- Janie Boyd. Her spirit, wisdom and love just about move me to tears when I am with her. And now she has me hooked on getting out to the farm as often as possible to pick greens in the morning, an amazing way to start the day.
- Rob Farley and Margot Eyring. The breakfast they host every weekday morning at Capitol Hill Methodist Church humbles me, and the daily reflection often really hits home.
- The American Institute for Urban Psychological Studies, Dr. Grady and Helen Dale. I met Helen when she was hosting a workshop at William Penn House, and they invited me to speak about HIV and depression at their conference on depression in Baltimore in October.
- The Southeast White House. Sammy, Scott, Tina, Kathy, Ernest, and everyone who regularly partake in the fellowship lunches - if only the rest of the world could show the hospitality you do, we really could have peace in the world.
- Brian Rodgers and his vision for a sustainable and healthy community in places many people would rather ignore even exist. Your wisdom and quiet leadership are a model for all.
- Friends in Pine Ridge, SD, Caretta and Buckhannon, WV. As I've learned from the High Horse family and the Sundance, annual traditions that are sacred help keep the cycles going. For me, you are all part of that cycle. And to Mike Gray - you continue to show what real commitment is.
- Goodtherapy.org, for the opportunity to hone my clinical skills and to share my passion for integrating HIV prevention into the broader clinical/helping professions.
- Byron Sandford - for his selfless dedication to doing whatever it takes to keep William Penn House going. And to Josh, Ana and Allison - you've been great this fall during a busy transition.
- Katy Swalwell (author of "Educating Activist Allies"), whose academic research has been affirming the spirit of how we have been developing Workcamps intuitively. I look forward to an exciting future together.
- All the Workcamp participants, especially those who humble me with your on-going friendship and continued participation. For the youth among you - especially those who take time to really question what difference we can make - you give hope for a bright future.
- People I've met in Kenya, Israel and Palestine. You remind me that we are all in this together, and I hope to continue to be an ally and friend as we struggle together to bring peace and health to our families everywhere.
- There is also my family (Walter, mom, dad, sis, bros, steps, halves) - you mean the world to me and know how to keep me in my place, even when I don't want to be there. And to "all my relations" - past and present - you are always with me.
- Dogs. Doesn't matter whether I've met you or not, you embody all that is good - love, play, being in the moment.
These are the reasons I wake up in the morning with enthusiasm and anticipation. You affirm my Franciscan/Benedictine/Quaker belief that when we seek the goodness in others, stay open to listening and understanding others, connect with a loving heart, and stay committed to a more peaceful world, it just might be possible. From the bottom of my heart, thanks!
Brad Ogilvie
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