I have now been back in the USA for exactly 1 week. I have already travelled through 8 states, been
reunited with friends and family and been reminded of why I hate winter in the
USA.
I have enjoyed the savory flavors of comfort food, have laughed until I
cried, have been immersed in the language I understand without thinking, and
have been reminded of all the cultural intricacies that make up my story.
I have argued with my father while remembering that I am without a doubt my father's daughter. I have snuggled with my sister. I have
rolled my eyes at my mother while delighting in our similarities. And, I have
delighted in the wisdom and absurdity of my grandparents.
I have complained about the cold, rain, snow, and wind. I have poured on multiple layers of lotion to
ease my dry skin. And, I have stopped
shaving because I am lazy and want to preserve as much skin as possible.
I have come home. With all its
pros and cons. I am exactly where I am
meant to be at this time.
But, part of me is still in Brazil with the people of PRECE. Part of me will always remain there and part
of PRECE will always remain within me.
This morning, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, as I was watching
President Barack Obama, be sworn in to office I was overcome with a great sense
of peace and at the same time pride.
But, more than anything a single thought came to my mind. It was the thought that I awoke with every
morning for the first year I lived in Brazil.
It is simple and profound. “I am
the luckiest girl in the world.”.
I live in a nation where, despite all of our problems and grievances,
the democratic process actually works. I
live in a nation where, though we argue and have corruption within the system,
our government does the best it can to care for those in need as well as
provide for those who have excess. I live
in a nation where, in spite of an economic crisis, we can still grow, develop
and thrive. And, those who do not see
what I see and recognize how lucky we all are have never lived in a developing
country.
Naturally, things were not always so organized and functional in the
United States and when we celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr. we are reminded of the struggle and the progress.
Brazil, a younger country, in regards to political stability, is now
paving the way to a bright future. And,
the social programs such as PRECE and ADEL are helping to light the way. The young adults are stepping out in faith and
working to improve their lives in regards to education, jobs, health, and
community activism. As I watch them
together as one to create opportunity for not just themselves but for their
entire community I am reminded of the biblical call that Myrlie Evers-Williams
referenced in her inaugural invocation, “We are blessed to be a blessing”. As the PRECE students know all so well, they
have received from others and in gratitude they give back by giving to
others. The blessing is passed on and on
and on.
Let me never forget, that as lucky as I might be, I too am called to be
a blessing to others.
