Posted in General Posts by Toran Dean on 10/30/2011
Since a very young age, I have been intrigued by others. I've been fascinated by how people react, music people like, the way peoples accents develop or go, what makes people happy and sad. But, most of all, I have loved getting to know people's stories and how intricacies of other people's lives are all intertwined. The best stories are those that are unexpected but beautiful.
For instance, in my small college town, Oxford, MS, there is a man with the most peaceful disposition. He has a humbling smile, always waves and smiles, and always takes the time to ask how you are doing. His physical characteristics replica those of Nelson Mandela. Many of my schoolmates have even made that his nickname. I couldn't help but notice one day that he is always walking. He works on campus but sometimes I see him as far as 5 or 6 miles away at the local grocery on foot. Rain, snow or sun, he always walks. So, one day I couldn't help but ask him if he enjoyed the excercise or if he just loved being outside. Then, he told me of the most beautiful love story.
He moved to Oxford about 25 to 30 years prior with the love of his life. She meant the world to him. They were young, married, and ready to take on life together. Oxford was somewhat of a stop through town on that adventure. It was only meant to be stayed in until he could find good work. As they settled in Oxford, they became busy in the hustle and bustle of making it socially and financially to the next level, so much so the couple forgot about their love for each other. Until one day, a terrible car accident took the love of his life away. From that day on he never drove again, and he never left Oxford. He said his smile comes from thoughts of her. The thoughts of her smile, her voice, smell and laughter, makes his heart smile.
One of the most startling things we talked about was me. He said that he saw me on campus daily, interacting with others, running to different meetings, but always in a hurry. He told me to slow down, before something like a car accident does it for me. He still works on campus everyday as a janitor in the student union. He has a smile on his face and he is never in a hurry.
Another great story is of a girl I met in Washington, DC two summers ago. She was sure not to call herself Indian. She was brown. So, naturally I came to refer to her as my brown friend. She was the most beautiful brown girl I had ever met. Thick black hair draped her round face. Her big almond eyes grasped onto every word I said as if it were the first time she heard the words, when really I have had the same conversation with my friends about going out for a night on to town many times and assumed she had too. She only wore the best clothes, from the best designers everyday. Most days I was in athletic shorts and a t-shirt, she would be in a cute dress and flats.
She was very intelligent. She always studied. But, always wanted to be included socially as well. Most times if we were in a group of guys and girls, her interaction with the guys was similar to that of Lindsey Lohan in the movie "Mean Girls". But it was okay because we were all getting to know each other and figure each other out.
After some weeks of knowing each other, she asked about my then boyfriend at the time and wanted to know everything. Then, I realized that she had never experienced dating and she never would. Her family was a traditional Indian family. Their focus was religion and school. Anything outside of that was a distraction. That included things like proms, homecoming football games, and going on dates. Deep with in my brown friends, big almond eyes, I saw the yearning for experiences similar to other girls our age, but not daring to defy her family traditions.
Although she wanted so many of the freedoms that I was able to participate in, I found myself having so much respect for her. Her ability to live in a world with so many temptations, and so much curiousity, but also being able to have self control. Each day I saw her in her perfectly tailored outfits, we would talk and she would learn something new that I assumed everyone knew about pop culture or night life. Most of all, I learned about having control.
Each person I have ever met has had a story of triumph, sorrow, or enlightenment. Each person I have met has contributed to my stroy. I believe that God has put those people in my journey for a reason, to learn and grow as an individual. As I see the man in town, who walks everywhere, or when I talk to my brown friend from now on, they continue to contribute to my story. When I go on this incredible mission trip to serve God's kingdom for 11 months, I will continue to meet people with stories. The end result will hopefully be one of the second greatest books I have ever experienced.
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Posted in General Posts by Toran Dean on 9/18/2011
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Not always having the answers as to why things happen can sometimes be a good thing. But searching for those answers as to why things happen, can be an even better thing. Answers to questions about luck, or bad luck. Searching for answers about why some people are successful and why some people aren't. Answers about what will truly make an individual happy. I guess one of the reasons I believe searching for those answers could be a good thing is because once I started searching it spoke to me. Like the most beautiful of songs, it spoke to me. It being the Gospel. Each time a different melody has played which has set my heart on fire. To hear this melody and dance is not enough for me at this point, but to spread his praises around the world, would be one of the greatest gifts I can give to the world.
The decision to go on The World Race was not made lightly. The yearning to go on such an adventure doesn’t excite some people. Some have the desire but never make the jump. Now, I have made the jump and I’m falling freely through the air with nothing to stop me on my way down. There is that temptation, to stop, to let others dictate my next action, to look for self validation through people and not the Lord. It is a struggle I am willing to take on. After all, life is a beautiful struggle.
Through God’s guidance, I will have the opportunity to serve in 11 different countries participating in mission work in each country. Through community, self discovery, and service I will be able to experience His Kingdom on a whole new level. I won’t be able to do it alone. I will need support from my family, friends, and community to complete this immeasurable task. I ask that I be in everyone’s prayers in the next months leading up to departure in July and the 11 months there after. Like the most beautiful of songs, it spoke to me. It being the Gospel. Each time a different melody has played which has set my heart on fire. To hear this melody and dance is not enough for me at this point, but to spread his praises around the world, would be one of the most greatest gifts I can give to the world.
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