Last night I had the joy of returning to a volunteer role with the Multicultural Refugee Coalition here in Austin. I get such joy from working with refugees. But, I also get a renewed perspective of the realities of this world and how easy I have it.
The reality check always starts off innocently.
Last night, I was helping a man from the Congo find job openings and fill out applications on line. He's been in the US for 3 years and recently lost his job at a warehouse due to layoffs (he is supporting a family of 7). As we found appropriate jobs and filled out the applications, I became painfully aware of how something as "simple" as filling out a job application can be quite challenging for a refugee -- even for one who speaks English well, as this man does [in fact, he is fluent in 5 languages (while I just work on mastering English)]!
This was frustrating, but not surprising -- the reality check had not yet arrived.
Admittedly, the online application processes are, well honestly, pretty stupid. You can't just upload a resume -- each application is unique unto itself, so for every single job it was necessary to redo the process we had just spend 30 minutes completing on another site. And, most of these sites are not user-friendly or intuitive. So, if you are slightly older or if English is not your first language, well... good luck. It has nothing to do with whether or not this man is qualified for the actual job. It was merely that someone had some great ideas about how to turn what used to be a simple process of filling out a one-page application and attaching a resume into a electronically "enhanced" (using term very lightly here) process that features a multitude of questions, pages of forms and the possibility of having the site get hung up at a variety of stages, losing some or all information painstakingly provided over the last 30 minutes (which happened to us twice).
But this wasn't the reality check. It was still hovering. Waiting....
Admittedly, I was saddened that in the course of 1.5 hours we were only able to make it through 2.5 applications. I know full well that this is only one of the challenges refugees face when trying to provide for their families and learn the ropes, so to speak, of the U.S. And, I'm sure this challenge is not only faced by refugees but thousands of Americans who are out of work right now and just trying to apply for jobs. It really should be easier.
But, honestly, this was not the actual reality check for me either. That came while we were filling out the third online application...
On this particular application, each previous job had to be entered separately. For each we had to indicate why he no longer worked there. This question had a drop down list to select your answer from. The list included many options, e.g., lay-off, dispute with manager, took better opportunity, etc. We input his most recent job -- reason for leaving: "Lay off". We input the one before that (reason = better opportunity), and so on. We were required to account for his employment over the last 10 years, which included, in his case, 5 jobs.
So then came the perspective...
As we got to the job he left in 2002, we came upon the inevitable question we had reached on the previous 4 jobs I had entered into the application for him:
What was your reason for leaving this job?
His answer: "War".
That option wasn't on the drop down list.
Reality check. Perspective. We have it so good and, most days, we don't even realize it.
Showing posts with label refugees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label refugees. Show all posts
Friday, August 19, 2011
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Just Know....
OK Lord. I’m going to share this struggle. I have to first admit that it is very challenging for me to do so before I see how You work it all out as I feel I’m not giving You glory and perhaps creating critics. But I have to trust You with the outcome and not take responsibility for the reactions of those who read this. I had known that things would not necessarily just be a straight line from the day I responded to Your call to leave my role at Gateway to the day things “fell into place” for my new role working as a faith coordinator in the refugee community. But knowing and experiencing are two very different things…
About 2 weeks ago, you began to prepare me for the first hiccup. Through my reading of “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World”, you led me to Mark 4:35-41 where the disciples are freaking out as a storm is coming and Jesus is asleep in the front of the boat. They wake Jesus. He calms the storm but then asks them why they freaked out and says they have little faith. What I took from that scripture is that You are always at work for our good even when we can’t see it. But what I also took away is that You expect us to trust that You are always at work for our good even when we can’t see it. This scripture was reiterated to me a couple of days later through another question in the bible study portion of the book. Then you demonstrated it to me when a friend shared something that You did in her life, that could only have been You and that showed You had been at work in a situation for 6 months, even though she couldn’t always see what You were doing on her behalf.
So when I talked with International Teams (ITeams) later that same week I had to take this verse to heart. ITeams shared that although they are very happy with my application to do this ministry work in Austin through them and my references were all good, they need to put me on hold as they search for a new director for their Refugee Ministry division. I could not pout or get upset… I had no choice but to expect that You are at work for my good in this even if I don’t yet see what You are doing. And I truly had a peace with that. However, I did find myself wondering what it was You were expecting next of me since I now was not clear on how to raise support without an organization for folks to donate that support to.
What was on my heart next was to share with 2 folks from 2 different churches the situation with ITeams and ask them for assistance in identifying an organization that would allow me to have my support go through them, at least temporarily. I also felt led to share that You’d put on my heart that I was to have/raise $35,000 start up funds for this new Austin ministry You were having me step into. That was a huge faith step for me. My mind was thinking of all the things they’d think of me: was I crazy thinking God had told me this was the money I was to raise; did they think I was a fake and it was really about the money; would they decide not to support the work they had seemed so enthusiastic about when we’d last talked; would they feel my seeking their assistance was a veiled attempt at getting them to provide funding. So many scary thoughts, but I sent the emails and then waited. To date I had one response, which did provide a suggestion for an organization that might help but was short and didn’t address any of the questions or details I had shared. I have not heard back from the other church.
