Thursday, June 18, 2009

OH, NOW I GET IT!

Almost 20 years ago I was invited to go to Mexico to help with a construction project at an orphanage on the Baja, Los Para Niños. My task was to help lead a crew in putting an addition on to the kitchen. We added roughly 250 SqFt to the orphanage’s kitchen pantry. All our work definitely helped the greater cause. At the time it felt good. In fact, up until recently it felt really good.

Five years ago I went on my first of three trips to Russia where we spent time in two orphanages getting to know the kids and develop relationships with them. One orphanage was in a large city, Pokrov and the other in a small city, Ivanovo. We weren't able to spend much time in Pokrov, but still we were did develope many lasting relationships there. It wasn't until Ivanovo however, that I "got it."

We were the first group of many to go to Ivanovo (and Pokrov.) We spent the better part of a week in Ivanovo and really got to know the kids. We heard about their struggles and the obstacles they encounter, some of which they may never overcome. This certainly wasn’t like the Mexico trip. It was this time with the kids, talking, playing and just being with them that made me realize I didn’t get it in Mexico. I had the chance to be there for those kids, but missed the boat. I blew it!

Don’t get me wrong, I’m thankful to have gone to Mexico, and I know we did much good. I just wish I had taken time away from the construction and spent it with the Niños. If I had, who knows, maybe I would have “gotten it” then?

My point, in short, is I want to be part of a tangible solution regarding orphan & widow care and world hunger. I want to be in a position where I can take the time to volunteer or better yet, work fulltime helping those less fortunate.

Get your hands dirty…now!