When I joined the Peace Corps I had lofty dreams and aspirations. I was going to go to an underdeveloped country and help them improve their way of life.
I put my heart into doing what I could, both in the mud village, that I called home, and in the city where I worked in a government office. After about one year in country, I began to doubt if what I was doing really mattered. Have you ever felt if what you are doing really matters? Have you ever felt that you are doing all the work? Have you ever felt unappreciated?
Anyway, the needs of the villagers were beyond my ability to solve. They needed tractors to plow their fields, not a team of cows to pull their plow. They needed a reliable source of fuel to cook with and heat their homes. Mixing cow dung by hand with some straw, shaping it into pie form, and putting it out under the sun to dry, so they could use it as fuel would not cut it. Yes, I did burn dried cow dung in my mud kitchen. I did convince the city fathers to run a city water line to the base of the village so we could enjoy clean water.
At some point in my stay there I realized that my real contribution would be to invest in individual lives. Forget the tractors. It’s about loving and serving individuals.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NIV
WOW! I needed to hear those “Words” of wisdom!
Pastor ~ Thank you for your comments. I found it interesting that you were in the Peace Corps! My husband was as well and has beautiful memories and experiences and lifelong friends.
Bless you & your beautiful wife!
Kindly,
Sharon
Stodola Eslien
PS I am in the Women’s Bible Study with Linda.
I attend St. Patrick’s Church in Stiles, Wisconsin
Bless you and your work serving the Lord.