ENRICHMENT NIGHT

Last night at Enrichment Night, we put together hygiene packages for the humanitarian aid. Before we started on our project, one of the sister's read a story of a woman who was from Sierra Leone. As many of you know, Sierra Leone is a war stricken country where murders and rapes are an everyday occurance. The story told of how she managed to hide from the rebels several times before actually getting caught. While standing in line to be mutulated she prayed to Heavenly Father that he would do his will. Right before it was her turn, an army showed up to scare away the rebels essentially saving her life. When she was rescued she was given a hygiene package with toothpaste, a toothbrush, soap, etc. and a blanket which she regarded as her prize possessions taking it everywhere with her. After this she started attending an LDS ward and began her conversion. Years later and more almost fatal run ins with the rebels she decided to leave behind the friends she had to serve a mission for the church. She was called to the Salt Lake City mission and once she was there she had an assignment to help with the humanitarian aid project. Once she got to the distribution center, she recognized the blanket that she had carried with her in Sierra Leon as well as the hygiene package which helped her survive when she was hiding out from danger. She broke down crying and thanked Heavenly Father for all he had done for her.

The whole time she was reading this story, I was trying not to be cry because I find myself constantly reading these horrible stories of the terrible situations these people are put through everyday. Unfortuanately, many of these stories do not have happy endings like this woman's. I always try to think of something I can personally do to help out, but without being able to donate money or travel to volunteer I have been at a loss so this was such a blessing to know that what we were doing last night was directly benefiting those in need. I couldn't imagine regarding a little blanket and a bag of toiletries as my most sacred possession let alone seeing my family murdered and fighting for my survival. It makes me so grateful for all that I have and mine and my family's security, but most of all grateful for my membership to the church and all the opportunities it gives us to serve others.