January 29, 2010 @ 2:20 am
She Speaks, She Lives
English Skills Learning Center, Salt Lake City, UT (4)
I met a woman today. She is from Burma. She has three children and until six months ago she lived in a Refugee camp in Thailand. She had been there for ten years. She is now living in Salt Lake City with her family, aspiring to learn our language with the hope of one day attending college. I watched as she tried so very hard to communicate with us all. Her smile, her uncertainty, the way she looked into her child’s eyes made me hold so tightly to the world in which I live; a world that seems quite simple and easy in comparison. I knew my day would bring a feeling of completion, but to what extent, I could have never imagined.
After my quick look at the ESL Center and various introductions I made myself right at home. The organizing, filing, taking inventory of the grammer books was right up my alley, and I was having a blast. I talked with the girls, ate a donut or two and was so enjoying the “office” atmosphere once again. Shortly after lunch however I would be observing an English Class at the Center. I listened to the students as they talked about their homes, their jobs and who they were and what they had become. It’s indescribable; the amount of courage these people have, to begin their lives with nothing of their past, to learn to speak words that, at first, have no meaning, in a land where nothing is the same and everything is new. I loved listening to one man hear the difference between the sound of the “ch” in “catcher” and “sh” in “cashier.” I also loved the way his hands began to represent his thoughts. The power, the desire he held in his hands was something to be admired. He was certain his point would be received.
After sometime in the classroom I excused myself as earlier in the day, Rachel, the Program Coordinator, asked if I wanted to join her as she introduced one of the newer refugees to the volunteer who would be teaching her English. I was so intrigued, but as we walked up the building steps I was uncertain as to what was in store.
As the door opened, I met the woman about whom I was speaking earlier. She welcomed me into her home and offered me a chair. She rocked her baby girl as she fell deep in sleep and she looked to the floor as she answered questions of her past. She was once a teacher of mathematics, now she would be taught. She would make a new home, with her husband, for her children.
As we were seconds from leaving, Rachel took a quick photo of this woman with her teacher. As she placed her arms around her instructor I turned to catch my breath. That this woman was capable of showing such love despite the tragedies she has known was simply, amazing.
The men and women I met today forced me to see a different side of the life I have known. They made me realize that they love my country sometimes more than I do. They made me understand that they’re working harder to be a part of my country than I had to. They forced me to be thankful for the opportunities I have been handed and to realize that it’s my responsibility to recognize those opportunities with acceptance and generosity.
I was somewhat hesitant in visiting Salt Lake City. I knew right away that the people would be fantastic but the area was unfamiliar, the lifestyle, different. After my time in the city however, I am certain that should the opportunity arise, I will visit again someday. This beautiful state introduced me to a feeling of happiness despite the ugliness in this world. It showed me that above all, compassion is most necessary, and it truly proved that knowledge and the desire to learn empowers us to be bold, determined and courageous.
Note: Thanks to Beth for the opportunity, Rachel for the experience and Sarah for our chats
January 26, 2010 @ 1:44 am
Yaytah! Just kidding, it’s Utah!
I’ve just arrived at my hotel after completing my first flight of my “48 States of Purpose” journey. Although I’ve seen quite a few airports and complained of these issues in the past, now, due to my having the forum to express my random opinions, I’ll give you a taste of my suggestions for perfect airport facilities.
I’ve discovered that as rates increase for checked luggage, everyone flying is thinking the exact same thing I am-carry on your bags. So in order to make things easier for me, the customer, a quick tip or two for those aspiring to be airport restroom architects:
1) It’s simple- The stalls need to be bigger. You see when I go into the stall with my laptop bag and my small luggage piece, it’s kind of hard for me to do anything but stand, therefore making the purpose of the bathroom, nada! I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one thinking this. It’s not good and I know it’s possible to make these things a little wider! ‘Nuff said.
2) What is this obsession with the power flushing? I mean I understand the concept of getting everything all gone in one fell swoop (no pun intended) but seriously, calm it down. I mean I know this is really too much information but it seems more water ends up on me than down the pipe! Stop with the crazy flushing!
I know, I should stick to my charities but I had to speak my mind on this one!
Anyhow, so the day is done, Utah is but a window away and tomorrow will bring forth my next adventure!