For the 3rd time in about 3 months I have another new normal. First, it was living in a house with 7 peers and a family from the States. Then everybody left and went home to the US and I was in Nazareth by myself, house sitting and adventuring on my own in a foreign town. Now, the Lambeth Family has returned from America and so begins the hopefully longer term normal of leading Young Life with a focus on high school kids...building relationships and sharing who Jesus is and how he's affected my life and can affect theirs.
The school year has begun. I can hear the cries and whines of kids all over the world haha. There is a classic YL leader tradition (at least from my awesome friends at NC State) of bringing some donuts to the high school kids on the first day. Alas, there are no Dunkin Donuts or Krispy Kreme's in Naz, so I got what snacks I could and went by myself to the school, completing my best version of this tradition. As I say this I realize how intimidating and odd this truly sounds...an American guy, going to a school of all Arab kids, by himself, with some snacks just hoping to meet/make some new friends and say hello to the few he already has. I thank Jesus for whatever confidence, guidance and protection He's given me to even make this an acceptable action haha. It was great though, I visited the school twice during the first week, made my face known to some the student body (as they all definitely wondered who the heck is this guy??) and met some of the faculty. Thanks to the Lambeth family and those all over the Young Life world who have laid the groundwork of open communication with schools letting them know the purpose of YL so that leaders like me can go do this sort of thing.
One of the day's I stopped by the school was Thursday the 4th. After my visit, I went to the Church of the Annunciation (traditional site where Gabriel said "Whattup Mary, I got some crazy news direct from God" changing her life) and at the church I had some quiet time with Jesus. Still makes me smile that I get to do stuff like that. Got lunch, then a haircut - honestly Arab guys care so much for their hair and it felt like I was a movie star with the time and consideration taken for my cut. Just as you ladies have your salon, the barbershop is something special for us guys. Anywaysss lol, what happened next has become a highlight for my time here in Nazareth. I decided to walk home rather than catch a bus so I could stop by the Nazareth Village tourist site I visited when I came with JMU YL last summer. It's this great spot of a remade 1st century village and has people act as villagers from the time period. Shepherds, carpenters, women, kids, sheep, donkey's...the whole package. You get to see a live version of how Jesus would've lived (or as close to it as you can get). We had had an awesome tour guide and I wanted to see if he was there to say hello. Also, a neighbor friend works there.
Upon arrival, the tour guide was walking right by and I shouted "Daniel! Whattup man." From the look on his face he was confused, surprised, and probably a little worried as a stranger approached him like a friend. I reminded him of my great experience when I visited. He gave appreciation and a smile to my kind words. Then, I asked about my neighbor Samir and he showed me to the back lunch room where everyone who worked there was on break. In my energetic and happy mood, I said hello to everyone and they all were very polite in welcoming me. Samir then brought up that the busy season was approaching and asked if I had some free time to help as a volunteer this fall. I said sure, I would just have to check my schedule. He proceeded with "No, like right now." After laughing at what I thought was a funny joke, I realized he was being serious. In my head I'm thinking "wait what? I don't have the right clothes. Do I have anything to do today? I don't even know what to do." All these doubts were responded to with a classic Arab "No problem, we have what you need." Why Not? I figured, lets take a step into the unknown once again. I dropped my belongings, donned some first century garb and headed out as shepherd boy #3 haha. It really was a fun day and another surprise from life.
- For me this all can be summed up by Bilbo Baggins - "It's a dangerous business Frodo, going out your door. You step into the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might be swept off to."
That willingness to take the step is sometimes all that is required for a grand adventure.
