Happy Valentine's Day

Happy February all.

Wow. It just seems like this year is flying by, maybe a bit faster than last year did. Is it universal? Or is it just me? Well, the month of February has turned into the month of distributions. I feel like I have them coming out of my ears. However, I do prefer the other term we use for distributions, “making it rain”. I do believe I got this from the Van Der Merwe’s during our distributions in Haiti- whenever we would do distributions- we’d go to “make it rain”.
I’ve done many a distribution. That’s something I’m quite comfortable with, I feel like I can manuever people through one with my eyes closed. Especially going through the tough ones where people are screaming at you and threatening you, I now find them easier and enjoyable.


The past weeks we have done 2 ceramic filter distributions. I think this is one of my favourite distributions. Tangible, easy, yet HUGE impact. The first time we distributed, I explained how it worked, and then asked if there were any questions and one lady said, “yes....how do you use the faucet you have been talking about?”. Oh right....this is a good question if you’re never seen a tap. So I simply answered....”well, you can push it up...or down....” and then my voice trailed off....seriously...how do you explain how a tap works?

Over the many many distributions I’ve coordinated, I usually find myself making sure the stuff isn’t getting stolen, or making sure the porters are alright- doing what they should be, making sure the beneficiary cards match the actually person- etc. Needless to say, there’s a LOT to look at and a lot going on during a distribution. But this last time, we did a ceramic filter distribution and after I went through the process of teaching safe water and explaining how it works, I took time to really look at the BENEFICIARIES themselves. And I watched how they came up when we called their names....and watched as they pulled out their card from plastic bags, or something wrapped in layers and layers of paper. They took care of this card more than I think I take care of my phone or my computer. As I watched person after person pull out their card, I was humbled by this small thing act that I found so beautiful. My eyes definitely got watery as I was trying to play it off that dust was in my eyes.

After the distribution was finished they asked me about other services that we could possibly provide. After we talked, I came back and just cried. No, I don’t think I’m going crazy yet. But I think there comes moments, when in the busy-ness of everything, you take time to see the need that is there and how big it is, and how what you’re doing is maybe one drop of rain in the desert (after living here, you realise how small that really is).


So, after a couple of minutes, I quit feeling sorry for myself because it was depressing me and came across Psalm 145. Verse 14: He helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. For me, at that moment- what I saw at the distribution and this verse went together. I could see it! Isn’t that beautiful? And I thought....is it possible that He picked me, to be here, to tangibly do the same thing? That he picks all of us....to do....the same....thing?


When you think about it, it’s quite humbling that He would trust us to do what we can for the betterment of someone else. So, in my head at least, it all came together in this February, this month known for Love. Of course, I naturally think of the negative, of all the times overseas and even at home, when I haven’t been Love or shown anything CLOSE to Love! Of moments lost...will I ever be able to make up for that? I think of all the times that instead of helping the fallen, I’ve walked by them when they are down. Instead of being sensitive to those who are bent beneath their loads, I’ve possibly added to it by not taking that moment to be encouraging or even going slightly out of my way to make their day better. Even though it's easy to dwell on that, today is a new day.


So this Valentine’s Day, I’m really grateful for Love .....and Grace. For 2nd chances and 57th chances, and 1000th chances. That even though there is a 100% chance I'm going to mess up tomorrow and not have patience or grace or love like I want to, that there's enough Grace for tomorrow and Monday, and Tuesday to slowly become a better person.

And for the Valentine’s reminder.... that:

All of us are chosen.

Happy Valentine’s Day,
Patty