Shocked, Proud, Inspired - by Lei

Shocked to see my city and my schools on national TV this whole week as terror went through city of Boston, Cambridge, and Watertown
• During college, I work on Newbury St and Boylston St as I did valet parking next to the finish line of Boston Marathon
• One of the victims of Monday bombing was a Chinese national who attended Boston University. She had just attend a Intervarsity retreat at Toah Nipi, a retreat center that I visited every year during my BU days
• A MIT police officer was killed during the shootout when the bombers tried to flee
• The final suspect was captured in Watertown, 2 miles from where I used to live

Proud to be a Bostonian. A city that stood strong and will overcome

Inspired to know each of us can make a difference. No one can predict how the lives of those young bombers could have been changed if they were surround by loving friends. One of them wrote on their facebook that they do not have a single American friend. I do know each day as we come across people, we are given a chance to positively impact their lives.

Independence and limited worldview – by Lei

Recently we took Jaiden to an amazing aquarium where we saw emperor penguins, big jelly fish, sea horse, etc. There were so many cool things that we felt like we didn’t have enough time to see everything.

One part of the aquarium, we had a chance to walk in a tunnel with all kinds of amazing sea creature swimming above and beside us. I put Jaiden on my shoulders to ensure he got the best view. To my disappointment, Jaiden kept on wiggling asking to let be down so he can walk on his own. He kept on repeating one of his recent favorite phrases 自己走 which mean “let me walk by myself”. Jaiden loves to run around on his own and this is a great trait. However this time, I knew at his height would limit his view to many of the interesting sights. When I refused to let him down, he kicked and screamed. Both Diana and I tried to explain to Jaiden that being held and walking with Daddy was the best thing for him as it would ensure he can have the full experience the amazing exhibits.

While talking to Jaiden, it dawn on me that he may not understand us. He does not have our experience or worldview. In his limited understanding, many of the fun moments in life have come while he was running around by himself. Jaiden has never been in an aquarium so there is no way he can comprehend the possibilities of he could see.

Jaiden’s childish behavior is not limited to a 2 year old. In my life I often insist that I know what is best for me even though my worldview is limited. I have done something a certain way and it was fun so I insist on “my way” over and over again. I fail to recognize the possibility of something more, something much grander than what I have experienced before. What a shame that our limited worldview and desire for independence can deprive us of great and amazing experiences with our Papa.