Many of you have heard me at least talk about this girl that I am traveling with. In Asia she has taken on the moniker, Emma, which I am still getting used to. Her quick background is that she grew up in Denver and went to Baylor in 2000 I believe. From there she left for Nepal for 3 months, which has now stretched out to a strong 3 years. Fair enough, it happens to the best of us. Her resume to the best of my knowledge and memory is as follows:
-working in the red light district of Bangkok, while living with prostitutes
-becoming the surrogate mother of 6 Nepalese street kid thugs, arranging every aspect of their new lives including their home, finances, and education
-earning a master's degree in international development
-becoming involved in the politics of the most oppressive country and situation in our world today including protesting and increasing awareness, which is what her goal is today
As you can see, her impact reaches all realms. However, last night at a coffee shop she said, "No matter what you do on this earth, it still doesn't matter because if you don't do it, somebody else will, and this earth is only temporary." That could almost make her sound flippant until you hear her reflect on a prayer session that she attended regarding that aforementioned political situation, "For 6 hours they prayed and talked about the situation, but not once did they say what action we should take." This really annoyed her. She hates it when people hear and then turn a deaf ear to pretend that they didn't. She hates it when people "feel compassion" but follow with zero action, and do nothing about what they have heard or seen. -I think a man once talked about some people who saw a person in need and just crossed to the other side of the road.- While over here, she is clear that she is not trying to convert anyone, but rather is trying to merely live out the gospel. She is currently working on writing a book to increase awareness of this political situation, which she has covered strong ground work by interviewing people directly involved.
With her I am reminded of a story about a guy who visited his friend late at night because an unexpected traveling guest showed up on his doorstep, and he had no bread for him. His friend was in bed, and did not want to get up, and would not have gotten up merely because it was his friend that was asking. But, since his friend was insistent and continuing to ask, he did get up and get him the bread. Persistence goes a long way, and she seems to know this.
To say that her way of life is challenging to me and surely others is an understatement.
And, she's going to hate that I posted this.
What I like least about her is how fast she likes to walk.
-working in the red light district of Bangkok, while living with prostitutes
-becoming the surrogate mother of 6 Nepalese street kid thugs, arranging every aspect of their new lives including their home, finances, and education
-earning a master's degree in international development
-becoming involved in the politics of the most oppressive country and situation in our world today including protesting and increasing awareness, which is what her goal is today
As you can see, her impact reaches all realms. However, last night at a coffee shop she said, "No matter what you do on this earth, it still doesn't matter because if you don't do it, somebody else will, and this earth is only temporary." That could almost make her sound flippant until you hear her reflect on a prayer session that she attended regarding that aforementioned political situation, "For 6 hours they prayed and talked about the situation, but not once did they say what action we should take." This really annoyed her. She hates it when people hear and then turn a deaf ear to pretend that they didn't. She hates it when people "feel compassion" but follow with zero action, and do nothing about what they have heard or seen. -I think a man once talked about some people who saw a person in need and just crossed to the other side of the road.- While over here, she is clear that she is not trying to convert anyone, but rather is trying to merely live out the gospel. She is currently working on writing a book to increase awareness of this political situation, which she has covered strong ground work by interviewing people directly involved.
With her I am reminded of a story about a guy who visited his friend late at night because an unexpected traveling guest showed up on his doorstep, and he had no bread for him. His friend was in bed, and did not want to get up, and would not have gotten up merely because it was his friend that was asking. But, since his friend was insistent and continuing to ask, he did get up and get him the bread. Persistence goes a long way, and she seems to know this.
To say that her way of life is challenging to me and surely others is an understatement.
And, she's going to hate that I posted this.
What I like least about her is how fast she likes to walk.
2 comments:
um. yup. you are right. she hates it. but you know, you wrote that about a month ago... ha. your feelings may have changed since then... i.e. the thing you hate most about me now is that i am a bit demanding ;)....
J, I think she walks too fast too! especially when you're not used to the heat like she is! i wish i could be there with you guys...
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