I don’t get to the computer as often as I used to. I have already put up a post for today and really thought that was that. I went over to check my email. Man, oh man, I have 315 messages waiting. I really do have to spend more time here.
I read one message that has me feeling torn inside. I am not sure if I am jumping up and down mad, feeling sad for the sender or just feeling that a part of the message was just poorly worded. A few days ago I put up a post about how our new neighbors had their garage broken into, things were stolen and their vehicle was damage as thieves attempted to steal it. This in fact happened on the very day that they had their home blessed by a priest. Now that fact in itself has me jumping up and down mad but back to the email.
Part of the message suggested my neighbors should reach out for support from their own kind!! Own kind????? Huh!!!!!
Now as it happens my new neighbors are from the Philipines, having arrived in Canada just over a year ago. Vi and I are very happy to have them as our new neighbors, they are a wonderful family. Now I do believe I understand the overall meaning of the comment. They could reach out to others in their situation being new to Canada. I hope there is some sort of support group like that. It may help them, I don’t know.
Nothing changes the fact they are my neighbors and I see only one “kind”, human kind. Vi and I are here for them in any way we can.
I have to ask a question of any that may read this. As a society in general, do we view neighbors from a different culture or county differently than we do if they are from our own, what ever that may be? If so, WHY?
Dying mans daily journal 
Bill, I agree completely to your comment “People are People – No Exceptions”. Nobody should have to fear for their safety in their own homes. Unfortunately there will always be people out their who would rather steal, vandalize, etc. instead of doing something constructive. I hope with time your neigbours will once again be comfortable and live as they should not regretting that they chose our city as their home. They are so fortunate to have you and Vi as their neighbours.
Thank you Betty
I agree with you Bill, it does’nt matter where you came from, even if your black or white, first nation or a Filipino, the matters most is how would react and behave or act on that situation. Your Neigbours are so lucky that they have you and been part of their struggle and also to your wife Vi a very supportive partner in life of the things you been doin. Continue writing Bill as you help people and change some lives.
Thanks Mel
We are all in this boat called “life” together. If we don’t live with an attitude of unity, we rob ourselves and all the people who have to live with us!
I agree, Bill. A neighbour is a neighbour is a neighbour. Give up the ‘isms’ and take up love, folks.
Right on.
Very nice…
Thank you
Oh boy…
I’ll say it. LOL
We have cultural differences. Yup–above all we’re all children of G-d, that makes us all family and all equal.
BUT…I’m going to take it as the writer stated it in a way that wasn’t meant offensive, even though it was received with some doubt as to the motive. (go figure I’ll give people the benefit of doubt–something about ‘contempt prior to investigation’ pokes me to do that) I’ll chalk it up to poor choice of wording.
Himself is from England. Now, you’d think since we both speak the ‘same language’ we’d ‘get it’. Sometimes we don’t ‘get’ each other–and it’s a cultural difference.
I have a sister-in-law that is Filipino and there are huge cultural differences and norms/traditions.
I’m going to give the person who wrote the letter the benefit of believing their heart is good.
There’s something to be said about someone who hails from the same culture, who speaks your language and who gets the norms and customs and traditions/rites that you have.
They might find comfort in being able to express themselves in their own language, to someone who understands the nuances that they’re going through, given they’ve relocated and don’t speak the language fluidly.
We can love ’em and pray for ’em and be angry that this whole ordeal happened to them….frankly it makes me really sad for them cuz I know how it feels to be violated like that and it’s scary all the way around.
But they not going to feel like they’re effectively expressing themselves to you, or to anyone who is outside of their culture and who doesn’t speak their language–cuz they aren’t. They don’t know the words to encompass how huge this feels to them.
Is there a Filipino community there? Someone at the University who speaks their language fluidly? A member of the congregation?
I just think they need to be heard.
It’s wonderful to embrace them with love–which I know you and Vi do. I just wonder if they need someone to really HEAR them in their own language so they can articulate just how scared/hurt/lonely/vulnerable they truly do feel…..
Mel, your wisedom and big heart are showing again. Thank you
Whoa Dad! I think you are making too much of this! While I agree with everything you said, I must say that I was going to say the same thing as Mel (though not nearly as eloquently! Nice job Mel). I think that I would get great relief from being able to fully express myself. Forget about all of the cultural differences, I’m just talking about on a language level! I have to imagine that if I was in Germany, for example, surrounded by similar minded people to myself but couldn’t speak to them to my satisfaction in a time of personal-crisis, I would feel much better getting to speak to someone who speaks English! I’m guessing this emailer was just trying to be helpful. I’m pretty sure there is quite a large filipino population in Winnipeg that they might receive great comfort in making contact with right now!
Hi Billie, you are right and I am happy to say the community is rallying. Love you all.
Dad
i am back…love nita
Hi nita I am so glad to see you back, I have missed you.
Bill
Fear, pure and simple. Some people view anything different than themselves with fear. How sad is that? There are so many things we can learn from each other regardless of what our backgrounds may be. What a shame to waste those opportunities!
Hi Jill, If we but take the time we can in deed learn from everyone.
Hmmm, I hope that Mel and Billie are correct, but Bill, I would have thought the same thing upon reading those words. “Their own kind” is not usually said by someone who is trying to be helpful. I hope it was just a poorly-worded email.
Thanks for your comments. Best of luck to you. Everyone should check out the videos demonstrating the benefits of the Raw for 30 Days program.
George