Watch the Walk

I'm a list maker. Sometimes when I'm thinking about things I just start making a list to see what I think. Or I make a list just to get things done. Or I make a list because... well... I don't want to actually get things done. That also works. So instead of a story or thought point today, I'm give you some lists... 5 Things I've been doing: 1. Working on spelling corrections for a word list 2. Spending time with significant people 3. Drinking coffee 4. Writing emails 5. And this week-- hanging with my sister and nephews 5 Places I've been frequenting: 1. Riverfronts 2. Hilltops 3. Coffee shops 4. The piano bench 5. My computer screen 5 Songs I've been listening to: 1. A Million Dreams - The Greatest Showman 2. We Will Not Be Shaken - Bethel 3. Delta (full album) - Mumford and Sons 4. Nyora Mbili - Goulam 5. The Power of the Cross - Keith and Kristyn Getty 5 things online I've appreciated: 1. Looking for balance and c...

The other day I was chatting with a friend (hey Nancy!) and we ended up on the topic of making friends with immigrant neighbors. Now, for some of you, that might come easily. But for others it's difficult and hard to even know where to start. What if I say something stupid and they get offended? What if they don't want me to be nosy? What if... what if...? But maybe we just don't know where to start? After "hello" what do you say? Well I decided to write down some starting points for connecting with internationals: 1. Ask them about their background. Don't assume that you already know about them because of what their face looks like. Ask for their story. 2. Assuming their mother tongue is not English, ask them about what animals say in their native language. You may laugh, but animals speak differently too . 3. Learn from them about their culture. 4. Ask their perspective on things happening around you-- and don't be surprised when they have a d...