‘Twas the night of our party and all through the house

We were mixing and stirring and starting to doubt…

In the last minute tasks, all was a flurry

50 guests were coming and we had to hurry!

Rain was predicted in LA, the worst of all year…

With snow storms and flooding for states far and near.

The plates from Chicago had not yet arrived

(It was weather dependent on a three day drive.)

The polenta lasagna had been cooked with care

Thinking of women in Malawi who wouldn’t be there.

But it’s in their honor we are making this fete

Because Don Smith empowers them to be their best!

We hung flowers and wreathes (like the plates) at our door

And mason jars with corn kernels lit up the floor

Inside the house there were flowers galore

The table was set with food and much more

From Chicago, Atlanta and Santa Fe

Our guests came from all over…including LA

Cherry Norris (the hostess) Don Smith (founder Village Empowerment)

Melora Hardin & Gildart Jackson

with my husband, Lorenzo

Isabel Parlett, Moi and Dana Ehrlich

Mark & Mimi Fleischman with Nick Kilgore

Cherry, Dr. Darnese Martin & Pamela Baker

Nancy Gale & Donna Sozio

John Opgenorth, Lauren Opgenorth (photographer) Cherry, Lorenzo, Emmy Le & Nason Nur

Don Smith and his work on the African terrain

Brings hope and joy to orphans in his domain

It is through contribution that Don’s work will continue

So give from your heart if his work speaks to you

Village Empowerment

(BTW…The rain held off until eleven o’clock

and the plates arrived moments before the first knock!)

(Sheeew!)

Thank you Lauren Opgenorth for taking the photos

That bring us joy of the party and momentos.