Not Two, Four

Guest Post by Louise

It’s a new place for Drew, Rachel, Titus and Michael - new neighborhood, buses, vegetable markets, night shopping, restaurants, parks, schools and more. But the same objective – show compassion, value individuals, embrace the culture, nurture relationships, allow hearts and Chinese words to communicate the message, love neighbors and bring them Home.

Where they walk, ride buses, and live daily- here is a sample of what happens.

#1

Walking on a side city street with lots of people out, we come across a Chinese family selling drinks and snacks out of their garage stall-like home.

Titus says (in Chinese), “I need to go to the bathroom!”

They also have little ones walking about. Rachel asks if they have a toilet and she Titus are immediately welcomed and ushered into the back of their home. Drew buys cold drinks for the rest of us, trying to reciprocate for the bathroom use, and allowing their service to provide for our need – cool drinks on a very hot summer day.

#2

Families gather at the university commons park in the evenings. Fish circle the pond, doing their laps for food. Large open grass spaces contrast with dirty, crowded streets and hot, confined rooms. Children play and run. Adults smile and watch, talking and enjoying being in community. Michael (Mai-Mai) crawls into a small stroller seat left unoccupied by a cute one year-old Chinese girl. She starts pushing Michael! All the adults laugh and snap photos!

#3

For lunch, we sample the cuisine of China’s northwestern minority – the Muslim Uighur people. The waitress’ little son Ma Wei comes to the table to meet Titus. Later, two cold treats are purchased – one for Titus and one for his friend. Outside the restaurant, Titus struggles to open the treat. Ma Wei snatches it away and runs inside. Oh wait! He’s opening it for Titus and quickly brings it back with a smile on his face! Later that day, we are night shopping with Rachel and walk into a shop next to the restaurant. Excitement! Chinese conversation! As his mother and father work hard at the restaurant, Ma Wei has wandered into this women’s clothing store.

“Where is Titus?” he asks.

Rachel explains, “He is home sleeping”.

#4

Here we are again, riding the bus across town. Bumpy, hot, noisy, full of people….Michael is sitting in his stroller, his little hand reaching out to a fellow passenger and a slow, sweet smile crossing over his face, as his eyes meet this ‘Uncle’. ‘Uncle’ smiles in return. Love is a gift that has been shared.

As the Nai-Nai (Grandma), I could share with you so many more vignettes of these small love gifts that pass from two little boys in the context of family life to each other and their Chinese neighbors, softening hearts and opening a way for Drew and Rachel, and what they have to share.

As you lift them up – remember four not merely two. Give thanks for precious sons, the purpose in their little lives even now and the men they will someday become. Thanks for listening to a Nai-Nai’s heart.

- Louise