"It's different. When you have gone through so much with all those people, learning about genocide and growing up through it, you feel different when you hear all these people talking about alcohol and drinking. I'm trying not to compare."
Above is a quote from Maria, another UR student here in Japan with me. She went to Rwanda last semester and is now in Kansai Gaidai. I cannot agree with her more. But I guess I can't try not to compare because I already did. I miss the time when Michelle would wait for me in NFO center so that we could walk back to the guesthouse together, or we would go to the store to buy things together, or even when Michelle and I got lost on the way from center to guesthouse (how on earth would that be possible anyway) and went back to center and pretended to ask Dony if he was ready to leave with us yet. The fact is he would just walk us home and go back to center himself. But here, oh mama, I just need to find my own way. And I'm not saying that I can't do it. I've already walked to school and come back by myself already... and I know that eventually I will hate this 20-minute walk so much. But I guess what I'm trying to say is that--I just hate the individualist culture so much. You would be surprised because I should be used to it now... But back in Richmond, it's different because I've already chosen to be with my not-so-individualistic friends.
So it all comes down to decisions, as the title of this post says. There are many decisions waiting for me to be made: Classes (and of course just as usual, things won't go the way you expect...), getting a bike, friends... etc. And I pray that God will guide me to make the right decision. And what's amazing about Him is that... He already answered one prayer! :-) You are so amazing, Papa.
Left HK at 0800 yesterday, arrived at KGU at 1845 yesterday. Some general meetings today. And some more tomorrow.
All the best, Shirley ^^
ReplyDeleteI guess individualist to me there're 2 kinds. One is those who do everything on their own without love, at all, to anything. Another is those that do things on their own, but still, be filled with love, to everything surrounding them. Love is something really amazing that makes ones world so much bigger or smaller without it. Sometimes not necessary to people, but to things, nature, and ourselves too. Praying for you that you may walk your way with love. on your own, and also with people. well, for myself too :)
ReplyDeleteDidnt get to talk to you much during the break in fact (well YOUR break). Japan trip pictures look awesome!!!!
Thanks Cassey!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sheun! :-) Love is just so important that we can't live without it because God is love.