On the trips to Jamaica and Ethiopia the last few years I remember the feelings of not wanting toleave. Almost like I wasn't finished. I loved seeing the kids faces. It's not something that you can get here. I know it's very cliche to say "We have so much and we take it for granted" but that's why I love being with people that don't have what we have. Sure, life might be easier with a fluffy new feather pillow, fluorinated (word? haha whatever) water, 3 computers a lap top and 52" plasma TV attached to wall - but it's not necessary. I love that they don't have their minds clouded with the next big thing and they are totally open to God.
My mom has made comments before after I come home frustrated from work saying "Ugh, some people drive me insane!" and she comments "I don't know how your going to survive Australia and outreach." Ya, ya it makes sense HERE, I guess. It's just different working with people that have similar interests and aren't crazy materialistic. Plus the people I'm helping actually NEED the help, they appreciate it and would give anything feel loved and important. I love the feeling I got after leaving the orphanage knowing that the kids day was just that much better because we took the time, money and energy to spend a couple of hours with them. Will they remember any of us? Mabye, maybe not, but one wise ex-Youth Pastor of mine was talking to us one day and basically said it doesn't matter if they remember you specifically but maybe that time we spent with them will change how they treat other people. Or even better, maybe they see something different in us, want it, and find God.
Who really knows how our actions, even if they seem insignificant at the moment, could relay change in someone else for the better, no matter how big their TV is.
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