I had also reached back out to my contact at ITeams as I had thought that it would make sense for me to still continue with the application process so that when the new director came on board we would be ready to move forward with this ministry in Austin as soon as he/she gave the thumbs up. I have to admit, his response was less enthusiastic than I’d expected. He has seemed so motivated to get me connected to ITeams for so long now. So the sense I got from his email of that he is now ok with the possibility that that might not happen was really unnerving for me. He didn’t do anything wrong and in no way told me that this wouldn’t move forward, but there was a change in tone that really threw me.
So, here I sit, the Sunday before my last week on staff at Gateway. I am trusting that God is at work in all of this. But, I also have this underlying anxiety over having absolutely no idea what He wants me to do next. I don’t want to get out in front of His plans. But I also don’t want to miss a step He is asking me to take. And, I know we need to pay bills. I do trust He will provide. I’m just not sure what that will look like and, to be honest, that is a bit freaky.
This is the time when all sorts of lies could go through my head and are certainly trying to. So, this is the time when I have to block those out with the voice of Truth. God has led me to this exact point on the path and I have to trust Him with next steps even though I can’t see what they are. Be still and know. Stop striving and know. Just know.
About 2 weeks ago, you began to prepare me for the first hiccup. Through my reading of “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World”, you led me to Mark 4:35-41 where the disciples are freaking out as a storm is coming and Jesus is asleep in the front of the boat. They wake Jesus. He calms the storm but then asks them why they freaked out and says they have little faith. What I took from that scripture is that You are always at work for our good even when we can’t see it. But what I also took away is that You expect us to trust that You are always at work for our good even when we can’t see it. This scripture was reiterated to me a couple of days later through another question in the bible study portion of the book. Then you demonstrated it to me when a friend shared something that You did in her life, that could only have been You and that showed You had been at work in a situation for 6 months, even though she couldn’t always see what You were doing on her behalf.
So when I talked with International Teams (ITeams) later that same week I had to take this verse to heart. ITeams shared that although they are very happy with my application to do this ministry work in Austin through them and my references were all good, they need to put me on hold as they search for a new director for their Refugee Ministry division. I could not pout or get upset… I had no choice but to expect that You are at work for my good in this even if I don’t yet see what You are doing. And I truly had a peace with that. However, I did find myself wondering what it was You were expecting next of me since I now was not clear on how to raise support without an organization for folks to donate that support to.
What was on my heart next was to share with 2 folks from 2 different churches the situation with ITeams and ask them for assistance in identifying an organization that would allow me to have my support go through them, at least temporarily. I also felt led to share that You’d put on my heart that I was to have/raise $35,000 start up funds for this new Austin ministry You were having me step into. That was a huge faith step for me. My mind was thinking of all the things they’d think of me: was I crazy thinking God had told me this was the money I was to raise; did they think I was a fake and it was really about the money; would they decide not to support the work they had seemed so enthusiastic about when we’d last talked; would they feel my seeking their assistance was a veiled attempt at getting them to provide funding. So many scary thoughts, but I sent the emails and then waited. To date I had one response, which did provide a suggestion for an organization that might help but was short and didn’t address any of the questions or details I had shared. I have not heard back from the other church.
I had also reached back out to my contact at ITeams as I had thought that it would make sense for me to still continue with the application process so that when the new director came on board we would be ready to move forward with this ministry in Austin as soon as he/she gave the thumbs up. I have to admit, his response was less enthusiastic than I’d expected. He has seemed so motivated to get me connected to ITeams for so long now. So the sense I got from his email of that he is now ok with the possibility that that might not happen was really unnerving for me. He didn’t do anything wrong and in no way told me that this wouldn’t move forward, but there was a change in tone that really threw me.
So, here I sit, the Sunday before my last week on staff at Gateway. I am trusting that God is at work in all of this. But, I also have this underlying anxiety over having absolutely no idea what He wants me to do next. I don’t want to get out in front of His plans. But I also don’t want to miss a step He is asking me to take. And, I know we need to pay bills. I do trust He will provide. I’m just not sure what that will look like and, to be honest, that is a bit freaky.
This is the time when all sorts of lies could go through my head and are certainly trying to. So, this is the time when I have to block those out with the voice of Truth. God has led me to this exact point on the path and I have to trust Him with next steps even though I can’t see what they are. Be still and know. Stop striving and know. Just know.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Time to let go and jump!
I haven't blogged in a while for many reasons. The primary one is that God has been actively moving in me to come to terms with the realization that it is time to transition out of my role at Gateway. I could not share this publicly via a blog until I had time to work through it with Gateway leadership and receive my pastor's blessing. Now that that has taken place I want to share with you so much.
My last day on Gateway staff will be March 15th. After 2.5 years serving with Gateway missions/Mobilization, I will let go and move into a new phase in my life. This year on staff in Mobilization has probably impacted me more than most other years in my life. I will never forget the journey and will greatly miss the team and staff that I love working with. But I am so excited for this next chapter... God is leading me to really focus on a ministry dedicated to assisting, supporting, encouraging and sharing God's love and purposes with refugees.
