$20 or Say a Prayer?

This last week in Church we were asked to say one decade of the Rosary or pray ten minutes for the Sisters of Kabul.  These Sisters run a school for disabled orphans in Kabul who would otherwise be cast out and left to die.  In a few weeks we are going to present the Sisters with a certificate letting them know we are praying for them.  There is a very kind-hearted civilian here who manages our interactions with the Sisters and when he was done speaking the Priest spoke up.  He said, “It is easier for you to give your money than it is for you to pray for someone.”  The Catholic Community here on the base in Kabul has generously given the Sisters what they need to keep the school running including a lap top, phone cards, books, clothes, monetary contributions and much more.  The one thing we don’t do well is pray for them.  That really stuck with me.  He is right.  I thought why is it easier for me to hand them a twenty-dollar bill than it is to take ten minutes to say a prayer?

TJ and I used to say the Rosary once a week and I think the last time we said one together was before Taylyn was born.  It’s easier for me to have my Church take money automatically out of my account every Sunday than it is to say a prayer or even sometimes go to Church.  I don’t miss here, but I’m only taking care of me.  When I’m at home we are every other week Church goers.

Before I left to come here my mom gave me a very special gift.  She gave me the Rosary her Father, my late Grandfather Gerald VandenLangenberg, took with him to fight the Korean War.  When I travel off the base I bring the Rosary with me.  Last night I pulled out the small prayer book inside the Rosary and I read the evening prayer.  I’m hoping to make a habit of this.  After every mass here in Kabul the Priest gives a Rosary to every new parishioner.  He gives us a Rosary, or in Latin a garland or roses to protect us from evil.  Given the challenge from the priest I have decided to say at least a decade of the Rosary once a week for the Sisters.

I know not everyone prays and not everyone is spiritual and I’m not here to push any of this on anyone.  But think!  What are you giving $20 to instead of giving yourself?  Is there an organization or activity that you donate your money, but not your time?  Do they need you?  Maybe it’s time to stop giving and start contributing!

I also want to ask if you are one who prays, please say a few extra for my mother-in-law.  I know it’s hard because we are so far away, but one thing we can do no matter where we are is pray!

Also I wanted to give a quick update on what is going on at home.  Timyra started second grade.  She is continuing her guitar lessons, karate, Church class, and is back in swimming lessons.  She is staying busy and hanging in there.  She was sick a few days last week, but on the mends.  Timothy had a rough couple weeks, he really wanted me home for his birthday, but we fixed that by planning a big party which will be sure to cheer him up.  He’s also back in school at Goddard and started piano lessons.  He is continuing karate and playing soccer.  He is so happy to be back on the soccer field.  Taylyn is just as sassy as ever and is also back at school at Goddard.  I’m afraid she will drive everyone crazy until I get back.  Tay baby (or Taylyn Rose and she told everyone) just wants her mom and is giving everyone her full attitude, I guess that’s what I get for holding her hand for two years while she slept!