Reflections From Home

Our cultural perspectives become so much a part of who we are that trying to detect or separate from them is like attempting to dissect water. It's as if we've been raised wearing a pair of prescribed lenses, specific to our surroundings which brings all of life into focus. Although we usually have no idea we're even wearing these lenses, we use them to size up and navigate our way through almost every situation we encounter.

So entering the Vietnamese culture felt a bit like arriving on a planet where the lens prescription was very different then the one I'd grown accustomed to. I saw things being done that seemed confusing and at first didn't make sense. I caught myself flirting with the natural tendency to judge, assuming that I knew the more practical, healthy or efficient way to proceed. When in reality, the Vietnamese people have evolved and adapted in beautiful ways, efficient and well suited to their particular needs, customs and circumstances.

Speaking very little Vietnamese created a sense of isolation during my time at Peace Village. Opportunities to ask questions, receive in depth information or explain myself were rare and involved the investment of much time and energy.

Understanding very little of what was being said around me provided fertile ground to exercise introspection and self reflection, and to discover that there are many ways to listen. I developed a deeper trust in my own intuition and learned to read cues that came in the moment by moment unfolding of events around me. And when fear showed up and an inner voice whispered "I shouldn't be here" I answered "Of course I should be here because this is exactly where I am."

While at Peace Village, I often needed to remind myself to remove my Western world lenses and let go of the familiar. But I also became aware of several changes on administrative and staff levels that occurred during the past year which have a significant impact on the children in ways that continue to weigh on my heart.

So I'm home now, but very mindful that my journey continues, as I sort out the degree to which my cultural perspective may be blurring my vision, and wrestle with what my role will be in using my voice and experience to advocate on the children's behalf.

While I have great respect for cultural differences, there are some things that remain universal...and in my own heart and mind the care and treatment of children is one that knows no boundaries.

I'd also like to mention that I'm deeply grateful for the amazing generosity of those who continue to give to the children's surgery project, which will continue throughout the year. Thank you so much!