True confessions: I'm selfish. In fact, the longer I'm here, the more I realize that MANY Americans are selfish. Heidi, another volunteer, and I had a long, in-depth conversation about this yesterday afternoon.
Heidi, along with 9 other volunteers, is leaving this weekend. She had the privilege of visiting a local village yesterday and donating the majority of her clothes to a sweet woman there. Heidi was floored by the gratefulness and kindness that this woman showed towards her despite the fact that she literally has next to nothing. Why is it that Heidi felt like she received more when she was giving nearly everything that she brought with her away? Perhaps the better question: why is it that the gift of giving is so much more humbling and rewarding here than it is in the U.S.?
We've developed this theory. In the U.S., many people have expectations which, whether we realize it or like it, causes our lives to revolve around money, greed, and selfishness. We expect gifts, favors, and kind gestures. When we don't receive them, many people get disappointed, upset, or angry. Here, Fijians are happy to just live and to love. Because so many people don't have money or resources, these expectations haven't necessarily been developed yet. Then, when they do offer you a compliment, a cup of tea, or some hospitality, you see the huge sacrifice that is being made for such a simple offer. That makes it even more worthwhile and meaningful.
Heidi's cab driver explained the Fijian mindset to her perfectly. "If I can offer you one piece of advice," he said, "it's to just love each other. Everything else will fall into place if you just love!"
Wouldn't it be nice to live in a world where we realize that this is the key to happiness? That money, selfishness, greed, and expectations aren't necessary because others, out of the goodness of their hearts, will show you kindness, favors, and gratitude through their love?
If nothing else, I feel like I will come back a changed person because, for several weeks, I've lived in the day-to-day mindset of Fijians and their simple mindset to "just love." I hope that I can show and exemplify this love to others, not just to those that I know, but to strangers, as well. Perhaps then, a chain reaction of love will begin. I challenge you to try it and to see what happens!
... In other news, I've successfully completed Teacher Training Workshop #2. I received wonderful reviews from the participants and had several volunteers help me and/or come watch. My personal favorite comment was from Brittany, one of my country directors. "Watching you was like watching an animal in its natural habitat!"
Thank you, Brittany... I think?
Until next time... JUST LOVE!
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