Volunteering: a way of giving back
Over the years, I have found that volunteering is a wonderful way of meeting new faces and learning from others. It is both a giving back to the community and a receiving from it as well.
Last year was a challenge and a half for me. I had three surgeries which kind of slowed me down. The first surgery was for a damaged rotator cuff; the second occurred after I fell and broke my femur in two places; and the third entailed a total knee replacement. The doctor felt that it was because of my bad knees that I fell and broke my femur.
There were numerous people in the medical field, in physical therapy and others, including volunteers that worked with me, supported me and prayed towards my recovery. Without them, I wouldn’t have recuperated well.
Today, I am able to continue giving back to others through the volunteer services I enjoy doing with the dear neighbor. On Sundays at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Honolulu I help with a small supportive group of sign interpreters using sign language during Mass for the deaf community. Our goal is to get these parishioners comfortable that they will sign through the Mass with us.
At St. George Church, Waimanalo, I volunteer on the spur of the moment. Most recently, I helped with serving breakfast for the poor. My volunteer work at Hawaii Theater is one of the ways I am able to see performances while giving back to the community for the many things I appreciate in the area of culture and the arts.
The strength behind my volunteering comes from going to daily Eucharist and making time to just be with God. This is really important. Each day, I take time to pray. I really enjoy going to the beach and just being there in God’s presence in nature as I reflect. The imagery of being washed over by the waves is re-energizing. I also read the daily Scriptures and see how I can apply that practice in my life.
As we meet the new year, I encourage other seniors to continue to try to do the best that you can. Get the help that you do need, and follow through with maintaining your physical needs. Walk, if you can’t jog. Even just sitting down and getting up is one of the harder things to do as we age, but if we continue to do those kinds of exercises, we strengthen our legs and lower back which affects our physical ability. Take time too to keep family relations alive. My grandnieces give me the energy they have by being young and on the go. And, enjoy meeting others in doing some volunteer work that is meaningful to you.
Sister Marian Tung is a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet, 47 years professed. She resides in Hale Medaille Community in Kailua and enjoys a good game of mahjong.
