Concern over global economy

When I read articles like this I think, "perhaps our expectation of constant growth is unrealistic."

What would happen if our leaders adjusted their expectations of growth and made decisions grounded in reality? What if...

IMF's Lagarde voices concern over global economy
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSBRE86505J20120706

quotable quotes: happy endings

unconventional life

Some of my family members recently came for a visit. This was a BIG deal as getting here from there is time consuming and expensive. Also, they would be our first out-of-state guests to stay in our home. As I prepared for their visit I realized how "unconventional" our lives are.

I was thinking of what will make their visit most comfortable and how we would spend our time. I planned some fun things, then tried to imagine relaxing time in our home. We only had one bed, a limited number of chairs (not enough for all guests), no coffee maker, and most importantly - no television. That one was the kicker. What does the typical American do at the end of a busy day? Come home, kick off their shoes, and turn on the TV. 

The visit was motivation to remedy some of this. I bought a bed and some dining chairs. I borrowed a coffee maker and an additional air mattress. However, the status of a working television in our home isn't changing any time soon. I had a few realizations during the visit related to this status.

While at lunch with my friend Angela, we were talking about the William's family fun nights of old - when I would come over weekly for Chinese food and an American Idol watch party. My (now grown) godson Paul said, "I was surprised anyone lived without TV." I still do, Paul, I still do. While at certain points in life the absence of television was a matter of circumstance...it has become a matter of choice.

My brother, unknowingly, mentioned the benefits of the absence of television during the visit. When home, we spent the time together hanging out. Or as he said, he would probably be more productive or get more sleep without a television. I have found both to be true in my life as a result of losing a TV. I fill my time with reading, volunteering or other projects around the house. I go to bed around the same time and pop up ready to go early in the morning, rather than staring mindlessly at a show until the wee hours and feeling unrested in the AM.

Sure, there are some consequences to not having a TV - when there is something I want to watch, such as NBA finals, it takes some effort to make that a reality. Or, there are certain pop culture conversations where I am clueless since I don't know many new products due to my lack of exposure to marketing, or am unfamiliar with many of the shows. I consider these consequences an acceptable trade off.

What I am also learning, is I am not alone in this unconventional choice. Here is a recent blog post I came across from someone who lives without TV and has seven children. You can read about their lifestyle choices HERE.

just Sheri, resisting cultural norms

just read: What is the What

I don't usually pick up books like this one. Why? First, it is fiction (though based on real accounts from a real person), and I tend toward non-fiction reading. Second, it is about civil war, violence, orphans, child soldiers, evil and struggle. Stories like this are not fiction to me, as I have met too many in my life's journey who lived this reality. Thus, reading such stories is not a leisure activity, but rather insights me to anger or elicits sadness - with no outlet it is like self-imposed torture.

On my recent trip to the book store I decided to puruse the fiction section. The cover of this book caught my attention first. Then the title peaked my curiosity. I had to look inside. The first few pages intrigued me. It is a story created following interviews with one of the Sudanese Lost Boys about his experiences living in America, and his life prior to immigrating as a refugee. The story is well written, weaving the stories of the old life with the new reality.

I remember watching stories of the Lost Boys in my younger years - orphans due to civil war, walking by the hundreds with no particular destination. Vulnerable to becoming child soldiers, starvation, and more. This story is written about Valentino, but it represents so many others. Despite my usual avoidance of books like this, I took this one home...I am glad I did.

I couldn't put it down and read the entire thing in two nights. Then I researched the author, turns out he is a world changer who overcame some of his own life challenges. I will read more of his books, or those he is promoting through his foundation and publishing house. So, what is the what? I don't really know, but I know I will be thinking about this book for a long time.

Valentino is desperately trying to make it in this world. Working. Going to school. Longing to love and be loved. A typical story of many young people. What is remarkable about this book is how it captured the immigrant experience. The way an immigrant is treated at work. The way immigrants are treated by the police, their neighbors, and others in society. This story captured the feeling of being an "outsider," a "stranger." Beaten, and no one coming to rescue. Lonely, and no one noticing. Hopeful, and having a system working against even the most ambitious of dreamers. Unsure of who to trust and what are appropriate relational boundaries. A foreigner in a foreign land. Struggling without a safety-net. Being unwelcome, but having no "home" to return to. The story is heartbreaking...and unfortunately not uncommon.

Reading this book has me looking with new eyes (and a renewed passion) at the person who cleans my office, the one bagging my groceries at the store, or doing my nails at the salon. What can I do to show them that they are not forgotten?

just Sheri, reminded of the mandate to show hospitality to strangers

the BEST birthday party

I have made some friends here in Virginia who are originally from Liberia. We bonded because they didn't know many American's who had been to their country - West Africa is not exactly a top tourist destination. Since most of my travels were not as a tourist, but instead as an international development worker, I had not only been to Liberia but to some of the more remote parts outside the capital city of Monrovia.

This post is not about my past travels. It is about the encouragement I have received from these gentlemen.

They have been in a tough situation in recent months. No income. Distant from family and long-time friends. Dreams that were taken from them by self-serving individuals. Injustice suffered. Trying to survive in a place where they are not welcome. An uncertain future. The ripple effects of someone's choice has been heartbreaking to witness. Not only are they suffering undeserved consequences, but so are their children.

Many times I have thought, "If I were in their circumstances..." What I know is I would not be handling it with such grace. I am, after all, an American and thus consider it an injustice when someone cuts in front of me in line or too closely while driving.

Last night we were talking about African politics, the American presidential election, scripture and more...as we do when we get together. I always ask how they are doing. They always tell me amazing ways that God is meeting their needs and the generous people who are helping them.

Last night one of the men informed me that it was recently his daughters birthday back in Liberia. At her school they had a birthday list posted on the wall. The kids would look forward to their day because their parents would bring in snacks and a party would be thrown in their honor. As it grew closer to her birthday his wife and he were sad for their daughter as they could not do this for her given his current, and unfortunate, circumstances. They decided to lift their concern up to God.

When the birthday came, a generous soul gave to meet this need. Not because they were asked, but out of care for this family. My friend told me, with the biggest smile on his face, that his daughter had the BEST birthday party of any all year. It brought tears to my eyes (even today as I retell this story).

Kindness is a beautiful thing. A birthday celebration can offer hope. Don't ignore those quiet promptings to be generous - you have no idea what it could mean in the life of another.

just Sheri, inspired by the faith and kindness of others