As we were setting up the tables and chairs for the afternoon meal at the soup kitchen on Friday, the boys ran over to Jan & I soaking wet. I was then informed that one of the workers setting up the garden had hit the main water pipe onto the property & a geyser was coming up from the ground. Grant & Matt were helping to move the firewood from the sudden burst showering down. My first thought was how are they going to cook & the second was how are we going to clean up. It took approximately 15 minutes to find the main shut off valve. The kids had come outside for breakfast & were in awe of the sight, giggling... not realizing the complications that lay ahead. 
I was so touched by how quickly Matt & Grant stepped up to help with the situation. They immediately understood the severity of the issue. Once the water main was turned off Grant immediately asked how he could help rectify the situation & grabbed a large tin can and began to bail the water out of the whole so that they could see how bad the damage was. When I spoke with Sigfreid he said that it will not be that difficult to fix, but it is still a huge inconvenience. In the afternoon I spoke with Kauna and she had to come up with an alternative plan for lunch, but by the looks of it... it was as good a meal as the kids had been served all week. They did need to walk into Vyf Rand and borrow water, which required multiple trips with a large bucket carried on a woman's head. These people are survivors, it's what they know how to do... I have learned more and more every day what community is all about.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Small axe = Big problem
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8 comments:
My first reaction to this blog was thinking how unprepared we are as "Americans" (purposely left vague because there are some who do TRULY GET IT among us) to think beyond our own personal gratification. I don't know Matt and Grant ~ or anything about them ~ but if we would all just start thinking as these young men did, we would collectively be able to solve MANY more problems of our society. WE are so reliant upon our earth's resources, that depletion of all the luxuries that we so shamefully (or shamelessly) enjoy while others, not only in our own country, but all around the world, would truly 'die' for, that we are blind to the fact of just how fortunate we are. I think we should all take time to reflect upon how we all justify our indulgences because "we love God" as if that alone provides atonement for our sins against humanity and our environment . . . yet that IS NOT enough! Who are Matt and Grant??? To me, they are the answer to not just the problem of the day - with young men like these, there is HOPE for all of humanity, if we would just face the issues and proactively take the 'bull by the horns' to turn roadblocks into opportunities to help one another and to literally do unto others as we would have done unto ourselves!
We have to stop saying HOW much we believe in and love God, but SHOW by our actions just how much that is true. So much more can be accomplished by actually doing than loudly professing! When our communtity can SHOW, as Grant and Matt so easily did, our love, without words, for ALL of the people of God, then it can all be REAL and TRUE! Thanks to Matt and Grant on behalf of "community." ~ Kate
Stephanie Messer: I hope your arms are not too tired from painting. I painted a day care center once and I thought my arms were going to fall off at the end of the day. We miss you and can't wait to see you, but it looks like you are having a rewarding time and meeting great people. Kevin took off today to England and I am on vacation this week, so I hope to get the house prepared for you. City Year called and they were very excited to hear you were in Africa. We told them you definitely wanted to join them this fall and they are calling tomorrow to let me finish some of the registration procedures you need to do. We went to visit Kay. She was pleased that you wanted to visit with her before you left. They prayed for you and the team at church today. Everyone wishes you well.
I am not surprised that Matt was one to step up and help, because as I have grown to know him over the last few years, he is the type of young man who does step up to responsibility.
Kate, rather than condemning Americans as a whole, we have to remember that not everyone has had the same opportunities to see the world or other societies and not all Americans understand the power of Christ and the responsibility of being his disciple. God calls us to be humble Phil 2:3-8. You are right; we all need to be more aware, but until our lives are perfect, how can we condemn others?
Matthew 7:3 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? I hope you take this in the spirit it was spoken because I think you have a great message. I just think you have to be careful to keep the judgement out of your tone because we have one judge and it "ain't" you or me(for sure).
No - don't worry - no offense taken here - it was not a judgement - It was an attempt to not leave out those who DO live selflessly. I certainly did not want to make someone upset who is way more with it than ME and is ABLE put their words into action and truly live their life thinking first of others like Matt and Grant did. I will try to be clearer - sorry! I think, still, we as a collective whole, fall short there, but there are those I've met who really do 'get it' and I do think Matt and Grant are wonderful ambassadors for us!! The boys made me reflect on my failings and that is why I wrote what I did. They are our future and shining examples of man's humanity to man! Mostly, I guess I just wrote because they made me proud that thry are such sharing individuals! kate
hey im dustin berry im from first baptist church of carlyss louisiana im a part of youth unashamed and we been prayin 4 Courtney 2 go there once we found out she wuz goin and just seein how yall doin ova there i wish i could have gone cuz i would luv 2 do dat
Grant,
I am very proud of you. I am also not surprised by your "get to it" action. You have always been giving and not selfish when there is serious work to be done. I love you.
We had a great time camping this weekend, although we missed you. We went to pick up Grace last night in Vermont. We cruised back through the mountains with the sunroof open, windows open and the music rockin'.
I ordered you clutch cable and should be able to fix it this week. Take care son, I love you.
Dad
ps Pineapple Fanta? Sounds good!
Jan,
Did you get a good shower out there in the yard ?
Love,
Carey
Germaine,
Good 'shot' of the 'fountain'.
I wondered if that had happened whe I saw the photo on a previous entry.
Carey
Hi Matt,
Glad to see the good work you are doing. We are thinking of you in Strafford NH. Enjoy the rest of your trip and safe travels to you. God Bless you, your team and the ones you are helping.
Love, Steve, Wendy & Jacob
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