I am a very white woman of a certain age. I have green eyes and freckles. My hair, thanks to my stylist, is still the same luscious brown it was when I was 21. My physical description says white, but my last name screams,"Filipino!". My husband is half Korean and half Filipino. Despite my obvious whiteness, my last name has been a passport into a warm and kind Filipino community here in Utah. I met my new friends while working at a ski resort this winter.
Usually I am introduced as "This is Mary, her husband is half Filipino." Living in a country other than your own encourages a sense of community. I have found my Filipino friends to be so generous. They are gracious to guests and fellow employees alike. This last year has been heavy with my husband's unemployment and my son's health issues. My new friends lifted my spirits without even knowing the depths of my struggles. I see a parallel between the Filipino hospitality that I received and the unconditional love that Christ calls us to.
If we were to recognize the Light in each person, regardless of race, creed, politics or sexual orientation, we would see that we are all members of the same community. We are all children of God. The openness and hospitality we show to others is a blessing to them. We don't always know the burdens that others carry, or what they are going through. I do know that kindness matters and it can be a lifeline for those who are struggling. I am going to work on seeing the Light in each person that crosses my path; it makes a difference.
Through the kindness of others, I have transitioned from 'Accidental Filipina' to 'Honorary Filipina' and have weathered a rough winter. Gandhi said, "Be the change you wish to see in the world." I 'm in. Be blessed.
Usually I am introduced as "This is Mary, her husband is half Filipino." Living in a country other than your own encourages a sense of community. I have found my Filipino friends to be so generous. They are gracious to guests and fellow employees alike. This last year has been heavy with my husband's unemployment and my son's health issues. My new friends lifted my spirits without even knowing the depths of my struggles. I see a parallel between the Filipino hospitality that I received and the unconditional love that Christ calls us to.
If we were to recognize the Light in each person, regardless of race, creed, politics or sexual orientation, we would see that we are all members of the same community. We are all children of God. The openness and hospitality we show to others is a blessing to them. We don't always know the burdens that others carry, or what they are going through. I do know that kindness matters and it can be a lifeline for those who are struggling. I am going to work on seeing the Light in each person that crosses my path; it makes a difference.
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| Yes, I realize I do not look Asian. |
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