - brushing her is very meditative after a long day at work!
Thank you again for your work with Aussie Hero Quilts. It is deeply appreciated and my laundry bag will travel with me everywhere!
With best wishes for you and your family,
Your sister in Christ,
***
Hi Lisa N,
I love the quilt and bag you have designed and appreciate the time taken to make it.
Thank you very much for all you do for members in defence with the Aussie hero quilts.
Kind regards,
***
Afternoon Clarissa L,
I just wanted to say thank you for the bag and the letter. The laundry bag is excellent and I will use it with pride for many more years I’m sure. I appreciate you sharing your story and details about your family. I am glad you have had a positive experience with the military, and I thank you for being part of a military family and supporting your son. Without loving family members like yourself, military members wouldn’t be able to do what they do.
Thanks again and wishing you best of luck in the new year.
Kind regards,
***
Good evening Rita J,
I am the recipient of one of your amazing quilts and laundry bags and I am just so grateful. You and your team, Philomena H and Joan B, have done such a wonderful job making something I will cherish forever, thank you. I can see a lot of time and effort has gone into this and I’m sure I speak for all of us that we truly value what you do.
Thank you also for sharing part of your life with me. It sounds like your new home has been a great move for you and your Partner. I know also that organisations like Men’s Sheds do amazing work in the community; good on your for your support to them.
I’ve finished up my time overseas and am back with my family in Canberra. My wife gave birth to our first son while I was deployed so I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to be a dad over the last few weeks. Maybe the quilt will go on his bed one day if he promises to take care of it.
Thank you again, please pass my thanks to Philomena and Joan also and I wish you all the best.
Warm regards,
***
Good afternoon Marti J,
Thank you so much for my beautiful quilt. It was received safe and sound yesterday here in Europe, where I’m currently deployed for 6 months.
This is my third operational deployment with the ADF and my first quilt, so I was very excited to receive your beautiful work.
I put it on my bed straight away, and even in this short time it has already brought me so much joy. I’m a very keen gardener, I love Australian natives and bush flowers, so it is absolutely perfect for me.
Thank you for all you do with Aussie Hero Quilts, we all really appreciate having a little bit of home while we’re away.
Kind regards,
Marti J***
I, Bel Payne was lucky enough to do another presentation this week. We had a great early lunch which turned into a 2 hour break. The recipient had recently returned from the Middle East and was glad to be home and on leave until July. He absolutely loved his quilt and couldn't wait to send a photo to his colleagues he had been overseas with. He asked for Madagascar characters to represent the nicknames they gave themselves while there. I found a very sassy image of Gloria and apparently I hit the nail on the head!
Even better was being able to take a photo together, unlike my last presentation. LOL
***
Until next week keep your letters, emails and photos coming in. Wednesdays would be so totally boring without them!
🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻
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