Helping Hands and Warm Hearts!

A quote was recently shared with me that touched a special place in my heart.
"VOLUNTEERING WHEN IT IS CONVENIENT IS APPRECIATED, HOWEVER MAKING SOME SACRIFICE TO VOLUNTEER IS TRUE COMMITMENT AND CONVICTION!"

This past fall My family spent time volunteering. We made meal packs for a group called Feed My Starving Children. My husband and three oldest, along with my dad, my sister and niece all spent a few hours doing something that helps lots of other people! This organization relies on donations and volunteers. The food packs are distributed to 70 countries around the world.

The food in each Manna pack in considered a complete meal. It contains a "meal" that is made of a chicken flavor and spices, soy protein with 20 vitamins, dehydrated potatoes and vegetables, and rice.

The meals do not contain a meat source because the packs are distributed world wide and many different cultures and belief systems have different rules about meat consumption.


Through this experience I am reminded how much I have that I take for granted. I am amazed by how far just a small amount can really go. I am also very grateful for all that I have and am able to share! I am also aware that no matter how big or small, young or old there is a way that all can volunteer!


Some interesting facts....
1 Manna Pack feed about 5.5 people
Each pack contains 2800 calories
1 box, 36 Manna packs costs $50 to make.
Just over 1.5 boxes ($80) will feed a child for 1 year.

Approximately 1 in 7 people world-wide go hungry each day
18000 kids die each day from starvation

Value of Committing

What is the value of committing? Why do some people commit, some avoid it at all costs, and others over do it?

I know that there are answers ranging from one end of the spectrum to the other, but it is something to think about.

For me I used to over commit for fear that if I didn't I wouldn't like what someone else would do. In hindsight I acted out of lack of trust and confidence in others and a deep desire for control. The result was a lot of stress, lack of control, a lot of things partially done or not done well, extreme tiredness, unhappiness and ultimately confusion as to why all the previous was happening.

Recently I have not renewed some of my commitments. Life is still crazy, I am still tired, things are still not always completed, but it is for a very different reason. I am a mom of 5, working on a few projects I deeply believe in, spending a few days a month substitute teaching and chasing kids in several directions. All things I want to do, not obligated or guilted into doing. I may still be tired and things may be crazy, but I am now committed to doing what I want to be committed to and it feels SO good!

So if I were to share a few words of wisdom, I'd say " Ask yourself why you are or are not willing to commit. Find out what is to be gained or lost and how it impacts what you already have going." Remember some commitments do not have an end date... They renew themselves (with or without your permission).