Enrichment Counselor

I do not think I have ever thought anything was funnier in my life - me, as the Enrichment Counselor for our congregation’s Relief Society.   I don’t even go to Enrichment much.  In fact, I can probably count on my two hands how many times I have attended in my WHOLE life.  It is not that it is not an incredible program because it is.  I just have never felt a particular desire to do crafts (a very common activity) nor have I felt like going out on a week night.  I guess I would just rather stay home and watch TV or read a book.  This was even truer when I was working and AJP was small.  Alas, now I will be the planner. 

The part that makes this even more intensely funny is the cultural barrier.  As many may know, we go to church in Portuguese.  I absolutely love the Brazilian women (and the Peruvians, the Belgians etc.)  They are all so warm and inviting.  The women meet each other, and strangers, with beijos (kisses) at every meeting.  The challenge for me is that I am just not sure how I am supposed to help fill their needs when so many barriers exist.  Our congregation is wildly spread as far as socio-economic status goes.  We have everything from favela dwellers (ghettos) to presidents of multinational companies and those in-between.  We have at least three different languages and many more cultures.  I am not sure how to meet all these different needs but I guess I will have to learn.   

Another interesting tidbit is that our presidency meetings are also in Portuguese.  While I understand Portuguese much better than I would have expected, it is still challenging when all three of the women speak at once.  Many times I just have to sit and listen because it takes me so long to understand, process a response and then actually respond.  It is frustrating but I preserver because I really believe I can add value to the conversation.

This experience reminds me of a quote my mission president would always say on my mission.  He would tell us, “The Lord does not care about your ability, only your availability.”  I am living proof that abilities are not as important as a “willing heart”.  

Wish me luck . . .