As I’m writing this, I still can’t really fathom that I will be home in less than a week. The countdown has gone from the 300’s to the single digits! What!? I get pretty anxious with every big transition in my life, but this month has been a great month to process and solidify what God’s taught me throughout these last 11 months.
Roundabout: A roundabout is a type of circular intersection or junction in which road traffic is slowed and flows almost continuously in one direction around a central island to several exits onto the various intersecting roads
One of the questions in our final questionnaire before returning home was “What was the biggest lesson you learned this year?” Well isn’t that a loaded question! How do you confine all of the countries, cultures, and contacts I’ve experienced into one final lesson? However, taking a step back I see that where I was placed this month showed me exactly that.
This month, I worked at a thrift store with my 6 other teammates. It felt a little like Santa’s workshop at times and you never knew what task you’d be given each day. I helped sort jewelry, clothes, and books. We sometimes spent all day making a puzzle just to find out what pieces were missing. We priced things, packaged them, and bagged them. (We also got great discounts on some clothes before returning home). Working at a thrift store may sound mundane to some, but it was the cause behind the matter that made this month extra special. This store, which is the only kind in its area, uses its funds to support over 25 charities and others in the community. From children to adults, with various illnesses and injuries, this store helps financially support those who have no other help or hope. Here are just a few stories from our Open Day event.
One child fell from the third floor of a building last year on his 3rd birthday. He stayed in the hospital ICU for over 200 days. The store paid 30,000 Chinese dollars for his surgery.
Five babies were born and one sadly didn’t make it. Two, who were up to strength, returned home. The two others were finally released from the hospital ICU at a later date. It was found that one has cerebral palsy. The store paid 100,000 Chinese dollars for the medical expenses.
One little girl was born prematurely this past March. Her Mom died in child labor and she has been staying in ICU ever since. Her Dad is hearing impaired and her Grandmother has been paralyzed in bed for ten years. The monthly income of the father is 1,000 Chinese dollars. However, the baby girl needs at least 100,000. The store has paid 30,000 Chinese dollars and is continuing to fundraise.
While playing, one little boy fell into the gap of his Dad’s tractor while the engine was still on. Multiple injuries include peritoneum and intestinal perforation, phlebitis septicemia, renal and abdominal contusion on his left side, lumbar sacral pressure, and necrosis of tissues under his skin. The family is in need of 300,000 Chinese dollars and the store has already paid 30,000 and is continuing to raise more.
The Open Day we had last Saturday was to invite all of their charities to come and sell their products. There were over 20 booths, each with a touching cause and testimony that would bring tears to your eyes. The money the store made that day was also to help the little boy who had fallen into the tractor. One of the most heartbreaking sights was when a group of kids who all had leukemia performed a dance to raise money for this little boy. With their face masks on and deadly sickness, they still had the heart to help another friend out. [Roundabout religion]
While I felt honored to be a part of this for these past 3 weeks, God also smacked me in the face. “This is how the world should be.” While negativity can be contagious, love is even more so. I had the privilege of meeting one grandmother who had ridden a train for 5 hours one day just to come and tell the store “thank you” in person after her grandson’s surgery was paid for. He had tumors covering his face and body and with no help from the government, the family couldn’t cover his medical expenses. So, with a happy heart, this little old woman took ten hours from her day just to come and express her gratitude. [Roundabout religion]
With the thoughts of going home being fresh on my mind, the “me mindset” has so easily begun to consume me again. “What kind of car will I drive?” “Which of my favorite restaurants will I eat at first?” “Which new dress will I buy when I go shopping?” While these things aren’t bad things to think, I never stopped to think how I can help my community when I get home or how I can best love those friends and family who have helped me so much. Starting with small acts of kindness such as these can erupt into a changed community, state, and country.
Why can’t I start something like this in the states? Why couldn’t you? America so often prefers the “ignorance is bliss” mindset, but if we just open our eyes for a moment we will see the needy and hurting in our own neighborhood. This is my biggest lesson learned and what I hope to carry with me for my lifelong race: a roundabout religion. One where no score is kept, no effort to help someone is ever too big, and no needy is ever too hopeless. I would hope you too would join in this religion. I’m not asking you to quit your job and move to Africa (unless the Lord is calling you to do so). I’m asking you to take a look around and see what we as individuals can do to help others. We aren’t going to change the world, but if we don’t try the world could change you.
I will be stateside on May 22 at 11 p.m. For the first couple weeks, I will be busy with bachelorette parties, showers, and weddings of my two best friends Devon-Leigh and Camryn! I plan on staying with my parents and taking it easy this summer until I figure out what my next steps are. Between family vacation and weddings this summer, I would love to see you! We can grab coffee, lunch, and maybe even the snowball that I’ve so desperately been craving! Please shoot me a text if you’re in town. You can reach me at 225-715-4055. I plan on creating a blog for life after the race and will update you on that if you wish to continue following me. Thank you again for all of your prayer and support throughout these last 11 months! Soon I will be joining you in the land of the free and home of the brave!
Sincerely, Olivia
