GUANELLA HOME

My restless “Am”

Since last year, on Sunday, I have been staying with the children in Guanella Home for Special Children in the congregation Servants of Charity. It was my great opportunity to learn from them and relearn about myself.

Special children are capable of knowing and loving. Staying with them, even doing nothing, is never boring. Their time is always precious. They don’t judge when it is the more or most important time for them. They see all as equal. For them, every minute is anew, every person is special once they get to know and familiarize themselves. One might find their joy so simple or nothing special, but watching them, you will learn how precious these simple things are.

If I compare the life of an expert and these friends, I might consider my time more important, or be tempted to add a greater value to my existence, since I see my time and work are more productive and meaningful.

However, I remember one thing: We are equal in God’s eyes.

On the matter of time, once it is used fully according to one’s interest or purpose, it’s useful. That is why I give my time whenever I can to be with these friends, no matter what I can bring into their lives or receive from them. Staying with them, I have learned many things. Their purpose of doing things is always a whole, not any specificity. Their interest is others’ interests; they enjoy their own space in whatever event. I noticed one keeping a stone while others are watching a movie. Though he was there, yet paid no attention to the screen. I also saw another one sitting in front of the screen, seeming to watch, but in fact, only giving his senses to the threat of his pants.

Many other differences. Experiencing all these, should I teach them to think like others? Do like others?…

No, there is no need for such; let it be as it is.

Simple disciplines and right behaviors are enough.

Seeing the poor with no access to education, I am inspired to be one who can teach. Seeing these friends with different abilities, I am inspired to be “Me”, enjoying life with who they are, and as who I am.

Nguyen Thi Nhiem (Marie)