If you want to quickly alleviate your fears about our “failing” economy here in the U.S., take a trip to a country (most any country in the world, really) that actually does have economic problems. A trip, that is, not to see the parts of that country fabricated for tourists, but to live among the real people.
It was about 11 months ago when I took a trip to Lima, Peru that irrevocably changed my perspective on my own economic situation. I stayed with a family that would be considered middle class by Peruvian standards. By our standards, in many ways they lived lower than the poorest among us. When the water actually worked and I was able to shower, it was in a slow drip, drip of cold water. There was no such thing as warm water in Peru.
But even an occasional cold, slow shower seemed a luxury compared to the conditions in another home I visited. Outside of the city lived people much poorer, who did well to stake out a bit of land and build a basic shelter for themselves out of whatever materials they could find. Here, the only water to be found was in a large barrel. After using the bathroom behind a curtain, you would pour water over your hands to wash them.
The poor people living in the city had it the worst. Driving down main roads in Lima presented a view of many steep, dusty hillsides crowded with shacks. The greatest benevolence the government did for these people was to construct stairs stretching to the stop, since many individuals were slipping and injuring themselves just trying to make it up to their huts.
What we would consider basic necessities are coveted commodities to such people. Toilet paper is so seldom found in Peru that travelers have to make it a point to carry some around in their pocket. I discovered why when we made a stop at a mall in a section of downtown maintained especially for tourists. In the bathroom an unkempt man stood by the toilet paper dispenser and wrapped sheet after sheet around his hands until he finally broke it off and walked out. He was so poor he could not buy hygienic paper. Not even our thieves in the U.S. would lower themselves to stealing toilet paper. Yet this is the condition I daresay the average Peruvian finds himself in. When I was sick with a cold during my visit, a poor brother in the church reached into his pocket and pulled out a dusty few sheets of toilet paper and offered it to me so I could wipe my nose. It was one of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten – similar to the few coins the impoverished widow of Jesus’ day contributed.
It was impossible to walk in the city anywhere without seeing beggars. I had the habit, being an American, of ignoring them and passing them by, until we took a trip to the National Art Museum in Lima. On the way in, I passed a woman sitting with her head bowed on the sidewalk, hoping for charity, with a little girl next to her. Outside the museum, I haggled with a bookseller and finally bought a book for 7 soles – about 2 dollars. I, being an American, thought that was a good deal. Until, that is, I walked back by the woman and the girl and began to calculate how many meals my 7 soles could have provided them. And to my further shame, I’ve never actually read any of the book.
On another occasion, we passed by a man wailing and weeping on the sidewalk. On closer inspection, we noticed that his foot and ankle had large, open wounds that had clearly been long infected. The limb was discolored and already bloated from gases of decomposition. Esther and I could do nothing but give him enough soles to catch a taxi and tell him to go to the doctor right away. We don’t know if he did.
It took many such experiences, unfortunately, to truly soften my heart to this kind of suffering. A big moment in my life came when, instead of just buying one of the small trinkets that a little boy on the street was trying to sell in order to make his family some money, I took him to eat lunch. We talked some.
Next time you are afraid you might not be able to buy a new car, or get a raise, or retire early because of the bad U.S. economy, find a little boy on a street in Lima selling anything he can to help feed his 7 brothers and sister. Complain to him about your financial straits.
When in Matthew 6 Jesus tells us not to worry about the most basic necessities of life, he is not talking to privileged and spoiled Americans worried about paying the mortgage on a $500,000 home. He is talking to poor Peruvians, and all of the other 50% of the world’s population that lives on less than 2 U.S. dollars a day. It is downright sinful for us to be worried.
We just had an update on the work in Kenya a couple Sundays ago and were reminded Wednesday of the congregation we work with in Zimbabwe. Every time I hear these accounts, I can't help but be angry with the sorry-for-myself attitude I seem to always have. But it's not enough to just change my attitude. I'm sure the people in Peru don't care if I feel sorry for myself or not. It reminds me of Hotel Rwanda where it is asserted that when the footage of civil war air in America people would say "oh, that's horrible" and then simply go back to their dinner. Our sympathy certainly does not help people live.
Thanks for a needed wake-up of perspective! Just this morning, I've been muttering to myself that the place is so cold [it's 66 degrees - the heater hasn't warmed enough to budge it higher; the landlord needs to turn the heat up!]; yet, I can afford to run a heater and shelter is not a concern. Hot water is also plentiful for a shower and I have a choice of clothes to warm me. Yes, we all would do well to have the experiences you have had!
"As near as I can tell, my life could see some pretty momentous changes in the next several months. If nothing else, I'm supposed to graduate in May and will have to find a job.
