A traditional custom in both countries that we are visiting to exchange gifts. When we visit Egypt and Sudan we arrive back home with gifts that at times are humbling to us as the gifts are often the result of some sacrifice ... but they reflect the value they place in the visitors and what they represent in terms of support and friendship. But what makes a meaningful gift from us to our partners? What represents the value we place in their dedication, their persistence in overcoming obstacles, their belief in what the YMCA should and can do in their communities and their adherence to their mission? When I last asked this question to our partners, the answer was not what I expected. I was told that the most valuable thing we bring to our partnership is not the material things and not the funds we supply, although that is important. The most valuable thing we can bring is our concern and support for what they are doing - giving them more tools to achieve what they have identified as their goals whether information, training or giving them confidence and confirming that what they are doing is achieving results.
But we still need something that they can place on their desk or hang on their wall - that's the custom. They have the soapstone carvings, native art, maple syrup, YMCA memorabilia, etc.
Hmmmmmm. Any ideas?
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