After a very important meeting last week that helped me to take this step, I had the opportunity to meditate on a verse and journal. I was able to really sit in the knowledge that God is actively at work. Here's what He revealed:
Ephesians 3:20-21 MSG: God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
My journal entry....
More than I could imagine:
I never knew I would have a heart for refugees. Until a year and a half ago, I did not even know what a refugee was. And, truly, I didn’t know you could unconditionally love someone you didn’t even know or feel joy just by being around them and hearing them speak to others in their language. I did not know I could have a passion for a people group that is truly intoxicating.
I didn’t know a year ago that I could shepherd people. I didn’t know that I’d like being on stage or teaching. I didn’t know that I could share my passion in a way that motivates others. If I had not trusted and taken the job at Gateway, even though it didn’t quite seem to align with this long-term vision of ministry work I sensed God calling me to, I would not have learned these things. The path is not always clear, but in our taking the next step – one step at a time – God reveals as much as we need to know.
That God can provide everything that is needed – that is truly something to see play out. I didn’t know how reliant I am on Him, but I am soon to find out as I step outside the bounds of a typical job with a set income. For so long, I did not know the adventure of following God that I now can attest to. Trusting the whisper, the sign, the Word, the input shared by a trusted friend. Seeking discernment and trusting that quiet voice. Knowing that you know what you know – even when it seems completely illogical. “…His Spirit deeply and gently within us.”
A friend who is developing a non-profit to work with refugees recently shared that organization’s 1-, 3-, and 5-year plans. I was shocked; not because they were so ambitious. In fact, she said, “maybe this sounds unrealistic” as she told me the 5-year plan, but I did not think so. No, I’m coming to realize that truly anything is possible. If God puts it on your heart, He’ll lead the way. But what shocked me, as I showed her a piece of paper that contained the 1-, 3-, and 5-year plan God had shared with me a few months ago, was that their plan for working with refugees was almost identical to that one that God had put on my heart. She and I had never talked about the majority of these goals prior to that evening. Only God could work out a convergence like that! How God weaves things together – is constantly weaving things together – is so utterly amazing to me. It is beautiful. It is a fulfillment of His promises.
Reading His promise in Ephesians 3:20-21, I have to wonder what more He will reveal. His plans are so beyond my ability to imagine; so it is likely I will truly be surprised – as I have been virtually every day since I started following Christ. So suddenly, my wildest dream doesn’t seem so irrational or inconceivable. Suddenly, it is not only possible but only part of the possibilities. God promises to do so much more than we can even imagine. What will He do next?
My last day on Gateway staff will be March 15th. After 2.5 years serving with Gateway missions/Mobilization, I will let go and move into a new phase in my life. This year on staff in Mobilization has probably impacted me more than most other years in my life. I will never forget the journey and will greatly miss the team and staff that I love working with. But I am so excited for this next chapter... God is leading me to really focus on a ministry dedicated to assisting, supporting, encouraging and sharing God's love and purposes with refugees.
After a very important meeting last week that helped me to take this step, I had the opportunity to meditate on a verse and journal. I was able to really sit in the knowledge that God is actively at work. Here's what He revealed:
Ephesians 3:20-21 MSG: God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us.
My journal entry....
More than I could imagine:
I never knew I would have a heart for refugees. Until a year and a half ago, I did not even know what a refugee was. And, truly, I didn’t know you could unconditionally love someone you didn’t even know or feel joy just by being around them and hearing them speak to others in their language. I did not know I could have a passion for a people group that is truly intoxicating.
I didn’t know a year ago that I could shepherd people. I didn’t know that I’d like being on stage or teaching. I didn’t know that I could share my passion in a way that motivates others. If I had not trusted and taken the job at Gateway, even though it didn’t quite seem to align with this long-term vision of ministry work I sensed God calling me to, I would not have learned these things. The path is not always clear, but in our taking the next step – one step at a time – God reveals as much as we need to know.
That God can provide everything that is needed – that is truly something to see play out. I didn’t know how reliant I am on Him, but I am soon to find out as I step outside the bounds of a typical job with a set income. For so long, I did not know the adventure of following God that I now can attest to. Trusting the whisper, the sign, the Word, the input shared by a trusted friend. Seeking discernment and trusting that quiet voice. Knowing that you know what you know – even when it seems completely illogical. “…His Spirit deeply and gently within us.”
A friend who is developing a non-profit to work with refugees recently shared that organization’s 1-, 3-, and 5-year plans. I was shocked; not because they were so ambitious. In fact, she said, “maybe this sounds unrealistic” as she told me the 5-year plan, but I did not think so. No, I’m coming to realize that truly anything is possible. If God puts it on your heart, He’ll lead the way. But what shocked me, as I showed her a piece of paper that contained the 1-, 3-, and 5-year plan God had shared with me a few months ago, was that their plan for working with refugees was almost identical to that one that God had put on my heart. She and I had never talked about the majority of these goals prior to that evening. Only God could work out a convergence like that! How God weaves things together – is constantly weaving things together – is so utterly amazing to me. It is beautiful. It is a fulfillment of His promises.
