If I were evacuated from my country and transferred to a different country, I seriously would not know how to cope. I have been so accustomed to my country and living conditions that I am sure that it would be very difficult to manage. If this situation was a real live situation, I know that there would be many things that I would like to take with me that would remind me of my culture. The first item that I would take would be my Bible. My Bible is my map quest in life. I know that with my Bible I would remain rooted in my cultural beliefs and not loose what have been installed in me. The second item that I would like to have with me are photos of my family. Photos of my grandparents, parents, siblings, and other relatives would give me hope that I will be reunited with them some day. The third item that I would want to have with me is a special necklace that was passed to me from my grandmother.
If I had to explain to the officials of the foreign country, the reason why I chose the items that I chose, I would explain that my Bible is apart of who I am as a Christian. As a Christian the Bible is my study guide in life. The word of God directs the path that I take in life. It helps me to make important decisions that will either help me or hurt me. The photos are a reminder of those whom I love and also a reminder and encourager that I may be reunited with my family once again. Mu necklace that was passed on to me from my grandmother is an important artifact that has been passed down from generation to generation of the women in my family.
If I were told that I could only keep 1 personal item, that item would be my Bible. Without my Bible I would be lost. My Bible helps to keep me grounded and gives me the strength and encouragement to live a Christian lifestyle.
What I have learned about this assignment is the fact that children and families of different cultures are sort of in this situation today. There are many families that migrate to the USA and have either little of their belongings or none. They have to start fresh and/or all over with getting accustomed to their new environment. It puts me in mind of being stripped to almost nothing. I can imagine how that would feel in a real life satiation.
An insight that I gained about myself is the fact that I value my religion, culture, and family. I understand how important the three are in my life. If I had not my religion, culture, or family, I really don't know what or where I would be today in my life. I believe that all individuals should have something that they treasure or value in life that they are willing to not lose it at no cost.
Cotati Thomas-Crompton
Hi Cotati,
ReplyDeleteI really liked your post. It was very well thought out. I struggled with mine as I did not have strong feelings about anything to bring except for photos. I envy you, that you have such a strong faith that would carry you through being rehomed. I am guessing it carries your through your day to day life too.
I only felt strongly about my family, and the assignment said that they would get to come along. I would miss my friends and my pets terribly if I had to leave the country, but the assignment did not allow us to bring extra people or pets. So, for me, it is the people in my life and my dogs too that matter the most. I have a cat and I love her too, but she doesn't like to travel! :)
You said that this assignment reminded you of people who migrate from one country to another and can bring little to nothing with them. That is true! What I thought about with this assignment are the people all over the world who have been struck by natural disasters, like hurricanes and tsunamis and tornadoes and fires, who lose everything instantly, including sometimes their loved ones, and what that must be like to start over and have to rebuild from nothing. And then they often do not have insurance or jobs, so how do they rebuild? I get overwhelmed when I try to think about what they do. And it seems that there are more and more disasters each year.
Thanks for your post!
Carol
Hi Cotati,
ReplyDeleteOn many of our post the first thing we would take with us is our spiritual books (Koran & bible). I feel it is wonderful that so many of us have spriitual backgrounds and hold their spirituality to the highest.
I think it is wonderful that your family has an heirloom that is passed down from generation to generation. My family does not have any heirlooms that is passed down. How is the person to get the heirloom choosen. Thank you and I think I will start a heirloom in my family. Starting with my oldest grandaughter.
I adore this post! I absolutely said the same thing, I think that having the Bible assures that I'll remain rooted and grounded in who I am as a person. I was always taught by my grandmother if your spirit is troubled the first thing you do is pray and find scripture and I'm sure being placed in another country with only three belongings will definitely trouble some.
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