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Global Urban Trek 2008
American IdleJuly 1, 2008
Tito Nato is no longer physically young, although from his joy and pranks he appears to have the heart from his youth.
When he stands, his lanky body seems to weigh him down, and when walking, his feet drag the many years. His steps are slow, no longer having the condition to go fast and I believe that Tito Nato reflects the spirit of a Spanish saying that goes "getting there first is not what matters, what matters is that you get there."
At orientation, staff explained that going to our sites would be a ministry of being rather than doing. So far, they have not disappointed. Living in Pajo has been about living with our host families and not having a set schedule of tasks that need to be done. Our agenda primarily consists of sharing in the life experiences of our families.
For the first week it has been difficult on me. I am accustomed to my life back in the States where I traditionally have an agenda of the things I have to do: getting from point A to point B and point C. Sitting down and doing nothing seems to be somewhat unproductive because of my Western mindset of being efficient with my time.
For the next couple of weeks, God is inviting me to slow down my hasty life style and absorb things that I would otherwise overlook. The invitation was extended one afternoon as I was walking around the house, trying to occupy myself with something. After a while, Tito Nato took notice of my jumpiness and, invited me (contrary to my mood) to sit. Though I didn't understand his initial verbal invitation, I was able to understand his sign language as he pointed to a chair.
Tito Nato is not fluent in English. And equally knowing but a few words, I am not fluent in Tagalog. So for a while we sat in silence. Again he began to speak while pointing at some pigeons and soon began to communicate with the birds – it was as though the birds could understand. Throughout his interaction, I sat observing him and it was joyful to see Tito Nato smiling and laughing; it was the joy one finds in a boy playing with his toys .
In trying to find something to occupy myself, I was failing to observe the joy in Pajo. Worrying about myself and my state of mind was hindering and blinding me from recognizing that joy is not always found in doing, but in being. Tito Nato was not doing anything exciting, but in pausing to acknowledge his person, he allowed me to gain greater appreciation for just being.
God is definitely challenging my American side that is always on the go! As much as I may want to speed up, I have to remember that I am but a passenger and God is the one in the driver’s seat.
- Camilo
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