Thursday, June 7, 2012
MY CUP RUNNETH OVER . . . (1-1/4 cups)
There was a knock at our door after dark. That’s a rare thing for us as we live behind bars in a guarded building above a gated, guarded parking garage. The visitor who made it past security without our knowledge was a single, unemployed mother seeking help. Somewhat surprisingly, it was not the kind of help that comes out of the kitchen. Rather it was the kind that comes out of the heart. After visiting for a couple of hours, she was encouraged, thanked me with a hug and went out into the night as mysteriously as she had come in. The view through the window of my world looked quite beautiful after sharing a glimpse through hers.
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Dear Joy:
ReplyDeleteI have just read your last few posts and have felt the highs and lows of you missionary service, always ending with a firm resolve from you to carry on until your cup did overflow. I chuckled at your thoughts on your 50th high school reunion. Ray had his in Hood River, Oregon two years ago and mine is coming up in August in Longview, Washington. I do hope to attend.
My heart ached as I read your poignant poetry about the struggles in serving in your mission. I appreciated your honesty, and also your description of your life there through poetry. I know you will continue to serve as you were called to do so. Is this a one year or an 18 month mission?
Thank you dear Sister Joy, my friend, for your sacrifice in the work of the Lord. Oh, the stories you will have to share with loved ones and friends upon your return.
I am e-mailing you an item about how the Book of Mormon was translated into Afrikaans in the early 1970s. The translation was presented to the South African Saints on 14 May 1972, a fact I am sure you are well aware of. Anyway, this recounting of the translation is from the man who did it...a member of the Dutch Reformed Church. Please let me know what you and Elder Basso think of it, or if you've heard it before.
Love, Wanda
Thanks for your comment, Wanda. We are here for two years. There are so many things to learn and experience. We love the people we serve. We've had a very busy week of teaching the Career Workshop and in serving in nearly every other area of responsibility we have. As we drove out of the church "compound" we met one of our unemployed "students" heading out in the rain for his two hour walk home. We gave him "transport" money and come cookies (they call them biscuits here) for his three children. When we returned home a stranger was waiting at our door to ask for a job. It was a mystery how she knew we worked with job seekers as she was not a member or even an acquaintance. Everywhere we turn, people need help . . . and hope.
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