I'm about to enter back into America right after Thanksgiving, pre-December Christmas season after seeing the poverty of the world. Does anyone have a reverse-culture shock inhaler for freak outs?
My tattoos have been a real conversation starter in terms of relating with people. I have had more conversations about God, about life, and getting to the nitty-gritty of where people live from swapping ink stories. This should not be an excuse for youth to go out and get ink to disobey your parents. This is merely a statement: "Be prepared for God to use to strangest things as a means to show your humanity". To counter, I have run into so many wonderfully interesting people: a non-agressive group of evolutionary scientists, a very kind buddhist monk from Brooklyn, traveling back-packers from every walk of life, and a hilliarious ink-loving nomad-esqe traveller,to name a few. In loving people the way Jesus loves people, I have found we are all on a journey. Yes, I believe Jesus to be the only way. I have discovered very it so beautifully on this trip. But I have found that the compassion Jesus enables us to have is what heals wounds.
Being with God is community and the people around you are a reflection of that community. Never confuse the two, but don't neglect either.
Laughter is the best oil to ease the friction of community. Dancing like a crazy person is a close second.
Don't be so scared about getting to the destination that you miss the ride.
(Photograph compliments of Robin Quinn Brooks)
Don't ask "Where are You God?", ask "What are You trying to teach me here?"
Try to blend in.
Know that your home is where God is, the rest is just extra gifts from Him.