Reading His promise in Ephesians 3:20-21, I have to wonder what more He will reveal. His plans are so beyond my ability to imagine; so it is likely I will truly be surprised – as I have been virtually every day since I started following Christ. So suddenly, my wildest dream doesn’t seem so irrational or inconceivable. Suddenly, it is not only possible but only part of the possibilities. God promises to do so much more than we can even imagine. What will He do next?
Saturday, December 6, 2008
The Important Stuff
I was starting to feel pressure because I haven’t written in the blog for a week. I know all my adoring fans are anxiously awaiting my next entry (all 3 of you – your support is tremendously appreciated!). And so much has happened this week. Each experience would have made a great entry. But the truth is, there wasn’t time to both experience the relationships and events of this week and write about them. So, hopefully, I chose the important stuff. See what you think…
Last Saturday we spent the day as a family playing games until James had to go to school to work on the show. That evening Josh, John and I just hung out – no agenda, no events.
Sunday we launched the Global Gift Fair at Gateway. An event that supports crafts people in under-resourced countries as well as our partners in the Dominican Republic and Zambia while also sharing information with Gatewayers about needs around the globe and giving them an opportunity to purchase gifts or make donations that benefit these under-resourced areas. I helped Anne set up and oversee the event, shared information with a lot of folks, and got to see many happy faces as people found “just the right gift” for someone they loved. Then I got to go home and watch the Steelers kick the Patriots’ butt!
On Monday I was blessed to see a friend who I have not seen in a year. Her life is a testament to the power of prayer and her faith in God as our loving Father. She is battling several serious illnesses, not the least of which is leukemia. Her story of how God has saved her life time and time again and how even when she wants to give up she knows that if she is still here He must have a purpose for her was humbling and inspiring! Would I have that much faith and courage if I faced what she is facing? We prayed together and ate together and exchanged gifts. It was such a lovely time.
Tuesday I learned a lot about leadership and team work as I sat with the directional team at Gateway in our morning meeting. In staff meeting I was convicted (as I would be many times last week), that I was not spending enough time in prayer, alone and with others. I also shared the challenges I’ve been facing with fibromyalgia with the staff. The support that was shown to me by many was really encouraging. I absolutely love the people I work with!
Wednesday started really early for me – 5:45 am! Some of you are laughing at the thought that I’d actually even get up that early. But it was sooo worth it. I had the privilege of taking Miriam and her mom, Jamilah, to her middle school for breakfast where we celebrated outstanding students, including Miriam, who were being nominated that morning. I met Miriam’s teacher, Kathleen, who had nominated her for the award, which recognizes not just academic success but focuses on exemplary citizenship. Kathleen has Miriam for ESL class 3 hours each day. She bragged on Miriam, who in returned blushed but also beamed. Afterwards, Jamilah and I found our way to Abdallah’s school (he’s the boy I talked about in my last entry) to drop him off because he’d missed his bus. It was sooo wonderful that when we turned the corner and Abdallah saw his school, he started excitedly repeating “my school, my school”. The fuss over not wanted to go to school that morning immediately forgotten as he led us through the halls to his classroom.
Thursday is my official favorite day of the week! Yes, driving class! I have to admit, I was tired by Thursday night as it is the last day of my work week. But I knew I would not regret getting out to driving class. So, I coaxed myself out the door, drove to class and felt immediately alive as I walked through the door and saw Gabrielle – the dad of the Burundian family Gateway helped to resettle last year. There he stood in his cowboy hat (see photo)! He is such a clown – I just love it. I got to be his tutor and it was a blast. What was really amazing to me though was getting to talk to him. When the team and I met him and his family at the airport last September, we could only communicate with smiles and through an interpreter. For the first time on Thursday, I was having conversations with Gabrielle (his English is really coming along) and I seriously kept tearing up. It is soooo amazing to me how God uses us to truly impact the lives of others. Gabrielle and his family are in the US after nearly 30 years in refugee camps because of the commitment, generosity and love of many Gatewayers. To see Gabrielle beginning to learn the skills he needs to “succeed” in the US and know that he and his family will therefore be ok, was such a blessing! To hear him say as he has from day one: “no English, no life” and see that he is committing himself to that belief was really amazing. He works many, many hours of hard labor each week and still comes out to class 4 nights a week. No English, no new job, no life is what he now says. And he is committed to doing what it takes to make sure he and his family make it!
Friday Josh, John, Bill, MaryKay and I all went to see James in his play, JB. Since starting at MacCallum last year, James has been behind the scenes as he is a technical theater major. But last night he had two roles in the play. The main role was quite interesting… a fire and brimstone pastor in the WWII era. And he played it fabulously! He does not get home from rehearsal until 10pm most nights and still has to do homework. On weekends, most of his afternoon and evening is also at the theater, yet he has never given me a hard time about doing his chores. I am so impressed with him and his commitment to doing what it takes to achieve his goals as well.
Seems that a theme is emerging here, doesn’t it?
So I guess it is only fair that I close with mention of Josh. Today, I had the pleasure of helping him with his science report. He was so humble as I made suggestions and he taught me a lot as he shared the report with me. He spent several hours finishing his research today (after several weeks of research and conducting an experiment). I spent maybe 2 hours helping him type it up. Without solicitation he thanked me for helping him in such a genuine way it brought tears to my eyes. His heart is so special and I love getting to spend time with him and witness that.
