Thoughts on "service" and some "lighter fare" as well...

Personal thoughts on service have come to mind of late…often in our exuberance to serve and “make things better”, those we seek to serve are lost in our enthusiasm and perspective about what is right or what is needed. My personal goal as I explore the wider world around me in this context continues to be to observe and integrate ideas and processes in both directions to preserve culture and adapt old and new in ways that serve all. I am repeatedly struck by the simplicity with which so many things can be done, and how those “ways” have or can be lost in an effort to make things “better”…

It is distressing that we consent to helping another country or culture via the military/volunteerism/etc. and once there, presume to know what is best or right for them; surely this is where communication among nations and peoples can most easily falter and give rise to discord and misunderstanding. When we serve, often there are seemingly obvious improvements that could be made, but at what cost? We humans are diverse creatures. This same reason for contributing/giving is also reason to respect and uphold, to learn all ways, to blend rather than overcome, to uplift and celebrate rather than simply integrate. A poignant poem by a team of Canadians following a GV trip to Africa expresses this beautifully:

*What Efficiency Costs*

One person with a backhoe would not have had the experience of fellowship.
Would not have had the chance to dance in the streets
or celebrate a heavy stone removed from the earth.
Or felt the sweat.
Or the rain.
Or heard the sounds of a rooster
Or a child's laugh.

One person with a backhoe would not see in each tossed stone
a day a family will know the peace of a home they have helped to build.
Or imagine using the earth and its clay,
Its stones to build the home itself.
Or feel blisters and soreness in the hands and still feel joy.
Or drink juice from the pods of a tree that shadows a home.
Or feel heavy earth on their shoes
and be reminded that we are earth too.

One person with a backhoe
would not have received
the gifts of a hug,
or of linens,
or of smiles.
Or the stories.

One person with a backhoe
would have simply dug a hole.
by Canadians Matt, Peter, Rick, Franciene /John, Kathy, Gary, Michele , Janet

"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged, to find the ways in which you yourself have altered." Nelson Mandela

Much has been laid in front of me of late re my calling and purpose, with the realization of so much yet to be learned about keeping one’s eye on true purpose and calling, separating that which is from God from that which is from man, holding to spirit and grace at all costs. I lost my way this week a bit this past week, and in that diversion was graced with new relationships/friends and unexpected catalysts for growth. Mysterious ways, and I am grateful.

What is my purpose and calling? To contribute with grace, gently and wisely, preserving the culture and respecting the needs of the receiver, to learn dually, honoring both the knowledge and gifts given to me and those of the people I interact with, understanding that often the “simpler” way is the more astounding and humbling, and offers much in the face of faster and seemingly “better” means of doing things. Somewhere in the mix is the balance I suspect we all seek, and within that balance perhaps the true foundation of community. It is the heart of what draws me to this life that has chosen me as much as I have chosen it…

And on to lighter fare:
Produce prices…. $1-1.50 USD for a kg of peaches, pennies for parsley, onions and tomatoes, and much more…

Langos long-go-sh) is a local savory pastry similar to a funnel cake or “elephant’s ear” as they are called at fairs and carnivals in the states. They are only available at the farmers market in Szarvas, with several “flavors”: garlic, cheese and cabbage among them. Hot, tasty, and one of a very few “fast foods” you’ll find here.

Szarvas is a restful place, no fast food spots, the closest being pizza parlors, all with outdoor seating in the summer months. There is one tiny 24 hour market called “Non Stop” that would compare to a 7-11 with a family-owned flair. Beyond that, outside eateries and restaurants are closed by 2200, with “pubs” serving as the gathering places in later hours.

Care packages and wish lists… I found myself pondering the differences between this year and last, and of course there are many. Dublin is an English speaking city, home to roughly 25% of Ireland’s total population, with a fairly complete transit system; a mere 20-30 minutes by bus gets you to shops/vendors carrying most anything you might want or need. Szarvas is a country town of 18,000 a solid 3-1/2 hours from Budapest by bus, with a proportionately smaller collection of things to choose from, and books/movies and other things of course all in Hungarian. An intrepid trio of friends and family from the states have sent several packages my way of their own accord and in response to a wish list since my arrival here… delightful and gratefully received, and remind me of a favorite aunt who believed it was more fun to give gifts randomly and from the heart rather than as constrained by birthdays and holidays. A GV team member has also sent literary treasures my way and yet another promises still more related to green building and growing into one’s dreams… welcome treasures all, with the very best being pictures and “home-movie” film clips… my heartfelt thanks to all for your generosity and support!