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farawayeyes4It's been one week into the new year.
That first week has had it's ups and downs.
The downs first. Nothing like having your car break down on the road in the middle of traffic. Nothing like incurring a $239 repair bill when you've resolved in the new year to pay down debt. That's Murphy's law, I suppose. Nothing like getting sick at the end of the week and having to put on a brave enough face to drag yourself through a long work day.
So, yeah, hey there 2017. Way to build on the crap that was 2016.
But not all of it has been bad. That breaking down on the road the way I did? I was reminded quite clearly that there are good people still in this world. My car was stalled dead on the road and two gentlemen stopped to help me. They towed me to a shop all the way across town, free of charge. When I tried to take their names so I could send them a thank you note, they flat out refused by running off to their truck as fast as they could. I suppose getting me where I needed to be safely was good enough for them. So there's that. There are still good people out there doing good things for no accolades or attention. Yay for human decency.
And, I also got to go back to my tutoring this week, too. I help the local literacy organization with the local refugees, immigrants, and other English language learners. Anyone who needs help with their literacy can come to the sessions and everyone is welcome. It is fascinating working with a range of people---those who know how to speak English fluently and are on their transition to college and beyond all the way to those who are merely learning how to say their name in English for the first time. It is a humbling experience to work with them and see them grow and learn about their journeys to this country and where they grew up and who they are. It is eye opening to hear how they've overcome some of the most frightening things---that they've endured such challenges that we can only imagine. I volunteer to help them learn the language and American culture and the like, but really they help me to be a better citizen and human being. It's a wonderful program to belong to and I hope to go through the whole year assisting them and learning from them in every way I can.
I am also glad that everyone I love and treasure is still with me and we're doing fairly well under the circumstances. Things could always be better, yes, but we're not as bad as it could be and for that I am also grateful. Sure, the year had some bumps to its start, but hopefully that'll be it. Hopefully this year will be bright. I know that there will be challenges in this new year absolutely, but knowing that there are good people out there right now working towards making the world better and having encountered a few makes me hopeful that we can endure. It'll be tough sometimes, but I know it's possible.
Let's hope week two is better---and let's hope it builds a bright future!
Far Away Eyes
That first week has had it's ups and downs.
The downs first. Nothing like having your car break down on the road in the middle of traffic. Nothing like incurring a $239 repair bill when you've resolved in the new year to pay down debt. That's Murphy's law, I suppose. Nothing like getting sick at the end of the week and having to put on a brave enough face to drag yourself through a long work day.
So, yeah, hey there 2017. Way to build on the crap that was 2016.
But not all of it has been bad. That breaking down on the road the way I did? I was reminded quite clearly that there are good people still in this world. My car was stalled dead on the road and two gentlemen stopped to help me. They towed me to a shop all the way across town, free of charge. When I tried to take their names so I could send them a thank you note, they flat out refused by running off to their truck as fast as they could. I suppose getting me where I needed to be safely was good enough for them. So there's that. There are still good people out there doing good things for no accolades or attention. Yay for human decency.
And, I also got to go back to my tutoring this week, too. I help the local literacy organization with the local refugees, immigrants, and other English language learners. Anyone who needs help with their literacy can come to the sessions and everyone is welcome. It is fascinating working with a range of people---those who know how to speak English fluently and are on their transition to college and beyond all the way to those who are merely learning how to say their name in English for the first time. It is a humbling experience to work with them and see them grow and learn about their journeys to this country and where they grew up and who they are. It is eye opening to hear how they've overcome some of the most frightening things---that they've endured such challenges that we can only imagine. I volunteer to help them learn the language and American culture and the like, but really they help me to be a better citizen and human being. It's a wonderful program to belong to and I hope to go through the whole year assisting them and learning from them in every way I can.
I am also glad that everyone I love and treasure is still with me and we're doing fairly well under the circumstances. Things could always be better, yes, but we're not as bad as it could be and for that I am also grateful. Sure, the year had some bumps to its start, but hopefully that'll be it. Hopefully this year will be bright. I know that there will be challenges in this new year absolutely, but knowing that there are good people out there right now working towards making the world better and having encountered a few makes me hopeful that we can endure. It'll be tough sometimes, but I know it's possible.
Let's hope week two is better---and let's hope it builds a bright future!
Far Away Eyes
