Wa-tan-ye

Published Saturday, November 29, 2008

The Albert Lea Wa-tan-ye Service Club learned of the culture, customs, geography and government in Afghanistan when Judy Strenge was guest speaker at the Nov. 17 meeting in the Elks Lodge. Strenge returned to her parents’ home in Geneva last June after working the past seven years in Central Asia with the World Mission Prayer League of Minneapolis, During those years she was an administrative/project leader of the University Eye Hospital in Kabul.

The people of Afghanistan are one of the most hospitable people in the world, the speaker said, and she felt it was her privilege to be a part of their lives. After graduating as a registered nurse from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Duluth, Strenge worked in Fergus Falls before moving to Seattle, Wash., where she worked for 17 years. After earning her bachelor of science nursing degree at the University of Washington, Strenge started her move to Central Asia, where she had the opportunity to work in a war- torn country that is struggling to rebuild itself.

Although Afghanistan remains a male-dominated culture it was Interesting to hear that the women no longer are required by law to wear the outer full body covering called the burqua but that husbands still demand that of their wives. Head coverings are always worn by the women.

Dorothy Wedge was hostess for the two meetings Nov. 1 and 17. Officers for 2008-09 were installed at the first meeting. Returning officers were Dorothy Wedge, president; Delores Weller, vice president; JoAnn Holstad, secretary; Alice Petersen, treasurer. New directors installed for 2008-2010 were Janice Erdahl and Beverly Head. Genevieve Schneider was in charge of the installation ceremony.

The November monetary donation for food was designated for the Ecumenical Food Pantry at First Presbyterian Church. Reservations were made for the annual all-service clubs luncheon to be held at noon Friday, Dec. 12, at First Lutheran Church.

Members signed up for a whole day of bell ringing for the Red Kettle Salvation Army Christmas drive on Dec. 8. Members also volunteered to serve at the Salvation Army Angel Tree at Northbridge Mall during the last three days of November.

Wedge distributed the new program booklets before the club adjourned to the Art Center where members trimmed their Christmas tree for the Festival of Trees display which will open to the public for the holidays. Joy McCune was in charge of the tree project.