“So tell me what you want, what you really really want...” The Spice Girl's bubblegum pop lyrics spill out of our five year old's lips as he dances through the house enjoying the mid nineties hip hop single. We have the movie “Chicken Little” to thank for this. “Ra Ra-ah-ah-ah, Roma Roma-ma...” echoes in the car as Jackson performs his latest rendition of Lady Gaga's hit single. We have the loud sound systems in every local mall to thank for this one. And most recently we find our son singing, “Hey soul sister ain't that mister mister on the radio, stereo...” I have to admit, this one is our fault. We don't have a CD player in our vehicle, and often we resort to listening to the only English radio station available on our stereo dial.
While it can be entertaining at times, the fact that our pre-schooler can belt out many of the Billboard's Top Hits is not exactly what we had in mind when we thought of expanding Jackson's horizons by moving overseas. However, Jackson has indeed broadened his outlook on life. He has ascertained things he could have never learned in a classroom or through reading a book. He has grown in ways we will probably never fully comprehend as a result of our relocation to Southeast Asia.
Jackson has discovered first hand how very fortunate he is to have been blessed with a solid roof over his head. He's walked through villages where homes are built from scrap wood and tin. He's sat on floors that were rotten and threatened to collapse from too much weight (not Jackson's of course). He's walked through doorways void of doors and peered out windows deprived of window panes. Jackson has a new perspective on poverty.
Jackson has recognized the provision of food during mealtime. He has witnessed the hungry as they walked into a restaurant, sat down at a table, and partook of left-over scraps that have yet to be cleared away from the previous customers. He has observed a man digging through the dumpster in search of something to fill his empty stomach. He has been present in a village when a man walked into his home with two small fish to feed a family of nine. Jackson has a new understanding of hunger.
Jackson can determine the difference between want and need. We have the luxury of eating fast food, going to the movies, and purchasing candy, gum, and other frivolous items. We have the ability to delight in Birthday parties trimmed with streamers, balloons, fancy cake, and presents. And we have the privilege of decorating during the Holidays, baking unnecessary treats, and buying and receiving gifts at Christmas. While in the States Jackson did not personally know anyone who could NOT do these things. Now he does. Jackson knows he is NOT in need.
Jackson has discovered the nuances and fascinations of an Asian culture, a new language, foreign foods, and even sacrificial living. He's visited six countries. And he has done so by jet, taxi boat, prop plane, ferry, speed boat, and a variety of unusual transportation modes within these countries. Jackson has developed an appreciation for travel, adventure, and uncovering once unknown lands (at least unknown to us). He has also had to begin developing patience, tolerance, endurance, courage, respect, and self denial. These are tough lessons for persons of any age.
Then there is that acquired knowledge that may or may not prove helpful in his later years. Like what it means to have a contingency plan. And how to hide in an inconspicuous place and not make a sound if mommy and daddy give the word. And how to remain calm when his parents bust out the window frame and climb down the rope ladder. I'm not sure what this has taught him. However, he does find it intriguing. And he often equates these things to the life of a spy. Let's hope this appeal does not motivate him to change his occupational goal from NASA to espionage.
Finally, Jackson has discovered what it means to live by faith. He trusts that we are supposed to be here even though he'd rather be in America. He has an amazing assurance that we will be cared for, comforted, directed, and empowered. He prays fervently for our local friends. And he prays for those he does not know because he has heard or seen something that moved his tender heart. He has volunteered to give up his Happy Meal toys to children who play with marbles on the sidewalk because it is the only “toy” or “game” they own. And he often shows a strong curiosity regarding living a life pleasing to God.
Of course, there are all those other times when he has no regard for anyone or anything that doesn't bring him immediate and complete satisfaction. But don't we all struggle with this one:).
All in all, Jackson has determined to endure the challenges of life on the far side and, as a result, become a better person for it. To answer the question, “So tell me what you want, what you really really want...” “I wanna I wanna I wanna” make the most of the time that we have here and help Jackson do the same. It is what we are meant to do. And I want to do it well.
