In 1966, after several years of teaching secondary world history I (Katherine) experienced the real work of international bridge building while volunteering in an AFSC-sponsored work camp in West Germany. We were 18 individuals from across the globe, learning to live and work together in the building of houses and cross-cultural understanding.

At the celebration of our marriage in 1970, we invited our guests to contribute in lieu of gifts to the artificial prostheses work of the AFSC in Vietnam. During the 46 years of our marriage, my husband and I have supported and continue to honor the admirable work of peace making and reconciliation of the AFSC. It is this hands-on, face-to-face work of the AFSC among the marginalized people of our world that keeps us hopeful and committed to the ongoing efforts of the Friends around the World. I feel the blessing of these memories.