Inspired

Several years ago I found out about an ongoing project administered through Humanitarian Services at our local Deseret Industries: quilt-making. Women are actually called to serve part-time missions where their responsibilities are to perform humanitarian services. Specifically, they assemble kits that have all the materials necessary to make a quilt for someone who is in need. I've been rather sporadic in participating in the program. When I was in the Relief Society presidency, I was a little more committed, but I usually try to contribute at least a little bit every year.

I signed up to make one quilt for 2009, but I dragged my feet and didn't get it done before the end of the year when I should have. Last week I finally finished it up and went in to drop it off at the center. I was a little embarrassed about my tardiness, but the sisters couldn't have been more gracious and lovely. They were complimentary and appreciative and made me feel like I had done something awesome. I was humbled and inspired by their spirit of kindness and service.

A few years ago I learned that each ward had a quota for the year. (At the time I think it was six quilts per year.) I don't know if such a quota exists any more, but I assumed that I had done my part and was simply going to drop off my quilt and take a year or two off. "There are lots of other sisters in the ward who need the chance for service," I rationalized. However, once I interacted with those amazing, selfless women, I quickly repented. They asked me if I wanted any more kits, and much to my surprise, I heard myself say, "Sure! I'll take two." So, I've started on another quilt, and I'm committed to getting BOTH of them finished before the end of the year.

As I've watched the devastation of the earthquakes in Haiti, I've thought a lot about the humanitarian services that the Church quietly performs throughout the world. The Church is simply prepared on a moment's notice to give aid whenever and wherever it is needed. I recently talked to my parents who are serving as missionaries in Bulgaria, and they visited an orphanage there. They took with them some hygiene kits that had been assembled by members of the Church there. I was a little horrified when they said that the kids had been sharing toothbrushes and that they were so grateful to each get their own. Now that makes me want to participate in any and every program that I can.

I once asked where the aforementioned quilts went. I was told that they were distributed to families in need in our area and that the surplus quilts were then sent to Church headquarters where they could be sent to anywhere in the world. Optimistically, I doubted that the 950 quilts that were made the year I asked all stayed in the Treasure Valley, and I loved to think about those quilts keeping Hurricane Katrina victims warm. What an amazing program! I feel inspired.