Check out this story over at Alastir Appleton's blog. (Alastir used to be the host of the British series, "Escape to the Country.") I was actually touched by his story about a woman called Amma. I have never heard of her before, but I suspect she is very familiar in the Buddhist circles. Looking past our vast differences in theological views, I do think this woman is truly amazing for giving this simple but profound gift to people. Thousands and thousands of people line up just to be hugged. Why do you think that is?
Have you ever been hugged so snugly you don't want to ever let go? I have needed those hugs on many occasions and am grateful to those friends who extended them to me. I wonder how different our world would be if we graciously extended snug hugs to every person we encountered? Just some thoughts to ponder!
*** On the last day of school before Christmas vacation (Dec 18, 2009), I received more hugs from my students than ever before. They initiated it! It was GREAT and I had no problem hugging them back. A profound gift!***
Where was I when the genocide in Rwanda was annihilating innocent lives?
I have been reading, "Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust," by Immaculee Ilibagiza this afternoon and this poignant question kept entering my thoughts.
I was living in Alberta at the time and barely recall any news reports about these atrocities taking place in Rwanda. I don't even recall praying for the people of Rwanda at church. How did I ignorantly disregard what was happening to my fellow human beings overseas? How did I miss this? What could I have done? As tears stream down my face, I wonder how weeping for the victims and survivors of this holocaust will help them now.
I am still processing all that I have read in this incredible book. I am utterly speechless at the courage and strength of this woman, Immaculee. I am amazed at her ability to cling to Jesus and extend grace and forgiveness amidst the horrific events she endured, witnessed and heard. Her faith in God is a miracle and an astounding example for mankind.
What do you get when you mix four teenagers with three adults on a summer road trip to New York City? CRAZY fun with a bit of crankiness mixed in and lessons in " it's not about me!" When all was said and done, it was a privilege to travel with my "kindred spirits" and their daughters. It was an adventure I will always remember. I wanted to share it with you my bloggy friends, so to see my photo album and the rest of the story, click here. Enjoy!
Our disparate worlds converged back in 2006 and a unique friendship was birthed out of that union. Who would have guessed? Not I!
At first, he irritated me. Yet at the same time, I was also deeply intrigued by this eccentric barista. Remember my adventure with him here? It is hard to believe almost 3 years later I consider Anthony my friend!
I have a confession to make. I did something a little CRAZY on my birthday, which ironically enough fell on Labour Daythis year! It also happened to be the first annual Brasilian Day in Toronto to celebrate Brasil’s Independence Day! My soul sista S. and I decided to join the festivities as part of my birthday bash!
Oh where was I? Oh yes, let me back-track a little for you...
Anthony thinks I look like the actress, Jamie Lee Curits and I think he looks like a cross between Elton John and the actor, Philip Seymour Hoffman. Every time I dine at Richtree Marche (the restaurant where Anthony works) he always tells me, "you need to come dressed in fish- net stockings like Jamie in "True Lies! You would look hot!" Thanks Anthony!(I couldn't wait to tell Anthony that a man stopped me on the street in New York City back in August and said, "hey beautiful Jamie Lee Curtis!")
So when I showed up on my birthday without the fish-net stockings I was worried Anthony would be disappointed. On the contrary, he was VERY excited to see me, according to my sista S! You see I am convinced he is "batting for the other side" ( is that even an idiom?!) Not that I care, but I just don't think he is into me at all! At one point I had to use the washroom and left the watchful eye of Anthony. S. told me the entire time I was gone he kept asking her where I was and wondered when I was coming back. Apparently, S. told him it was my birthday and he asked to have his picture taken with me!!
Take 1: Say Cheese! Take 2: Anthony didn't like his pic in the first take so we had to say cheese again!
To appease Anthony, after S. and I finished our meal, we decided to grab our dessert and go over to his barista kiosk and order one of Anthony's famous coffee creations. While sitting enjoying our tasteful dessert and pleasant conversation, Anthony left. I figured he was now on break and would come join S. and I at the bar. I couldn't have been farther from the truth. He left! Vamoose! We have no idea where Anthony went. I was disappointed, so S. encouraged me to write my name and email address on a napkin and leave it for him. I "hymned and hawed" for a brief moment then made the decision to go for it! Why not. It was my birthday! "Live in the moment" is my motto after all! So I discretely placed the napkin in front of Anthony's fancy coffee machine - where I was CERTAIN he would find it.
I never received that email from Anthony. My suspicion is the napkin got thrown out by the manager that relieved Anthony for break. Or it could be as simple as, "he is just not that into me!" Whatever the case, I know I will continue to have many more adventures at Richtree Marche with my eccentric, barista friend!
The Brasilian Day festivities at Yonge and Dundas Square ... Here I am armed with my Brasilian Portuguese phrase book, wearing the Brasilian colours... S. and I dancing the Samba with the crowds of Brasilians!
My soul has been longing to write again. I have needed the creative release, the therapy. For the last 6 weeks I was house sitting for dear friends. It was wonderful to enjoy life in the country. However, I greatly missed the access to the Internet! Sad I know but I have missed my bloggy friends! Now I feel a wee bit overwhelmed trying to catch up on my reading and commenting!
I have also been busy dealing with sick, aging parents and their health scares. In addition, I badly sprained my ankle while out in the country so was incapacitated for a while. It has taken an emotional toll on me. In fact this morning I had a wee breakdown. I am one that tends to keep things bottled up inside. I know, not a the best solution! Usually, exercise helps but I have been restricted with my ankle. So, I released it all today and had a good cry. Unfortunately, my father was around so I lashed out at him. He is under the same stress. We hugged. I said sorry. Forgiveness is freeing. Broken Hallelujahs are what I am offering once again at this moment in my life. It's all I have. We are just trying to make it through this mind-less cycle again until it passes. It will.
So there you have it. I will be back soon to blog about an adventure I had on my birthday! I must go now to my voice lessons. Oh, one more thing....
I should mention that I am LOVING my new school year! I am working with awesome students this year so work is not stressful at all! YEAH!!!
Enjoy your day...
"I awake in the name of the Father who made me. I arise in the name of the Son who died to save me. I rise to greet the dawn in the name of the Spirit who fills me with life."
