| There may be times in your marriage or life in | | | | have volunteers to teach ESL (English as a |
| general that you are struggling through a difficult | | | | Second Language) or help with reading literacy |
| period. This struggle may include obtaining help | | | | skills. The neat thing about volunteering in this area |
| from medical professionals, or counselors. While | | | | is you don't need to speak a foreign language to |
| going through the healing process, it often takes | | | | teach these classes.You will be amazed at the |
| some time to see a real change in the | | | | bonds that are formed as you help another |
| situation.Rather than get frustrated or hyper | | | | become more self sufficient and confident. One |
| focus on the slow process, here is a great | | | | great resource in our area is a non-profit |
| suggestion while you "hurry up and wait" for | | | | organization called "Literacy Advance". See what's |
| things to evolve to a better level. Try giving of | | | | in your area: you want to volunteer in a food |
| yourself to others.Distract Yourself With | | | | pantry or soup kitchen over the holidays or on a |
| ServiceYou will be amazed at the joy and positive | | | | regular basis. There is much to be said in helping |
| feelings you will have as you serve others. This | | | | meet the basic needs of our neighbors. |
| does three things:- It distracts you from your | | | | Volunteering in this capacity will help you better |
| problems that you may be focusing too much of | | | | appreciate your many blessings. To find a food |
| your time on.- It helps you see that there are | | | | pantry near you try: all you sports fans, how |
| others who carry greater burdens than you are | | | | about helping coach a little league or soccer team? |
| currently faced with.- It will also be a great source | | | | More important than your coaching skills or |
| of peace and comfort as you serve others.Not | | | | knowledge is your ability to bring out the best in |
| everyone has the same amount of time, skills, or | | | | kids and let them know they count no matter |
| comfort level to walk into a soup kitchen and | | | | what their skill level may be. Contact your local |
| start helping serve dinner. However, with a little | | | | sports leagues or YMCA. They always need |
| creativity, you will find an avalanche of | | | | coaches who really care about kids. not forget |
| opportunities in both your local community and | | | | your local schools are looking for mentors and |
| nationwide.Here are just a few ideas:If you love | | | | tutors for kids at high risk both educationally and |
| animals, the humane society and local shelters are | | | | emotionally. I guarantee that you will never be |
| always looking for volunteers to help with their | | | | turned away from a local elementary school.Some |
| lost and stray animals. There are also many pet | | | | of the best volunteers at my kids elementary |
| rescue groups that help foster animals until a | | | | school are grandparents of some of the students. |
| suitable home can be found. Try going to this site | | | | They bring with them a wealth of life experiences |
| for more ideas: am a BIG fan of supporting your | | | | and wisdom. Whether you read to a class each |
| local, State and National PTA. They provide so | | | | week, help tutor kids, or volunteer in other |
| much more than cookies at parent meetings. | | | | capacities, you will find great rewards in helping |
| Their efforts have changed laws, given more | | | | the youth of today better prepare for tomorrow. |
| quality educational opportunities and help in many | | | | as you've read some of these ideas two things |
| ways in your community. Go to the national web | | | | happened. First, you forgot about what was |
| site to find out more and also how to contact | | | | bothering you the most. Second, one of the |
| your local unit: of you out there like to camp, or | | | | suggestions peaked your interest or gave you an |
| just help build skills in youth that will serve them | | | | idea of where you may be able to serve.Whether |
| their whole life? Try helping out in your local Boy | | | | you are in a holding pattern waiting to work |
| or Girl Scout unit. They are also always looking for | | | | through some serious problems, or just trudging |
| "experts" to help at their special day or week | | | | through life. Consider starting today to look for an |
| summer camps. all heard of the Big Brothers and | | | | opportunity to serve others. You will find that |
| Sisters. Well, you might be surprised at the joy | | | | your burdens seem lighter as you help lift the |
| that will come to you as you take a youth under | | | | burdens of others and your trudge through life will |
| your wing. our area we have a GREAT need to | | | | indeed evolve into an exciting journey. |