2023 Team

2023 Team
The 2023 Team

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Insightful

From Jack O`Brien

Every day I wake up, I'm gaining some new knowledge or perspective that I feel makes this experience richer. For instance, did you know it's illegal to kill deer here? They're the equivalent of bald eagles. While these fun little facts are good for future dinner conversation or small talk, there are much more important things to be learned in Nueva Capital. At both work sites, us Americanos find ourselves angered or disappointed at the slow pace of the Honduran workers. They're not multitaskers; they very much prefer to slowly take their time and it gets done when it gets done. We're here in their country, so we have to learn to abide by their rules, as trialing as that may be. Our mission is not to build two houses, but to help the Honduran people. So as much as we'd like the self satisfaction or accomplishment of building up these houses for these kind people, it's not about us. This is an exercise in taking yourself, your wants, and your customs out of the equation and simply saying "What can I do to help?" So the lesson I'm learning now is a lesson I've always known but never been challenged to confront: the world doesn't revolve around me. So I'm choosing not to take victory not in a material goal but rather the service I am providing to the lesser of God's people. I'm humbled to have the opportunity to be here and, in large ways and small, make a difference. Looking forward to three more days of the give and take of knowledge and service.

Jack G. OB

3 comments:

  1. Jack, that was a wonderful lesson that you shared. It could be applied in many situations in life. Perhaps the hondurans may remind us to slow down and smell the flowers.

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  2. Jackson, so glad you are learning and experiencing all that you are. I know that it's a challenge for you, because you are a "doer" and a multi tasker. God is teaching you about service and acceptance, a lesson we sometimes have to relearn as we grow older. I'm happy for you and proud of you....and yes, we do miss you very much. Keep blogging, I love to hear from you.

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  3. I thought about all of you a lot today. I hope that as the time goes by each day you will realize who is teaching who....these people will teach you more than you will teach them....they have much richer lives than we do here...they know what is really important in life. Don't pity them...they don't want or need that. Work together as equals and appreeciate whzt they will teach you about quiet and contentment and being still and knowing that God is God. Learn the lessons of less is more and what it means to be humble. Soak it all in

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