Love Letters

In this life we cannot do great things. We can only do small things with great love. - Mother Teresa
Today Annie and I went to one of the poorest colonies. It was unbelievable how dirty it was. Sitting down I had hundreds of flies all over my body. I had to really focus on the love I felt, looking deep into each person's eyes, in order to avoid the distractions that surrounded me. Despite the harsh conditions they live in, the colonist all seemed happy going about their daily routines. I met three girls, two are married with children. One of the girls was nineteen with a baby girl that she was trying to rock to sleep. I felt so bad for her. She was a teenager in an arranged marriage with a baby. Honestly I could not imagine the life she lives. It's people like her I admire most. Why is it that often we most admire the movie stars, celebrities, athletes, etc. when what they do doesn't compare to the lives that these people lead. Their, the celebrities, lives are acknowledged, they're appreciated for all that they're do. They are constantly reminded of their status and popularity. What about the people that make life-altering sacrifices on a daily basis? That is far more admirable to me. What about the people that have nothing but are happier then those that have everything? That is far more heroic to me. It was so cute, Velammal, the head housemother, approached me today with a "serious dilemma". She's an older lady and feared by many because of her position and class. She exemplifies tough love, always expecting the best of all the children. She lifted up her sari and showed me her stomach. She asked me, "Nicole, how do I get rid of this?". It was so cute to me and honestly a little flattering that she would lower her walls and talk to me as though we were the best of friends. I did not expect this at all. I laid on my back and demonstrated a sit-up. She then asked me what time of day she should do these "crazy" exercises. After discussing, in detail, ways to get toned abs, she asked me if she was fat. As I told her that she was beautiful and that she was not fat, the smile that formed across her face lit up the entire room. It was as though no one had ever told her how beautiful she is. Initially I felt surrounded by people I loved, now I'm loving the friendships that are growing each day. Almost on a daily basis the kids give me love letters. These love letters are folded into different shapes and sometimes they are cut into the shape of a heart. The children draw pictures and write words of gratitude and love on them. I told one of the house mothers that I value these letters more then anything I have in my room. It's the time and effort the kids put into these letters that touches my heart so deeply. One of the boys I adore the most gave me a love letter in the shape of a hand. He didn't have scissors so he tore it. I could tell it took him a long time. In the palm of the hand he wrote, "I love you Nickol". I stuck this particular love note in my scriptures. Most of them I have collected in a bag in my room. When I get home I plan to make a scrapbook of them. I've received letters all my life, but these letters exemplify love far more then any card you can buy at Walmart.