The privilege of giving

A couple of weeks back we had the privilege of visiting a local orphanage.  There were about 20 infants, 15 babies, and 30 toddlers and children.   The kids were well-taken care of and the facilities were good. The government has even provided for several babies with hair lips and minor deformities to have corrective surgeries to improve their chances of being adopted. Pretty much all of the babies there had been sold at birth and then found by the police.

Many of the older children had significant needs, and really soaked in the attention and affection.  I can still feel the arms around my neck and the little hands in mine, see the shy smiles and hear the laughter of children who never take love for granted.

Being there was unforgettable.  David recently wrote about the power of the uninvolved person, how selfless actions can carry enormous importance to those on the receiving end.  Yet it's always amazing to me how moving it is to be the uninvolved person.  There is something supernatural that happens within you when you give unsolicited... an incredible surge of love wells up and pours forth, and in those moments, nothing matters but reaching out and caring for the needs of, and in doing so, touching the hearts of, those you are serving.

And that's when you know that you are receiving far more than you are giving...

I hope you have a chance to do something like that for someone today.  It's what Life is all about.

Out with friends

Recently we went with our neighbors and their friends on a weekend to a local hot springs for a day of swimming and fun in the sun...unfortunately we didn't have sunscreen so the kids had a little too much sun (we were there from 10 am to 5 pm!)

Our friends brought their own grill (local style grill, that is--metal frame with a grill top and some charcoal underneath) and looooots of fresh vegetables and meat. 

Throughout the course of the day we ate, talked, swam, ate, played cards, swam, talked, and ate some more.  The kids had a great time--they are turning into little fish!  

 

 It was a fun time getting to know our neighbors and their friends better. 

Thanks for thinking of us as we continue building a relationship with this family.

The power of the uninvolved person

Today feeling a bit pensive.  Please indulge my ramblings for the next couple of paragraphs :)

Why is it so powerful when someone not directly involved takes an interest?  Why does it mean so much?  The love of a parent moves us,  but the love of the uninvolved person challenges us.  When questioned, the "Good Samaritan" simply says something to the effect of, "It was the right thing to do."

Holding the door, carrying something heavy for someone, a warm smile, a sensitive question in response to a downcast look.  Each of these actions can carry enormous importance to those on the receiving end. 

At times during our individual journeys, the involved people let us down.  We let them down.  This can quickly degrade into score-keeping and measured expressions of love (in proportion to the love we have received).  But the uninvolved person, as with the Good Samaritan, challenges this system.

When the one with little or no "ought" comes through, his selfless act moves us to give in a way that nothing else can.

Look for a way this week to be the uninvolved person who acts.  Please email me your experiences.  I'd love to read them.  Have a good week!