A Note

I just heard a man speak about the word responsibility and it has changed the way that I look at what we (we as the Folkertsma family and you) do here in the Philippines. I have been struggling for awhile now with the why me God question. Oh don’t get me wrong I get what we do to a certain degree but why me, that has plagued me. I guess that I have been feeling bad for myself lately, honestly. I look around and see how well the boys and Joy are doing here and how they are beginning to blend into life here while I am not and won’t ever really. I think different, talk different and if those other two change I will always look different and stand out like a sore thumb. Everything is a struggle for me here right now and I wondered why me until today. The man said when he was is the Vietnam War he was told by his leader that they (he and the leader) with 3 others would stay back and cover for the rest of the unit as they retreated. He asked “Why do we have to do it?” To which his leader said that it was their responsibility. “Our responsibility? Why?” Was his next questions and the answer to those two questions have changed my perspective on why me. He said “Responsibility is really two words, response and ability. We have the ability so what is our response?” I may not be the best candidate for the position that I am in but I have the ability and I responded. I have been blessed with vision both for construction and programs (a dreamer) and the ability to see it through (getter done attitude). I am done asking why me and now asking do I have the ability and am I responding with it? Thank you for joining us in the journey!