Monday, July 25, 2011

Snapshot

When I first met my Ama-la (my host mom) she grabbed my hand, took one of my bags, and laughed while telling me that she was my new step-mom. I knew then that this woman and I were going to have a grand 'ol time, but I couldn't have guessed how much I would come to love my little Tibetan family. Now one of their old students has been staying for the past 2-3 weeks and the four of us (Ama-la, Pa-la, Emily, and I) have had some great conversations. Here's a small snapshot...    

When asked why Pa-la had come home late one night
Ama-la: "Oh Pa-la was out dancing with his new girlfriend."
Pa-la: "Yes, she's 75."

In response to the lights going out in the middle of your shower, or the water running dry
Ama-la: "This is India!"

In reference to Matt and Julia's two years of marriage vs Ama-la and Pa-la's 26 years of marriage
Ama-la: "Only two years, oh still peak season. Off season for me and Pa-la."

Pa-la talking about his decision to marry Ama-la
"I knew this is right choice for me"
"No tension. This is the life" (said while he's reclining on his bed with his hands relaxed behind his head)

Pa-la's advice to Emily and I after explaining that Ama-la and Pa-la had written letters to each other for 8 years before getting married
"To take time is good. To hurry is danger. My daughters no rush."

Yes, we have a good time with our former paratrooper parents. They just get cooler and funnier the longer you hang around.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

"Being Human"

In McLeod people often wear a t-shirt that says "Being Human". Initially I didn't have a clue what the shirt was talking about and finally attributed the phrase to some sketchy English skills. However after spending half the day with one of the Tibetan directors I feel as though this phrase is beginning to make sense.

It began when this director and I stood together for an hour waiting for the Dali Lama to drive by, while waiting he taught me about "being human". This man is educated with two masters and is currently working on his PHD, but he told me that every time he goes to one of the 13 schools under his jurisdiction that he goes in as a human being, not as the Director.

As I listened to his teaching and leadership styles I was impressed by how naturally he put himself on the same level as those he was teaching. Actually it wasn't that he was stepping down to their level, but helping them to get up to his. He taught me to think deeper - to see the human qualities belonging to all of us and gradually he helped me to understand on a higher level. I got the feeling that first and foremost, he was trying to be the best human he could be, and that is what made him a better husband, father, and director.

Later as I thought about the this conversation I was reminded of "being human". I think I might buy one of those shirts now, if only to remind me what it means to be human.