Not a bad week, huh? I feel like I got this one right… spent time on relationships and was able to learn from so many people. A week like this gives me such encouragement about myself, others and the world. I pray that your week will be equally blessed!
Last Saturday we spent the day as a family playing games until James had to go to school to work on the show. That evening Josh, John and I just hung out – no agenda, no events.
Sunday we launched the Global Gift Fair at Gateway. An event that supports crafts people in under-resourced countries as well as our partners in the Dominican Republic and Zambia while also sharing information with Gatewayers about needs around the globe and giving them an opportunity to purchase gifts or make donations that benefit these under-resourced areas. I helped Anne set up and oversee the event, shared information with a lot of folks, and got to see many happy faces as people found “just the right gift” for someone they loved. Then I got to go home and watch the Steelers kick the Patriots’ butt!
On Monday I was blessed to see a friend who I have not seen in a year. Her life is a testament to the power of prayer and her faith in God as our loving Father. She is battling several serious illnesses, not the least of which is leukemia. Her story of how God has saved her life time and time again and how even when she wants to give up she knows that if she is still here He must have a purpose for her was humbling and inspiring! Would I have that much faith and courage if I faced what she is facing? We prayed together and ate together and exchanged gifts. It was such a lovely time.
Tuesday I learned a lot about leadership and team work as I sat with the directional team at Gateway in our morning meeting. In staff meeting I was convicted (as I would be many times last week), that I was not spending enough time in prayer, alone and with others. I also shared the challenges I’ve been facing with fibromyalgia with the staff. The support that was shown to me by many was really encouraging. I absolutely love the people I work with!
Wednesday started really early for me – 5:45 am! Some of you are laughing at the thought that I’d actually even get up that early. But it was sooo worth it. I had the privilege of taking Miriam and her mom, Jamilah, to her middle school for breakfast where we celebrated outstanding students, including Miriam, who were being nominated that morning. I met Miriam’s teacher, Kathleen, who had nominated her for the award, which recognizes not just academic success but focuses on exemplary citizenship. Kathleen has Miriam for ESL class 3 hours each day. She bragged on Miriam, who in returned blushed but also beamed. Afterwards, Jamilah and I found our way to Abdallah’s school (he’s the boy I talked about in my last entry) to drop him off because he’d missed his bus. It was sooo wonderful that when we turned the corner and Abdallah saw his school, he started excitedly repeating “my school, my school”. The fuss over not wanted to go to school that morning immediately forgotten as he led us through the halls to his classroom.
Thursday is my official favorite day of the week! Yes, driving class! I have to admit, I was tired by Thursday night as it is the last day of my work week. But I knew I would not regret getting out to driving class. So, I coaxed myself out the door, drove to class and felt immediately alive as I walked through the door and saw Gabrielle – the dad of the Burundian family Gateway helped to resettle last year. There he stood in his cowboy hat (see photo)! He is such a clown – I just love it. I got to be his tutor and it was a blast. What was really amazing to me though was getting to talk to him. When the team and I met him and his family at the airport last September, we could only communicate with smiles and through an interpreter. For the first time on Thursday, I was having conversations with Gabrielle (his English is really coming along) and I seriously kept tearing up. It is soooo amazing to me how God uses us to truly impact the lives of others. Gabrielle and his family are in the US after nearly 30 years in refugee camps because of the commitment, generosity and love of many Gatewayers. To see Gabrielle beginning to learn the skills he needs to “succeed” in the US and know that he and his family will therefore be ok, was such a blessing! To hear him say as he has from day one: “no English, no life” and see that he is committing himself to that belief was really amazing. He works many, many hours of hard labor each week and still comes out to class 4 nights a week. No English, no new job, no life is what he now says. And he is committed to doing what it takes to make sure he and his family make it!
Friday Josh, John, Bill, MaryKay and I all went to see James in his play, JB. Since starting at MacCallum last year, James has been behind the scenes as he is a technical theater major. But last night he had two roles in the play. The main role was quite interesting… a fire and brimstone pastor in the WWII era. And he played it fabulously! He does not get home from rehearsal until 10pm most nights and still has to do homework. On weekends, most of his afternoon and evening is also at the theater, yet he has never given me a hard time about doing his chores. I am so impressed with him and his commitment to doing what it takes to achieve his goals as well.
Seems that a theme is emerging here, doesn’t it?
So I guess it is only fair that I close with mention of Josh. Today, I had the pleasure of helping him with his science report. He was so humble as I made suggestions and he taught me a lot as he shared the report with me. He spent several hours finishing his research today (after several weeks of research and conducting an experiment). I spent maybe 2 hours helping him type it up. Without solicitation he thanked me for helping him in such a genuine way it brought tears to my eyes. His heart is so special and I love getting to spend time with him and witness that.
Not a bad week, huh? I feel like I got this one right… spent time on relationships and was able to learn from so many people. A week like this gives me such encouragement about myself, others and the world. I pray that your week will be equally blessed!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Just a Fish?
