"He's Looking For His Cookie.."

Saturday was our first time to participate in the church's "Benevolence Lunch." ICOS (the name of the church I work with) usually provides lunch to homeless and people of the neighborhood every other Saturday.

The pace of the lunch was rather relaxed and slow. It was a come-and-go event and it was a normal activity for the church members so I didn't notice anyone appearing very stressed while getting things in order and what not. I think that helped the experience be so refreshing.

Many of the people who came for the lunch come every time. One of the men who came Saturday was there Sunday morning at our church services. Some were homeless and into spiritism, etc. Some obviously had a job but don't get by off much and could still use the extra meal. Many of them brought Tupperware to take leftovers home for a later meal or for loved ones.

This brings to mind a thought that I've found very interesting since I've been here..

In the States, there is a strong sense of working hard to improve your status. In Brazil, that way of thinking is minimum, non-existent, or only exists for young children who have some light hope of a good education. There really is not much hope in improving status or class or circumstance here.

Many people from the States might find this depressing. But really, there is much acceptance and joy among people within the different classes here. There is not a constant drive to push yourself to "climb" any kind of "ladder." There instead seems to be a stronger desire to savor moments, to enjoy where you are..because when you wake up in the morning, you'll still be there. Same class, same position, same people, same location..and that is alright. Good, even. Something to be thankful for.

Because of this, the missionaries have found they needed to rethink their vision of "helping out the poor in need."

How much of our want to improve another person's circumstance is based off of Christian values and how much is based off of American expectations of a way of life?

That's not to say there is no need here. There is plenty. That's not to say the missionaries don't try to provide for those needs whenever possible. But the facts are real: there isn't much that you or I can do to change the way most of these people live. So does that mean we need to work harder? Or do we need to consider the question: If they are happy in their way of life, how much do we need to step in and change? Maybe what they need most is someone who is willing to give time to them?

I don't claim to even begin to understand this conversation that is really much bigger than me. I just think it's something that's worth consideration, and something I hope to learn more about.



P.S. Something you might appreciate: The title of this post is a quote from when Marcy and I were trying to explain Sesame Street to two of the Brazilian women here. It was on the television because the missionaries' kids were watching it. Cookie Monster was singing a song about his cookie at the disco. Haha, to save you from much embarrassment, I hope you never have to explain this to someone from a different culture.. ;)