I grabbed lunch with Abel today. Another cool guy who I don't know how we started talking, but I enjoy good conversation with him. Abel is living the life. I've been told before that I'm mature for my age, but Abel who is 5 yrs younger than me is living the life I wish I had the guts to do earlier. He's off to Guyana - World Teach. Not exactly sure what he's doing aside from immersing himself in another culture and trying to help them.
We talked about life. The east side. Refugees. We didn't necessarily look at Scripture or anything but we talked about how we perceive things. Abel is about to leave, but lately he has been working with refugees. It's interesting how the Israelites were refugees all the time. I'm reminded of the story of Ruth and how the kindness of Boaz was redemption for the refugee.
Abel and I talked about how our parents all came to America for a better life. We recognize that maybe we're not living that "better life," but in one generation, we get to try to help others in the world that aren't able to make the trip to America for a better life. That to a certain extent instead of frustration from our parents, a different perspective could be this amazing awe for how fast that help can extend to beyond a nuclear family. I know that my dad was able to help his brothers and sisters come to America. But how awesome it is to see a bigger world picture - a picture that isn't just asian/indian/american, but a picture that includes S. America, Europe, and Africa.
I've lived on the East side for about 2 months now. A lot of observing. The last few talks from Vox, I've been captured by passages talking about generosity - giving so that others are not in need. I'm reminded of talks and passages - help the sick, those that are craving.
I've always lived a pretty simple life. Not much flare to me. Yet, it's not about living simply. It's not just necessarily equilibrium. I've had more time to think since I've moved and done the job change. A lot of my personal volatility of life has calmed down. I realize that there are those that are seeking help and those that we perceive need help. i.e. thinking because certain people live in certain situations, they need those conditions to be "upgraded" - whether it be living situation, education, etc. Ignorance of a better life aside and all - Abel reminded me that there are people out there that are asking - hungry for knowledge, development, etc.
I hear about people struggling to teach kids at school because the kids don't care. The kids are there because it's the law or that it's a convenient tax paid babysitting for them. Yet on another hand, you have refugee kids that are hungry for knowledge, a job, etc. They've been through hell and they understand that they've been given an opportunity to be given resources to be in a better situation.
Sure it's tough to figure out those deep issues with your literal neighbors, but maybe they're not in need. (And we've got to toss that old version of evangelism of everyone is a hungry lonely person with a hole that only God can fill judgement). Maybe God wants us to find those that are expressing/asking for help 1st before we decide that our niche is those that are similar and just waiting for them to express their deep personal needs - and assuming that we some how have it better because "God is on our side." I'm reminded of a conversation with Sam about finding God in other people. Sometimes finding/experiencing and knowing more of God is in the journey of finding him the face, culture, and lifestyle of people different than your self.
This was definitely a bunch of ramblings, but I have to say that my conversation with Abel was just full of that awesome energy/excitement of living. I asked Abel about when the switch was really flipped and he talked about having the offer letter from another company and the peace corp one in front of him. He talked about how dead the "satisfaction" of having a check was. It was going back to that model or trying something else. Abel talked about how his dad asked if this was going to further his career, and there was something more of the value of something else - not necessarily saving the world but doing something that impacts others. It's beautiful. I'm jealous. A story to tell others. Abel will be a legend.
Usually, it's the older person using parentese with kids - encouraging them for little things. Good job! Whether it be my niece working on being potty trained or just kids doing the right thing by sharing, the one thing you can always give is verbal praise and encouragement.
I haven't hung out with Addison and Justice that much other than Vox gatherings, but you gotta love those guys. Huge smiles and they always share - whether it be food or a little stuffed animal. Once they offer you something, and you try to give it back, they refuse - they just want to give you the toys. I have always loved watching Justice 'run' - more like a fast waddle.
Anyways, so it started off with Addison and me - we worked on his 'house' - he only knew how to write the letter A, but he wanted to make sure we labeled the house with the following names; Addison, Justice, Joshua, Noah, Mom and Dad. We started on that it and it was cool seeing him at his learning stage - numbers and letters. Justice has a really good knowledge of body parts - eyes, ears, nose, tummy (everyone loves tummy).
So I'm really not good at crafts. I suck at art, but as I cut out the letter A for Addison, he would say things like. 'Yeah, that's perfect!' We made several different versions of his Wolverine claws but each time, he would say 'yeah, that's perfect' Sure, he wanted longer claws each time, but what can you say to a kid with those eyes as he tells you that everything you make him is perfect?!?
We played hide and seek, but it was hilarious because Addison wanted you to make a sound after you hid. Then, it was a little wrestling. There's nothing like hanging out and playing with kids after a day of work. You definitely get that 2nd wind. Addison wanted to take a bunch of pictures for his cousins. One time he said, "Take a picture of me. It's for Nana and Riley because they love me." I thought it was cool when he asked if I was going with them the next time they're going to Amarillo.
It's one thing to get encouragement from work - cuz you're just doing your job and trying to do better. It's another thing to get encouragement from a 4 yr old that energizes you to make more cool toys. It's been awhile since I've "created" anything. What amazed me more was how much Addison cares about others. I suggested that I leave my Wolverine claws so his dad could play with him. Addison insisted that I take my claws home so I could play with them at home too. Still sharing, still caring that other people have fun too. Props to Dallas and Tandra for not only creating mega cute kids but teaching them to care about others at such an early age.
I've always enjoyed watching other people's kids. From the kids, I learn perspective. From the parents, I learn how much you can teach a kid. We got a lot of amazing parents at Vox, and I'm honored to get to learn from their entire families. Usually I enjoy learning from people that are more seasoned/experienced in life than me, but I also enjoy the surprises I learn from the children. Uncle Brian loves this community.
