Wednesday, July 16, 2008

What to do, what to do...

I’m trying so hard to get online but the stars just haven’t been aligned in my favor. Hopefully by next week I will have an “internet access” system down. Hopefully.
Things are going better for us. I have to apologize for my post last week with complaining under tones. {o.k., I was completely complaining, we all have our breaking points!}
Today has been a new day! I have a purpose now. I mentioned a little about my struggle here. Short story, shorter, I need to do something for Costa Rica. They have a bi-lingual women’s group that meets once a month to socialize and volunteer in the community. I’m going to that next Thursday. Do you think it matters that I’m not bi-lingual yet???? So much is needed in this community. Children without school uniforms can’t attend public school. High school students in the neighboring city don’t have a building to meet in so they learn outside with their desk and books minus things like a chalkboard, and a roof over their heads when it rains. This is a beautiful country but there is so much trash around. We as a family our looking for our niche; what we can help with. It already has given our life here more purpose and who doesn’t need a life with more purpose other than mother Teresa? It’s interesting to me when you focus on other’s and their needs, your needs become out of focus. My mother new this well.
I remember the former president of our church, right after he lost his wife, with a quivering bottom lip, he spoke about work being the only balm to heal many of our problems here on earth, including a broken heart. (as his was broken with the death of his wife)

It is so true. Another one of my favorite quotes is from his father. President Hinkley was a young man, serving a mission for our church at the age of 19. It was difficult and he was struggling. He wrote home to his father of his trials. His father’s return letter was only this…

“Forget yourself and get to work!”

So I will get down off of my soapbox and stop preaching to myself! I know what I need to do, forget myself and get to work! Already the horizon is glowing with possibility!
Yeah hooo!!!

My only thing to do now is pick how I'm giong to help.

4 comments:

Christine said...

I can't wait to see what project you come up with!

tracy said...

Shawna--
Though I read every day, Ive never commented, todays post truly touched me--
Our family (ok, mostly me) has been wallowing in self pity, and just this past week has decided to turn over a new leaf and start focusing on things in our lives we CAN change, one of these being service to our fellow man.
We have been presented with an opportunity to gather shoes, socks, bottled water and baby wipes for families in Ensenada, through a woman who has dedicated the last 16 years of her life to this tiny community.
We have already seen a huge difference in our home (especially in attitudes/dispositions).
You are so right----when we focus on our neighbors' needs, ours become insignificant!
Your Mother was the finest example of service---even during her most difficult times, she was always answering the needs of others----
I often think of the sign on her fridge that said "Have I done any good in the world today"
Thanks for letting us enjoy/embrace and endure this wonderful adventure with you and your family.
Love, Tracy and Fam

Costa Rica Baby! said...

Thanks Tracy and Christine! Tracy you are one I think of as an example of "serviceers". You know like "mousekiteers". Oh well.
Service is a little selfish in it's own way, because it serves us more than those we serve. Funny how that works. :) Love ya and I'm proud of you!!! Go get them.

Anonymous said...

I need to be more like you... Yoo're the best!