As I stare at the orange fish, I realize its significance. The two fish"isms" that come quickly to mind are the fish that symbolizes "I'm a follower of the Fisher of Men/Christ" and the belief that "if you give a man a fish he eats for a day, but if you teach him to fish he eats for a lifetime". I'm struck by how profoundly these two fishisms and my orange fish connect. . .
On Monday afternoon I had the joy of spending time with the Somali/Yemen refugee family Gateway is helping to resettle here in Austin. This was the first of our Monday tutoring sessions where I am supposed to help them learn English. But so much more took place there.
First, I have to admit I was nervous and would not go unless I had a partner -- Ericka. I just couldn't figure out how I was going to help this family learn English when I can't speak Arabic. Going to the driving class (see previous post) last week helped. But still, I wanted someone English speaking with me to help me muddle through. And Ericka did some tutoring with the Burundi family we resettled last year.
Anyhow, my perception that we'd just stare at each other was completely wrong. This family is soooo lovely. They wanted us to feel at home. Miriam, the 13 year old daughter, brought us each a glass of diet soda. Jamilah, the mom, made sure we were comfortable at the table. Abdulah, the 8 year old son, was at first shy and standoffish.
As we went through the lesson (a worksheet with words for clothing that I was able to create using an online tool -- very cool!) it became obvious that Miriam is doing quite well learning English. She is a really smart girl already getting 95s on her math papers and being honored for her good work during the first part of the year (have I mentioned they only arrived in the US in September?!) with other students at a breakfast next week! And her smile can light up a room. I can't tell you how much I came to adore her in just an hour. I will get the privilege of taking her and her mom to the breakfast she'll be honored at next week and I am already really excited.
Also, as we went through the lesson Abdulah began to get interested. At first shyly staying by his mom's side, he worked on his own worksheet and smiled as we complimented his work. When Jamilah got up to get us tea and dates (did I mention how wonderfully hospitable she is?), Abdulah began to get more comfortable with us. But what really did it was when Ericka showed him the photo on her cell phone of her dog, Jacko. Abdulah really like that. And, of course, I couldn't let my kitties get dissed, so I took out my phone and showed Abdulah Gizmo (my boy cat). Turns out, Abdulah LOVES cats! He got very excited, took the phone from my hand and showed it to his mom. Then I showed him the photo of my girl cat and he anxiously asked her name and shared that with his mom. He was beaming.
What I didn't realize was that as Ericka and I enjoyed tea and dates with Jamilah and Miriam, Abdulah still had my phone! Suddenly, I became aware of the sound of the camera function repeatedly resounding down the hall. The entire table erupted into laughter as all saw the surprise on my face... turns out Abdulah took 30 photos in about 3 minutes! It actually became quite fun and educational as we looked at the photos together and he told me, in English, what each was.
It was curious to see what Abdulah was taking photos of -- things. His closet, dresser, window, mom's bed, sister's bed, ceiling light, and this orange thing that I could not distinguish. They started saying "fish" but I could not figure out how this orange blur on my phone was a fish and was also wondering "do they have a fish?" Abdulah ran off to his room and quickly returned, face beaming, with a 2" orange fish (stuffed animal). I laughed and we moved on to other things.
A short while later it was time for Ericka and I to leave. We shared big hugs with each family member --already looking forward to our next visit. Then Abdulah handed me the fish. At first I didn't understand, but he and Jamilah made it clear that Abdulah was gifting this to me. It was such a shock. I had brought some props over for our lesson and this shoe key chain had been a big hit, so I tried to offer it to Abdulah in "exchange" for the fish. But he wouldn't take it. He wanted me to receive the gift.
I may not be able to fully express why this was such a poignant moment for me. But I will say that when I brought the props over to the apartment that evening I assumed, having worked with a variety of children, in the US and abroad, of various backgrounds and ethnicities and social classes, that the kids would try to keep something or make it clear they'd really like to have something I brought -- I'd actually picked things that I intended to leave or give as rewards or let them have if they asked. But as we were going through the exercise I just didn't feel it was necessary. There wasn't a single insinuation that they thought they should or would get to keep any of it. Then Abdulah gives me a gift. A young man who came to the US only 8 weeks ago with only a small suitcase to his name. And he gave to me something of his.
The beauty of that fish is a powerful representation of the intersecting of the two other fish'isms I referenced at the start. Christ died so that we would receive the gift of life -- He gave His life for ours -- He was a fisher of men. No one was out of his reach or beneath him or beyond him. He calls us to be fishers of men. He also calls us to teach men to fish -- throughout the bible we are called to care for the least of these and provide for their needs. And, we are called to be teachers as well as preachers.
That orange fish represents the work that is happening through Christ followers as they fish for men and teach those men to fish. I believe this because I have seen the beauty of the resettlement team at Gateway. Their hearts for serving refugee families and becoming their friends are just so beautiful! It is through this that they build relationships that enable them to be fishers of men while they teach men to fish. And the result is an amazing connection to people of different backgrounds, faith, ethnicity and life experience.
