Comments on: Sardines or Lessons From the Field

By: Mike Van

Mike Van — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 04:55:03 +0000

It’s a little hard to think about, that picture. It’s like living in my closet. As a born and raised American, I think: I just couldn’t do it. Then a voice comes back to me: “You would if you just didn’t have any choice.” Sometimes it’s easy to think that, what with globalization and everything, that everywhere has pretty good opportunities now and the US isn’t so special anymore (and is maybe less awesome). But it this helps keep me in perspective. Things are pretty easy here. We have lots of opportunities–we’re prepared for them, brought up with them, encouraged, educated. I know I was. I had so much of that I was able to blow it off and take it for granted to it had to be shoved down my throat a lot. And just because they’re from somewhere else doesn’t make it okay for them but not okay for me. All I know is that I still have a lot to learn.

By: Amber Van Schooneveld

Amber Van Schooneveld — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:35:39 +0000

Thanks, Anthony. You, in turn, made my day with your comment!
Amber

By: anthony njoroge

anthony njoroge — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:14:43 +0000

hi amber,

let me just say you made me laugh so heard that the guy next to me though I was going mad.

Your post was not only funny, but so true and yet so sad..

thanks for making my day

By: Amber Van Schooneveld

Amber Van Schooneveld — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 22:29:20 +0000

Thanks, everyone! I enjoy reading your comments as well, as I can learn so much from you!

By: Richard McClatchey

Richard McClatchey — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 17:50:23 +0000

I know I’ve posted a lot within the last couple of days, but doing so means so much to me and I have to let my feelings out. I agree and am moved to see their humble conditions. However, I’m also have joy in my heart, knowing they’re happy and content, despite their circumstances. Because of children like these, makes me aspire to become a missionary to help them out. I’ve been to homes similar to these and I thank God for giving me the ability to actually see where these families live. It’s a real experience, I recommend to anybody.

By: Kelly @ Love Well

Kelly @ Love Well — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:45:04 +0000

Great post, Amber. I think the line about learning to have joy in the midst of our circumstances TODAY, no matter what they are, is a terrific take-away lesson.

By: Compassion dave

Compassion dave — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 18:44:36 +0000

I just had a church secretary drop me an email. “Just wanted to let you know that you’ll have 3-4 minutes to speak at each service. See you Sunday,” Initially I had been given 10 minutes (which included a video slot).

Oh, I’m not complaining; the Lord is still very much in charge — The power He displays will only be magnified as a result of the shortened time.

But it would be nice if she could see this photograph and read your comments.

By: Ian Durias

Ian Durias — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 16:12:06 +0000

Well said, Amber.

And as much as your picture has seared an image into my mind, so did your phrase: “I wonder if one of these cute little kids is a Heater Legs. Or a Snorer. Or a Bed Hog.” That image became more real to me coupled with your words. I appreciate you sharing this with us.

By: Becky

Becky — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:53:45 +0000

Yeah, this one got me too, Amber. Great post.

By: Vicki Small

Vicki Small — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 14:28:42 +0000

Great post, Amber; I am particularly struck by your last paragraph, and I share your desire.

Thanks for putting this photo into perspective for us.