In touch, Somedays I think I've lost it. Somedays the kids call me crazy... and somedays, I wonder if they're right. Especially when I'm teaching third graders english vocab, or picking up desks and saying, "desk! desk! desk!" Or when I was at english camp leading the hokie pokie with a bunch of high schoolers saying, you put your hips in, your "put" your hips out - and trying to keep my composure while singing that into a mic. Then later doing the "cha cha slide". On stage... Don't ask.
In touch - with that side of me that kind of says "screw what those people think of me". I think that is what confidence is based on a little... I also happen to think insanity is also based on that same attitude of not caring about what normal is. Luckily it's not exactly a fine line... insanity is way out there. Thank goodness.
So - I could tell you about going through a cave with 2 flashlights and 10 people. About my fellow volunteers nearly burning there hut down - and managing to burn the compost heap - to the ground. Learning how to put a machete together and all kinds of other random crafty stuff I never learned at home. To dealing with someone saying they'd kind of like to kill me - and bonding?? because of it...
In touch - I came to Thailand to serve. To serve God, in the end, but I think the people were on my mind quite a bit more... I mean kids talk, laugh, and play. Whats the difference between serving God and serving the people around you? Whats the difference between preaching God loves you and you need to obey what he said... and simply, loving people and striving to be an example. I've received so much more than I've given - and that has been humbling beyond what I ever would have guessed.
In touch? I've lost touch with people at home - there is no question about that. When you are away from people common ground is so much harder to find. Not only that, but when your busy - or are convinced you are busy, focusing on people and not tasks is a trick.
I'll call who I can - and write the people I can. Maybe I'll even send a post card or two. Thank you, for trying to be in touch. Life is full - And, it should be. Live it
-Nick
Wow, Nick...I just found out you had a blog. How sad is that. Pretty darn sad.
ReplyDeleteI miss seeing you and having deep conversations with you. I can't wait to hang out with you when you get back home/WW. My hot tub just got fixed...so you'll have to come over and we'll hot tub and share wild and dull stories about our lives over the last many months.
I just wrote to Cat to ask her about the school and what things I need to know before I make a final decision (I've pretty much already decided I'm going...but if she gives me reasons to NOT go, then maybe I'll rethink it). I also really want to hear what you think about it. I'm going to guess that you think I should go—or that there isn't much reason to not go. :) That's my hope.
It's late here, so I need to go. But I'm going to post this on your Facebook as well, just so you have a better chance of getting it.
Big big hug.
Your friend,
Adam