Thursday, July 19, 2012

One Question

Journal entry July 17, 2012

Things I do now:
- Volunteer at Mother House every morning until noon
- Volunteer at orientation every Mon, Wed, Fri from 3-6
- Teach Ahad English lessons whenever possible
- Hindi lessons
- Bible study
- Pray when possible


Things I want to do:
- Pray more
- Read my Bible more
- Volunteer at Good news school teaching little kids to read and write
- Go to Holy Hour at 6pm each night
- go to Mass at least a few times a week at 6am


There's just no time for it all. 


It all boils down to one question: Why am I here?


If I could answer that question more specifically I would know how to spend my time. Some missionaries come to India and just spend the first year learning language and culture. Others go right into volunteering with some organization. Others teach. What do I do? 


I guess the goal is always the same; Draw nearer to Jesus and bring others along.   


Lord, make this a reality in my heart. 


Journal entry July 18

I sat down with Sister Mercy Maria to let her know my prioritizing/time issues.  I told her I would know how to prioritize my time if I knew why I am in Kolkata: to teach, volunteer, learn language. She listened quietly to my problem, closed her eyes to pray. 


"Sister, what is my goal?" I asked. 


Gently she opened her eyes and said, "Your goal in India is to draw near to God."


I guess that answers that question. 


So I sat down and wrote a daily schedule, oriented around prayer and bible study, giving up my Hindi lessons, keeping English lessons with Ahad. 


Lord, let my daily schedule be pleasing to you. 


Today

Today was volunteers' day off, so of course on my day off I got up early to attend daily Mass at 6am, where the Priest read from Matthew 11: Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. 


"Come to Me, anytime. You are most welcome."

Those who are free must learn to be free.

Come to Me
Learn from Me

Thank You, Lord, for refocusing me on You.

Thank you, friends, for your prayers.

My stomach issues are definitely improving and are not keeping me from my daily activities, so that is good.

Please continue to pray for my health, for my focus on God, and for God to use me as salt and light to the community around me.

Also, my friend here, Jes, needs to make some big decisions soon and is not hearing clear direction from God. Please also keep her in your prayers.


God bless.     

2 comments:

  1. Sister's answer could be said anywhere....Your goal in (insert your place of residence) is to draw near to God. Now if we can all keep that in mind. Love you Roo!

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  2. Tarrin,
    We were so happy to get your call this morning. It was GREAT hearing your voice. We know your goal is drawing closer to God and in doing so you will also be an example to others that will draw them closer to God. The work you are doing now will have an effect on people for years to come. We are so proud of what you are doing!
    Hope you like the box of goodies. We will send pepperoni and peanuts today. Take care sweetheart.
    Love,
    Papa and Grandma

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