Recently, I was talking to one of my students who said she has trouble sleeping at night. She lives in a crowded place where people stay up all night, the effects of the drug culture in her barangay (the term for a Filipino neighborhood or village). As I was riding on a bicycle taxi through her neighborhood to meet her, I could more clearly understand what she meant. Every square meter of her neighborhood is filled with people working, resting, playing, eating, drinking, and talking. The noise and congestion never cease.
What I’ve been noticing here is that there is no alone time. Of course, that’s not surprising for anyone who has children, but I used to be able to get some time alone, even if it was sitting in my classroom after school or driving somewhere. Here, even on the roads, there are always people knocking on our windows or pedestrians dodging traffic.
Based on the latest 2010 estimates, the population of the Philippines is close to 100 million, but the land area of the Philippines is only slightly larger than Arizona. There are some great things about having people around us all the time. Earlier this month we had an office open house celebration. After the 83 guests left, we still had lots of leftover food. After giving food to the building security guards, Matt, Amy, Dave, and I took the trays to a gathering of people about 10 meters from our office building. It was gone in less than five minutes, and we didn’t have to make much effort to seek out anyone. The togetherness of the people also gives Red Window’s students a sense of community and belonging in the midst of healing and reconciliation. And the desire for people to be together has allowed us to make many wonderful friends and to be part of a great church community.
However, the question remains: how do we find joy and peace in the midst of the clamor and the throngs of people? I think we’re still discovering the answer to this question. On the one hand, we take delight in the opportunities God opens because of the people. We are able to interact with a wide variety of people every day. On the other hand, we have to make a greater effort to seek out quiet places. We have to learn to deflect (with a smile) all of the stares our somewhat diverse family attracts no matter where we go. Above all, we’re learning to be content in any situation.
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I didn't realize there were so many people there. I can imagine the struggle to find peace and quiet. I often stay up way too late at night so that I can be alone with my thoughts, something that doesn't happen from the moment I wake up until 11 at night (when Luke goes to bed). Because yes, I even need quiet from my husband =).
ReplyDeleteI love when you paint such a vivid description of your happenings. It helps me visualize where you are and what it's like.