So, since the 4th, I have arrived most days as a volunteer to the Nazareth Village and do whatever they ask of me. Sometimes it is the slow, passive job of the watchtower farmer...where I wait for a tour group to come by and then stand looking out over the land. My big moment is when the guide says "And here we have one of our shepherds, Hello Abraham!" and I get to wave at the group and pose stoically guarding my farmland while visitors take pictures (: Other jobs include taking the donkey or sheep for walks around the village so visitors can see me pass by, and then the last few days I've helped prepare a traditional first century meal for those who pay to have lunch. (I help set the places, cook the food, serve the food, and clean up). It has been nice to have something to do for the majority of the day. I'm glad to help Samir and the village wherever they need it, knowing that I am above no job (no matter how difficult or lowly it may seem) but it has also provided some time for observation and thought...3 hours in that watchtower can get kinda boring.
Here's something that struck me as relevant on a larger scale. As the tour groups meander through the site, it cracks me up to watch the touristy action of people (from every country and culture) who run ahead of the group to get the first picture/best picture of the next thing. Or when I'm serving food and overhear conversation from tourists about the conflict going on in this part of the world, discussing the problems, why they are there, or the solutions they think are so simple. And sometimes the tone or attitude of the conversation is very sure of itself. Listen, I myself am still a foreigner and unaware of much, however I would say I have experienced and continue to be involved in a bit more of what it means to be a local citizen. I've realized that when you go visit a place or different culture as a tourist, that's just what you are. That is what you're knowledge suffices up to. Tourist level. There is no condemnation in the term, it just is true. Yes, you do have a bit more experience than those who have not been, however this is still limited. As a person not directly involved in a situation (whatever it may be) knowledge is only limited to facts. There is no emotional awareness, or deeper connection to those who live in on a daily basis.
Here's an example that may help: Last week on the 13th anniversary of 9/11, as an American citizen I was very aware of the date. If someone from another country tried to talk to me about it explaining what happened, why it did, how they feel about it or what should've been done etc...I would have asked them to please not make judgments on something they truly didn't understand. At least from an American's point of view. We who experienced the somber, terrifying, tragic, unimaginable (however you wish to describe it) event. It happened to our home. Our American family. Please don't tell me you know because you visited America once or you've read the articles online that you understand this event in our history.
Maybe it's just natural, because it is quite similarly how people discuss the conflicts in this part of the world. What I've come to discern is that simply knowledge/factual awareness of a situation, or making a quick "I saw it/I've been there" visit doesn't justify as full understanding. It takes a willingness to go and commit time and give thought to the lives of others. To hear their stories and share in their emotions. By all means discuss thoughts, ideas, etc...but don't believe that an unexperienced opinion is the final and correct word.
And in my mind, only positive can come from such action. Commitment to understanding other people, being willing to invest in their lives, share ideas...I mean that's human unity right there!
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From the Nazareth Village and school visits
There's my big story for the last couple weeks.
I got to attend my 3rd wedding celebration as Samir invited me to one he was hosting for a friend. Also, my main prayer has been that all the things I've learned through this last 2 months here can be put into practice daily as a Young Life leader...and just a person in general.
Lessons from people in the Bible
- For knowledge and wisdom like King Solomon. Knowledge is a great tool, but alone it's not enough. Knowing when and how to use such knowledge and having the prudence with it (thinking before acting/speaking) is the next level of living. FYI, this guy had more wealth and was able to fill any desire over any person to walk the face of this planet...ever. And still he realized it's not enough.
< 2 Chronicle, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes >
- For commitment and devotion like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego . Who even though they were threatened with death if they did not worship man-made idols, these friends remained faithful in prayer and trust to God and he protected and blessed them.
< Daniel >
- All the Believers who have experienced weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, difficulties. There's no escaping these things...for anybody. But to make it through such things with strength, hope, and faith intact is the how the Gospel has made it's way around the world.
< the whole Bible haha but a good verse - 2 Corinthians 11, 12:9-10 >
Thanks for reading. I share these stories simply to update those interested in keeping up with my life and do my best to offer encouragement and love to you. As well as life experience that give me peace and joy every day.
I came upon another quote that I liked that can help explain: "Not everyone believes what you believe." "My beliefs do not require them to." - Morpheus
Blessings, Zack
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