Starting early this morning, I have been updating matters for the OGC office on my computer. I didn't go into the Area office today because some men were going to come over to fix the AC (it has been dripping water off the ceiling-not good probably). It feels good to have a considerable chunk of work done before noon. Cut and past variety, but still work that needs to get done.
There are some holiday plans for the Area office I need to organize....and some meetings to set.....
But now the power tools are going off and I'm wondering what else I should do while they are here. Which brings me to sitting down again to update this blog.
Luckily my son Michael does not get on this blog and notice what I write. If he did, he'd tell me to quit dancing around the edges and deal with reality. Have you noticed how much easier it is to talk about the prereferral things in life instead of the ones that wrench out your heart?
I'm trying to come to grips with the poverty and its horrible, horrible consequences.....
One of my jobs is to help missionaries transition into a regular life without leaving the church. The Area presidency is very concerned about the young single adults in the Africa West Area. The rumor is that the brethren are VERY concerned about all the young single adults. They are coming up against pressures that can break a person spiritually, emotionally, and socially. Back to my missionaries...
I have gotten very frustrated with the fact that I basically have nothing to offer that they actually need when they get home. Usually the requests are simple, accommodations, food, and a computer. What I have been given for my tools are links to Pathway, an online degree, SRS classes on finance, emotional well-being, and starting your own company, PEF loan application (which just happens to be VERY complicated, limited, and not endorsed here), and some leadership classes. I came home one day and just cried when Jeffrey asked how I was doing.
He took action and said, "What kind of money are you looking for?" He decided to pull money out of our 401K and help out missionaries because he didn't want to see his wife cry every month on this mission. Nice guy, wimpy wife.
So we are going to ask the mission president and actually help one missionary per batch with exactly what they need, not just promises of good things to come.
I haven't actually "dealt" with the reality of poverty, but I can throw a cup of water on the raging forest fire for today.
1 comment:
Oh, how I wish so had all the answers. Your ability to love those missionaries, and then pray and act is a blessing to them I am sure. As I type this I am reminded of the story/parable of the man who came upon a boy throwing starfish back into the ocean. The beach was lined with starfish and the man told the boy he wouldn't make a difference. The boy looked at him as he threw on back and said I did for that one. I can't imagine the poverty and the feelings you are experiencing, but knowing you I know you are making a difference for that one. That one is probably more than you even know. I love you. I will pray for these wonderful people, you, and Jeffrey, and those serving.
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