Today was our turn to do construction! With it being India's Idependence Day tomorrow, our job was to make the track field look presentable to the very important people attending the schools tomorrow by pulling the weeds. To our relief it was raining, thus making our days work ten times cooler than usual! I want to share a few thoughts of what went through my head concerning the quality of life. I came across a quote the other day saying,"When the root is deep, there is no reason to fear the wind." Now, even though (and because) we were uprooting the weeds, I got to see the mechanism and depth of each root. This made me think a lot about not just the quality of my life but also the quality of the service in my life. This trip to this point was just an idea I had spouted out over a year ago to my family. I told my parents I wanted to do something hard.
careful what you ask for.
Never did I think it would one, become a reality, and two, be a place for new friendships. Pulling weeds seems an easy enough task, which, yes, it definitely is. However, this small task brought me closer to my coworkers and also to my faith than anything I have very had the opportunity of doing. Being a not-so-social butterfly, friendship wasn't something I had considered would come in this package, but I'm so happy that it is! Who knew I would want to race to the very chore I once dreaded as a child!
After we finished with our work, we all gathered up and talked about what we reflected on most during our service. One womans comment in particular struck me the most. Her reflection was about how having the kids around you and them waving at you like crazy was her reminder of why she was doing this. Acts of service are great,"but if ye have not charity, ye are nothing."(Moroni 7:44). A great friend of mine once shared with me that the greatest act of charity is to let those around you know they are loved. Being here in India has only fueled that desire. To live outwardly is the fast track to obtaining a true sense of joy. Only then are you building and intertwining your roots with God. I'm so grateful for this opportunity, it's so much fun! I'll be back soon with more updates!
careful what you ask for.
Never did I think it would one, become a reality, and two, be a place for new friendships. Pulling weeds seems an easy enough task, which, yes, it definitely is. However, this small task brought me closer to my coworkers and also to my faith than anything I have very had the opportunity of doing. Being a not-so-social butterfly, friendship wasn't something I had considered would come in this package, but I'm so happy that it is! Who knew I would want to race to the very chore I once dreaded as a child!
After we finished with our work, we all gathered up and talked about what we reflected on most during our service. One womans comment in particular struck me the most. Her reflection was about how having the kids around you and them waving at you like crazy was her reminder of why she was doing this. Acts of service are great,"but if ye have not charity, ye are nothing."(Moroni 7:44). A great friend of mine once shared with me that the greatest act of charity is to let those around you know they are loved. Being here in India has only fueled that desire. To live outwardly is the fast track to obtaining a true sense of joy. Only then are you building and intertwining your roots with God. I'm so grateful for this opportunity, it's so much fun! I'll be back soon with more updates!
Thank goodness for rain. I know that track and it is sun baked. How fun for you to be there on Independence Day. India has only been a country since 1947? and they are very proud especially the older people. What a wonderful experience you are having. Take care. Karen
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