Yesterday our family was able to take part in distributing donated items to families who lost everything in a fire that happened about a month ago. I would have to say the event was overall a success but it left me with a feeling of "there is so much to do". It was definitely a morning of paradox. On Monday Abby went to school, although the kids are off all week for Khmai new year, and sorted clothes, food, toiletries and other small items to be distributed. Along with a couple teachers and 1 other student they made about 70 bags to be given out, each geared toward a specific gender and age group. Then Tuesday morning all of the bags were loaded in a van and we all went over to the site where the displaced families are now living. Once we got there, we all got out and started interacting with the kids and it was a lot of fun. Even though we can't communicate verbally with them, there was still a lot of smiles exchanged. We had one of the teaching assistants from Logos walk around the "village" and let some of the most needy families that we were there to give out some needed items. That worked for a little bit...until it was clear that we had more people lined up to receive bags than we had bags. Toward the end people were grabbing the last few bags instead of waiting. Although those who received bags were happy and thankful, it was sad to not be able to give to everyone. It left all of us with a feeling of joy to serve but a desire to do more. That is the paradox. We could have avoided the sadness if we had done nothing but we would have missed the joy and all of the smiles. To be honest, I wouldn't trade either.
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