As I am about to embark on this journey, a
thought has been nagging me: how could I
use this journey to bless others?
The answer came in the form of WetNose, a
‘right to life’ animal rescue centre, which is a place of safety for about 300
abused, abandoned and neglected domestic animals in need of rehabilitation and
re-homing (www.wetnose.org.za).
I have always had a soft spot for
donkeys. These humble animals have been
instrumental to the development of South Africa in days gone by. Today, donkeys are used by rural communities
who depend heavily on these animals for their day-to-day survival where they are
used to pull carts carrying heavy loads of fire wood, water and other goods
over long distances and harsh terrain, and although they are an integral part
of these communities, they often suffer abused and neglect.
A campaign has been launched whereby
donations can be made for each kilometre I walk and the funds will be used by
WetNose to rescue abused and neglected donkeys and to continue with the good
work they do. Visit their Facebook page
to find out more. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wetnose-Animal-Rescue-Centre/273994562065.
To receive the ‘Compostela’ certificate,
pilgrims complete the Camino by either walking, cycling or on horseback and
there is a book about a pilgrim who has taken a donkey along. I can only smile at the thought of what it
must have been like to have such a travel companion.
As I sat in the study on Spring Day, 1st
of September, thinking about all the possibilities of this fund raiser, the
tiny speckle of doubt dissipated as I wrote down a figure in my diary, and I
realised how special donkeys are, for in the Old Testament, God speaks through Balaam’s
donkey in the book of Numbers. In the
New Testament, Mary is carried by a donkey to Bethlehem to give birth to the
Messiah, and He, amongst all the animals, chose a donkey to enter Jerusalem.
And this is enough to be the proud
Ambassador for these noble animals.
Bueno Camino!
Jovita
+27 82 499 0173
10 September 2013
Hi5!
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