But my experience with the orange fish is also a reminder to go humbly and without expectation and ALWAYS willing to learn. Because, Abdulah is a little Muslim boy who doesn't care that we have different beliefs or how much money we have or what our approach to ministry is. He just loves cats, gives great hugs and has a huge heart. Wouldn't it be great if as we fish for men and teach them to fish, we have a bit of Abdulah in us -- that we serve willing to give something that we value just to show our love for someone else?
On Monday afternoon I had the joy of spending time with the Somali/Yemen refugee family Gateway is helping to resettle here in Austin. This was the first of our Monday tutoring sessions where I am supposed to help them learn English. But so much more took place there.
First, I have to admit I was nervous and would not go unless I had a partner -- Ericka. I just couldn't figure out how I was going to help this family learn English when I can't speak Arabic. Going to the driving class (see previous post) last week helped. But still, I wanted someone English speaking with me to help me muddle through. And Ericka did some tutoring with the Burundi family we resettled last year.
Anyhow, my perception that we'd just stare at each other was completely wrong. This family is soooo lovely. They wanted us to feel at home. Miriam, the 13 year old daughter, brought us each a glass of diet soda. Jamilah, the mom, made sure we were comfortable at the table. Abdulah, the 8 year old son, was at first shy and standoffish.
As we went through the lesson (a worksheet with words for clothing that I was able to create using an online tool -- very cool!) it became obvious that Miriam is doing quite well learning English. She is a really smart girl already getting 95s on her math papers and being honored for her good work during the first part of the year (have I mentioned they only arrived in the US in September?!) with other students at a breakfast next week! And her smile can light up a room. I can't tell you how much I came to adore her in just an hour. I will get the privilege of taking her and her mom to the breakfast she'll be honored at next week and I am already really excited.
Also, as we went through the lesson Abdulah began to get interested. At first shyly staying by his mom's side, he worked on his own worksheet and smiled as we complimented his work. When Jamilah got up to get us tea and dates (did I mention how wonderfully hospitable she is?), Abdulah began to get more comfortable with us. But what really did it was when Ericka showed him the photo on her cell phone of her dog, Jacko. Abdulah really like that. And, of course, I couldn't let my kitties get dissed, so I took out my phone and showed Abdulah Gizmo (my boy cat). Turns out, Abdulah LOVES cats! He got very excited, took the phone from my hand and showed it to his mom. Then I showed him the photo of my girl cat and he anxiously asked her name and shared that with his mom. He was beaming.
What I didn't realize was that as Ericka and I enjoyed tea and dates with Jamilah and Miriam, Abdulah still had my phone! Suddenly, I became aware of the sound of the camera function repeatedly resounding down the hall. The entire table erupted into laughter as all saw the surprise on my face... turns out Abdulah took 30 photos in about 3 minutes! It actually became quite fun and educational as we looked at the photos together and he told me, in English, what each was.
It was curious to see what Abdulah was taking photos of -- things. His closet, dresser, window, mom's bed, sister's bed, ceiling light, and this orange thing that I could not distinguish. They started saying "fish" but I could not figure out how this orange blur on my phone was a fish and was also wondering "do they have a fish?" Abdulah ran off to his room and quickly returned, face beaming, with a 2" orange fish (stuffed animal). I laughed and we moved on to other things.
A short while later it was time for Ericka and I to leave. We shared big hugs with each family member --already looking forward to our next visit. Then Abdulah handed me the fish. At first I didn't understand, but he and Jamilah made it clear that Abdulah was gifting this to me. It was such a shock. I had brought some props over for our lesson and this shoe key chain had been a big hit, so I tried to offer it to Abdulah in "exchange" for the fish. But he wouldn't take it. He wanted me to receive the gift.
I may not be able to fully express why this was such a poignant moment for me. But I will say that when I brought the props over to the apartment that evening I assumed, having worked with a variety of children, in the US and abroad, of various backgrounds and ethnicities and social classes, that the kids would try to keep something or make it clear they'd really like to have something I brought -- I'd actually picked things that I intended to leave or give as rewards or let them have if they asked. But as we were going through the exercise I just didn't feel it was necessary. There wasn't a single insinuation that they thought they should or would get to keep any of it. Then Abdulah gives me a gift. A young man who came to the US only 8 weeks ago with only a small suitcase to his name. And he gave to me something of his.
The beauty of that fish is a powerful representation of the intersecting of the two other fish'isms I referenced at the start. Christ died so that we would receive the gift of life -- He gave His life for ours -- He was a fisher of men. No one was out of his reach or beneath him or beyond him. He calls us to be fishers of men. He also calls us to teach men to fish -- throughout the bible we are called to care for the least of these and provide for their needs. And, we are called to be teachers as well as preachers.
That orange fish represents the work that is happening through Christ followers as they fish for men and teach those men to fish. I believe this because I have seen the beauty of the resettlement team at Gateway. Their hearts for serving refugee families and becoming their friends are just so beautiful! It is through this that they build relationships that enable them to be fishers of men while they teach men to fish. And the result is an amazing connection to people of different backgrounds, faith, ethnicity and life experience.