At no point in my life have I ever had so much uncertainty about the immediate future. I have a mixture of fear, excitement, and peace about that. The excitement and peace is good, but I shouldn't have any fear. I'm glad God is not just putting it on a platter for me this time, so that I can learn the valuable lesson of trusting in Him."
Well, the prophecy was right...lots of changes. The three biggest are graduating, getting engaged (to the amazing Esther Rodriguez, and -- what many of you may not know -- moving out of parents house and in with a brother from the church in Piscataway, Jamari.
Actually, these three changes have been fairly pleasant. But the not having a job yet is starting to weigh on me (especially with marriage on the agenda)...and it's getting time where I should be buying a car, too...and maybe the biggest anticipated stressor -- being a leader in starting a Spanish-speaking church in Perth Amboy.
:) Oh boy... I'm smiling so big it's starting to hurt. My heart rejoices for you and Esther! I'll be praying for you and your stressors. :) oh, I'm so excited for you!
I guess I didn't tell you that I moved back to Florida (and I really want to go to yall's wedding so only don't invite me if you don't like me okay...you know what I mean) :)
i probably "overdo" this joke....but its not a joke- youre definitely a two marshmallow guy! and i cant even wait to spend more time with esther and you- i like you guys a lot! and i really enjoyed being in your class on sunday- you present God's word very well! keep it up! ill commit to praying for you. tootles!
It's true though. ;/ I try to get by on as little sleep as I can. I feel there's too much to do with even 24 hours in a day... much less a self-inflicted 16- or 18-hour day. ;(
Esther, Emily, Neil, Dassia, and Krystle are driving through the night tonight to hear Gary Fisher teach 1 and 2 Timothy tomorrow in Pittsburg. May God bless the new church starting there.
Also, pray for our efforts to start a Spanish-speaking church in Perth Amboy, where Esther and her mother just moved to. This is just one of what I feel is a 1,000 different projects swirling in my life right now. I never feel capable enough to fulfill them. But I feel like my relationship to God is at a better point, in one particular way at least, than it ever has been -- I feel like my whole life is resting on Him. And there's no better place for it to rest!
I feel like I used the word feel a lot in the last paragraph. What can I say, I'm an emotional guy.
Anyway, I've got a thousand different projects that distract me from one that you'd think should really matter to me...getting a job! I'm working a couple part time jobs during the awkward transition period between graduation and full time. I was close to being a Middle School Spanish teacher...but got rejected. Oh well, who knows what God has in store for me (and other people affected by it).
Im so looking forward to this weekend. I am thrilled that you and Esther are able to come =) And as far as getting a job goes.. good luck! I need to do the same =/
oh Brigham...I always feel lazy after reading your posts (paritally because I'm reading them when I should be studying or looking for a job) Good luck with the 1000's of different things going on. Maybe it would help if you had a long lost twin or some clones. The Spanish church in Perth Amboy is exciting! Hope to see you soon!
Oh! and today in our family Bible study, the three youngest kids impressed Dad with their Bible knowledge, and we were talking about being "Brighamites" as Tim B. once dubbed us. ;) ha
You... you want to leave LSNJ?? But what about all the funny e-mails and crazy intakes!? How dare you not want to stay for that! LoL I wish you well on the career hunt. Can't you go to the RU career services to get assistance with this?
Gospel meeting in Piscataway
June 6 - Fri - 7:30 - Bob James
June 7 - Sat - 6:00 - Joe Works
258 Highland Ave, Piscataway, NJ 08854
732-463-1323
christiansnj.com
Young people study day
June 14 - Sat. - 10:30 AM to about 5 PM
Gary Eubanks speaking on the book of John
same address
call me with questions
bring bible, notebook, and $5 for food
Can't wait for these next few weekdends! so many Gospel meetings recently. WHOA. I just realized something! You didn't put a MR. in front of Dad's name! Good for you! ;) Heehee. I'm really looking forward to camp.
Hey Brigham, my parents read the e-mail about Dassia and wanted to meet her or talk to her to see if they could help out or if she would like to stay with us considering we are close to Clinton. If you think that would work out, you can give her our number. 908.996.3256. Or you could give us her number. Whichever works. Thanks =)
oh course thats why Brigham! Finally! Someone who understands...It's been SO good to see you!!! Hopefully we'll be able to see more of each other in the future. But hopefully that future won't involve any more driving in the city. Because that was slightly terrifying
as camp applications have come and gone, I think it's time for you to write something new on here. ps i was thinking the other day about the priest that ernie was trying to draw and I started laughing really hard. that wouldn't have been so bad if i wasn't in the middle of a bible class...I miss Leviticus at fairlawn.
