It is never finished, but we are passing by...

This summer, it is 5 years ago that Annemarie Kot asked me if I wanted to be involved in setting up a foundation, while we were barbecuing in a backyard in the village of Oostdijk, the Netherlands. They were in need of an analytic and critical view and there were no questions that could not be asked. She found out the consequences of this statement. And so did I.

After thinking some weeks, I realized that it was good to show my involvement with the Foundation during the first period of time, let's say a year. I could not have been more careful. But, as usual, it lasted longer than I expected in the beginning. In May 2019, my part is over. The work is never finished, but as individuals, we are just passing entities in Gods great plan.

In the beginning, I mentioned that my part was to focus on the formal institution of the Foundation, but after the first year, also the emigration of the Dutch girls to Malawi, became part of the plan. In the mean time, they live there for several years already, so it is time for me hand over my function to another person. This is my last direct contribution as a board member.

A critical analytic attitude, that is necessary for the role of treasurer, has always consequences. As I already wrote: she - and later: they - found out the consequences. And so did I. Because by answering critical questions, the story gets stonger, plans get deeper and things get into the right order, or are dropped from the plans. And so For a Change has become as it is now, with good harmony, but more important, with God's blessings.

It all started with a question from Annemarie, and meanwhile, I met the other three: a team of four. I have a lot of respect for all of them. At first, because they are not selfish at all, they all focus on serving others. Another point of my respect is their perseverance, also after critical questions. And finally, I respect their dependence on the Lord.

We talked, thought, e-mailed, planned, and did a lot. It was a good time. But more important was the fact that, after an intensive meeting in which we could not find solutions for our problems, the field workers gave their simple and hopefull testimony: But the Lord...

That is why I end my writing with a reminder and blessing for both couples in Malawi: please remember the Bible passage that was spoken to you on your wedding.

Thank you all for your trust.

Hendrik de Jongste