Mother Teresa's prints

I came across this quote by Francis of Assisi, "Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible." If there ever was a person on this planet who lived this out, it has to be Mother Teresa. Her mark on this planet began with doing what she felt was necessary. And, her mark remains through those who know the work is necessary and IS possible.

When we found out Forrest's interim trip this year would be in Kolkata, India, I remember thinking, "How appropriate for this boy who goes through life with the belief, he too, can change the world."

When he returned from a week in Kolkata, India, I asked him what he liked the most and the least about his trip; he had one answer that encompassed both. He said it was one of the hardest things he had ever done, but the most rewarding. He was charged with one particular young man in his late 20s, who was bound in a wheelchair and seemingly non-verbal. Forrest said this young man didn't smile and seemed to have very little emotion in his eyes. The man only wanted to be pushed back and forth down a particular path for hours, and Forrest said it was incredibly boring. If Forrest tried to stop, the man would grab Forrest's arm and squeeze it until it was really painful, prompting Forrest to continue the monotonous path. (He saw a bit of emotion in his angry grip, but nothing in his eyes.)

He said this went on for three days, and during that time, Forrest decided to pass the time by telling the young man everything about himself - his life in the US, his life in Hong Kong, his likes and dislikes, just about everything. EVERYTHING.

On the last day, Forrest was telling this young man he would be leaving, and suddenly the man smiled and began to speak. Forrest said he was clearly happy and excited. But, his speech was incomprehensible, but not because of the difference in language, rather it was much like the speech of someone who would have suffered a terribly brain injury. Forrest couldn't understand the words, but he understood him completely. Forrest and this young man connected in that moment. Forrest poured out of himself to give to this man, and this man felt love and acceptance. I'm sure the brothers at Missionaries of Charity love this man and care for him, but the workers are few and the need is great. Therefore, the likelihood that someone ever has three days to care for this man in this way, is low.

I LOVE what Forrest is allowing God to do in his life.

http://www.motherteresa.org/07_family/Volunteering/v_cal.html#3a