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Maura's Service - St. Joseph's Academy |
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Maura helps to build a house in Mexico
What motivated you to work with people in a foreign mission country?
God blankets all of us with the same sky every night. Though our desires and goals may differ, our needs are the same. Aside from what is necessary to survive; food, water and shelter, there are elements necessary to thrive; love, understanding and respect. Working in a different country threw me out of my comfort zone. But that it is when a person discovers her or his potential. I have always been taught that it is the responsibility of those with to give to those without. Plain and simple, I was fulfilling my responsibility.
What was your best and most meaningful experience while volunteering in a foreign mission country?
My purpose in Reynosa, Mexico was to build a small, one room house with a little loft for the kindest, gentlest family I have ever known. I loved playing with the kids and getting to know the family and I have many, many meaningful experiences but when my team lifted that first wall up I felt proud. I don’t know how else to put it. Who I am was built into that house and with every nail I hammered, I prayed that God would not only feed this family food but feed this family peace. I wish them many, many lifetimes of love in that home.
Maura poses with girls in Mexico
What impact has volunteering abroad had on the way you live your everyday life?
Well other than being handier with a hammer and a power saw. :-) I am just changed. I think about Reynosa and I think about the kids that we played with, so many kids. I just miss it. I miss being down there. I am thankful of what I have been given and of the experiences I have had the privilege to know but I’m not done quite yet. Service is everywhere and I always tell myself if I didn’t see a chance for service, it’s not because it wasn’t there; it’s because I didn’t look.
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