A Tribute


This week I truly learned the meaning of “mourning with those who mourn, and comforting those who stand in need of comfort”. We found out last night that one of our translators and cooks passed away while at the hospital. It has been a hard experience for us all. Because we found out late at night, the cooks stayed over at our hostel. When we got back to the hostel, it was obvious that they had been crying. I didn’t want to be culturally offensive (because touch isn’t a big thing here), but my heart swelled and I had to give the one closest to me a hug. She folded into my arms and began sobbing. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced something so heartbreaking as to hear the sobs of someone who lost a dear friend.

I decided that rather than making this post about the fun trip that we went on the beginning of this week, I would give this post to Joyce. Joyce was one of the purest people I’ve met, and I’m not exaggerating. She always had a smile and loved talking to us interns. She and I had bonded because I had just recently asked her to do my hair into a weave and she was so excited about it. While we weren’t close, it is still hard for me because we had developed a friendship.

The saddest part of all of this is that if she had been in America, what she suffered from would have been a minor inconvenience, and not a death. I’ve never realized how truly lucky we are to be blessed in a country with access to so many resources. It is so hard to understand why I was born in an area where I have countless blessings, while others have to struggle to make ends meet, and where precious people suffer.

But. I know that because of our Savior, Jesus Christ and His Atonement, all will be made right in the end. Don’t ask me how that will happen, because I have no clue. But I know that all of the struggles that everyone faces will be paid for indefinitely. I know that Joyce will be able to be with her husband and little girl again, and that one day in heaven she’ll finally get to do my hair, if she still wants. I also know that because I was blessed to be in an area where I have, I am expected to give. And so are we all that are blessed. Please. Use the resources that you have been given, whether temporal or not, and use them to help someone who is in need. There is someone in need, and you have something to give. I know that our eyes can and will be opened to so much more work to be done in the world if we just start looking.

Comments

  1. alexis jensenJune 8, 2018 at 12:45 PM

    Because I have been given much..... I too must give <3 This song becomes more and more meaningful as I learn about the disparities around the world and right in our own neighborhoods.

    ReplyDelete

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