So this post is very different than my usual posts because it is extremely personal, but I felt that I needed to share this with those who follow. Yesterday morning, my 21 year old daughter left for Mozambique, which is located in South Africa. She will be serving in the Peace Corps for the next 2.3 years. She will be teaching Math.
As you can imagine, my husband and I are extremely proud of her. We know that she will have the adventure of a life time. She has a huge heart and has always been extremely caring. I know that she heard and answered the call to head across the globe to give of herself; service given willingly.
To serve or give of oneself should always come from the goodness within. We have been richly blessed with talent and treasure and because so, we in turn are to ‘pay it forward.’ Our charity should be freely given.
Again, Anna’s selfless choice to go to Africa ignited this reflection. Her choice has brought to the forefront the question of charity and giving freely. I can’t guarantee it, but I am pretty sure that she wouldn’t have gotten on that airplane this morning if she was forced to go. If it is forced, then there is resentment.
I guess this has touched my heart because I see “forced giving” with redistribution of wealth agenda from the White House. (And now, I feel like I must apologize. It seems that everything now a days reverts back to what is happening to our country, especially as it relates to my children.) The truth is that we should not be forced to give away what we have.
I am blessed to have a daughter that understands the true meaning of service and giving of herself. She has done this without anyone forcing her. It works because it is freely given. I will miss her greatly, but I know that she is doing what she was called to do. I ask you all to keep her in your prayers. Her giving spirit warms my heart! Her giving spirit is part of our ‘American Spirit’ and part of what makes our Nation great!