This year is a year about challenges and hard conversations. It is about learning how to navigate these conversations with grace while understanding you aren't always going to agree.
The United States Election hit me hard in more ways than one this year. Being the only American in the school that I work in, I was the only one many students and teachers had to ask or talk about the election with. When they would see me, they would ask my opinion and if I had voted. Not knowing how to express myself in English, my first language, it was hard to navigate these conversations with grace. Teachers and students would ask my opinion and being so numb and in shock, I had a hard time putting words into coherent sentences in these conversations. The media portrays one version of the election and often doesn't give the full story- not just in Hungary or the United States, but all around the world. Being the only American, I was put under a microscope, grilled about Trump winning, asked about my feelings, and people not fully understanding when I would talk about it. I had to put into words, feelings I was wrestling with and talk about reasons why I had a hard time accepting that Trump had become the President-elect. When I could finally get the words out, the reactions were all over the board, students not necessarily having heard what i was sharing because that hadn't been talked about in the Hungarian news or it was a different perspective. This year for me is not only about hard conversations, it is about breaking down stereotypes, or at least giving people another perspective to think about to help challenge their view of the world. I not only have to talk about American politics, but address stereotypes of people who identify as being Roma Hungarian. The Roma I have met have been nothing but kind, hardworking, and well rounded people. They work, go to university, have families, and have strong ties to churches in the communities. Attending a youth group on Saturdays in a church community comprised of Roma and Non Roma young adults has helped me put faces to a culture of people I had only heard about. These people help me smash stereotypes in conversations I have. So many of the young people in the youth group have such a strong faith. God works through them to help make the world a little bit brighter place. These conversations help me learn how to have good conversations where I can address racism, sexism, and other stereotypes while not belittling the other person.
0 Comments
Today is my Dad's birthday. Although I was able to FaceTime with him, it isn't the same as celebrating with him in person. Being in another country on such a special day reminds me again of how important my family is to me.
In the weeks leading up to my year with YAGM, my dad, mom and I excitedly researched Békéscsaba, looking up pictures of my new town and exploring where I would be living for the next year. Even since arriving in Hungary, my dad would text or FaceTime and tell me what the weather would like that day or week or ask how I was doing. I love checking in with my parents, seeing how they are keeping busy since becoming empty nesters (even if it is only for a year!). He loves to hear about how teaching is going or if I am warm enough or getting enough to eat. Even from thousands of miles away, my dad is still checking in to make sure I am right where I belong. Hope you are having a great birthday Dad. Hope Luther (finally) wins against Wartburg today! “Be brave enough to stand alone, smart enough to know when you need help, and brave enough to ask for it.”
Recently, the YAGM Central Europe group met in Eger, Hungary (in Northeastern Hungary) for our fall retreat. One of the conversations we had was about accepting help and not necessarily always needing to return the favor. Something that I have learned how to do is accepting help and realizing that people offer to give you a hand and don’t always expect you to reciprocate. I have met incredible people who have helped me in ways I didn’t know I would need it. The information lady at the train station patiently figured out how to help me with my train ticket, despite a language barrier. A woman on the train platform let me know a part of my bag was unzipped and didn’t want anything stolen. A man was looking for the same platform for the train to Eger and the two of us ran around until we found the right place. On the way home from Eger, a man who was on my train saw me struggling with my baggage as I ran down the platform, worried I would miss my next train. Because that particular train station was confusing, he helped me with my baggage, ran with me to the next stop, and told the train staff that I was coming and not to leave the station yet. Within Békéscsaba, God has given me an incredible mentor whose family has shuttled me back and forth from the train station and understands the stress of moving to a new place. My mentor has helped me with some of my work sites and is patient when I have questions. He has placed a patient principal in my life who grabs a ladder when I run into his office telling him I need someone to climb on the roof to get something for a couple of students. God gave me a community of teachers and students who have helped me adjust to a new country, a new home, and a new language. God works in the community of Békéscsaba to welcome me and feel at home, despite the miles between my home in the States and me. God knows when I need help and I stress myself out. He places people in my life to show me that everything always works out and to laugh when I am about to cry. He shows me how to accept help and shows me that it’s okay to ask for it. |
Elaina JohnsonI am from a town on the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin. I grew up in Hudson, WI, where I had the privilege of returning after graduating from Winona State University with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation. Archives
December 2016
|