But my experience with the orange fish is also a reminder to go humbly and without expectation and ALWAYS willing to learn. Because, Abdulah is a little Muslim boy who doesn't care that we have different beliefs or how much money we have or what our approach to ministry is. He just loves cats, gives great hugs and has a huge heart. Wouldn't it be great if as we fish for men and teach them to fish, we have a bit of Abdulah in us -- that we serve willing to give something that we value just to show our love for someone else?
Friday, November 21, 2008
Driving Class
I have known that God has given me a passion me to work with refugees for over a year now. Yet most of the work I do at Gateway does not relate to refugees and, even in the areas that do relate to refugees, I don't tend to work directly with refugees.... mostly my focus is on the programs and teams that work with them. So, lately I have begun to make efforts to find ways to work directly with refugees and it is amazing to see how that impacts me. Truly, after spending time interacting with folks in the refugee community I am literally giddy! It is sooo funny to see myself like that and to wonder why God wired a middle-class white girl from NY who didn't even know what a refugee was until 20 months ago to have a deep and driving passion to interact with refugees and to see their world transformed through social justice and the love of Christ. But He did and I trust his plans!
So, last night I got to participate in a driving class for refugees that a friend teaches. Don't worry, we don't get behind the wheel (and for those who've driven with this NY chick you probably are thinking I should not be giving anyone driving lessons!). It is all classroom teaching to prepare them for the permit exam. I learned two things:
1. our driving exam is stupid
2. trying to communicate English terms to someone with a limited understanding of English is actually fun if we both are humble about it
So, I had the joy of sitting between a man from Iraq and a young woman from the Congo. There I was with my English vocabulary and not a word of Arabic or Swahili under my belt. However, God blessed me, as this was my first experience in the class, that both of these folks have a fairly good understanding of English. But even so, how do you describe what a curb is to someone whose roads are dirt and without sidewalks?! Or how do you explain why... yes... here it is... the ultimate in stupid English language... why do we park in a driveway and drive on a parkway! That one was fun to try to explain to the very educated Iraqi man, Samah, who has a degree in electromechanical engineering. He was actually almost too smart to understand because the concept is truly stupid...park in a driveway and drive in a parkway.... what are we thinking?! And then we had to explain things like DWI and DUI as they are on the driving test. How do you explain what a crosswalk is and what a deer crossing is? Sounds like one is a lane for people and one for deer, right? How about "down pour" ... can't we just say rain? By the time we finished just reviewing the A-G driving test vocabulary words, I was really surprised that our American high school students are able to pass!!
But truly, it was such a blast. Samah and I laughed a lot as we tried to figure out how to define these English terms ... me speaking too fast and with a bit of NY still in my accent.... he relying on engineering terms that are logical to explain driving terms that really are not.
When the class was through, I headed over to watch football with my husband and some friends. It was hard at first to even focus on the game. I was just about jumping out of my seat because I was so happy. I had had such a wonderful evening. So, what is it that gets me all giddy like that? I think it is being in a room with such a variety of people... different languages, different skin tones, different life experiences, all working together, laughing, trying to understand each other, trying to teach each other... to me it is a little picture of heaven. God is so creative and I see that so clearly in multi-cultural environments... it truly is beautiful!
So, last night I got to participate in a driving class for refugees that a friend teaches. Don't worry, we don't get behind the wheel (and for those who've driven with this NY chick you probably are thinking I should not be giving anyone driving lessons!). It is all classroom teaching to prepare them for the permit exam. I learned two things:
1. our driving exam is stupid
2. trying to communicate English terms to someone with a limited understanding of English is actually fun if we both are humble about it
So, I had the joy of sitting between a man from Iraq and a young woman from the Congo. There I was with my English vocabulary and not a word of Arabic or Swahili under my belt. However, God blessed me, as this was my first experience in the class, that both of these folks have a fairly good understanding of English. But even so, how do you describe what a curb is to someone whose roads are dirt and without sidewalks?! Or how do you explain why... yes... here it is... the ultimate in stupid English language... why do we park in a driveway and drive on a parkway! That one was fun to try to explain to the very educated Iraqi man, Samah, who has a degree in electromechanical engineering. He was actually almost too smart to understand because the concept is truly stupid...park in a driveway and drive in a parkway.... what are we thinking?! And then we had to explain things like DWI and DUI as they are on the driving test. How do you explain what a crosswalk is and what a deer crossing is? Sounds like one is a lane for people and one for deer, right? How about "down pour" ... can't we just say rain? By the time we finished just reviewing the A-G driving test vocabulary words, I was really surprised that our American high school students are able to pass!!
But truly, it was such a blast. Samah and I laughed a lot as we tried to figure out how to define these English terms ... me speaking too fast and with a bit of NY still in my accent.... he relying on engineering terms that are logical to explain driving terms that really are not.
When the class was through, I headed over to watch football with my husband and some friends. It was hard at first to even focus on the game. I was just about jumping out of my seat because I was so happy. I had had such a wonderful evening. So, what is it that gets me all giddy like that? I think it is being in a room with such a variety of people... different languages, different skin tones, different life experiences, all working together, laughing, trying to understand each other, trying to teach each other... to me it is a little picture of heaven. God is so creative and I see that so clearly in multi-cultural environments... it truly is beautiful!
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