I was supposed to give a talk on service this past Thursday,
but unfortunately it didn’t work out. I
was a little bummed, but I am looking forward to giving it this week. So my mind has been focused on that lately. In preparing for my talk, I also reflected on
what exactly that means. All of the
volunteers have the spirit of service, or we wouldn’t have decided to live in
Honduras for a year of our lives. But,
being here on the Ranch for over a month, the focus on the other person has
gotten a little distracted. For us
newbies, there has been a lot of change and it’s easy to focus on that. For the older volunteers, they have been here
long enough, where things have just become “normal” and they may have lost sight
of their first motivations for coming.
I said this in my previous post, but all of us are here for
others, not for ourselves. Yes, we will
all learn a lot and experience even more, but that is most likely not the
deciding factor on why we came. We want
to help the kids on the Ranch and the lives we touch in general. God has called me to be here, and it’s so
important to focus on that. Great timing
with Lent and everything, too. This is
the season where service is really hyped up and how important it is in our
lives. I want to be the best person I
can be, so that I can fully give myself to the kids, tios, Hondurans that come
to the clinic, the other volunteers, etc.
And, if I keep that as my focus, then everything will fall into place,
and yes, the peace will come. (I know, I
know, I am repeating myself… but, as I also said, it’s important to hear the
truth!)
My week was good. I
survived my first week without Heather even on the Ranch! My favorite part of my mornings is doing the
pre-clinic, where I take vital signs and do a mini triage, because I can
practice my Spanish and meet some really interesting people. The really old people are my fave, and are
just so friendly and appreciative of our work.
The best is when the old ladies just go in for a hug and kiss on the
cheek after I am finished. It makes my
heart smile.
I am starting to get the hang of my hogar. It’s still awkward and frustrating at times,
but when the boys are being sweet, everything is worth it. I am starting to get to know some of my
tias/tios, but the language still gets in the way. One of them even gave me a beautiful Rosary
bracelet! I don’t really even know her
that well, yet! She is also the one who
asked me if I was “really Catholic” when we first met. So, she has already figured out that my faith
is important to me, and that’s pretty cool.
(She said it’s because I get up for Communion at Mass, when many
volunteers don’t, and I wear my crucifix ring a lot.) It’s the little things that God uses to let
people know that He is a big deal and awesome.
Good job, God, good job.
I also have had some good conversations with my fellow
volunteers. It’s so good to get to know
the people that I will be spending all of this time with. We are also so different in many ways, but
it’s just so awesome to have this experience as a common thread. It’s something that not anyone will be able
to take away from us. I can’t wait to be
able to do more things together as a group.
I suppose I am starting to feel more at home here. If you had asked me that when I first got
here, I would have laughed. I am not
saying that everything is perfect and cozy and what not, but I am feeling like
this is where I am supposed to be. Huh,
I wonder if that is what peace feels like?
I will have to ponder that a little more. :)
I still miss people like crazy, and wish I could just talk
to everyone all of the time. Please know
that I am thinking about you, praying for you, and wishing I could
call/text/drive over ALL of the time. If
any of you want to come and visit, please let me know!!!! (hint, hint)
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