Simple acts, great rewards

There's a world outside this country. \n No, really.\nWhile this might seem theoretical to some ethnocentric Americans, it is true. I have even confirmed it. I have jumped on a plane, flown for a long time (allowing me to catch up on watching movies) and gotten off in a land different from our own.\nIt was exciting. It was exotic. And the food was delicious, an important part of any culture, in my book.\nBut foreign lands can intimidate as well. I stood out worse than a Purdue fan at an IU championship. I did not understand the language. I could not read the signs. This could have been disastrous except for one thing: gracious hospitality.\nTime and time again, people showed me kindness, whether it was helping me shop in the market or inviting me to their home for dinner. I am grateful for the kindness shown to me. \nBut I ask you, my fellow students, would I have experienced the same treatment if I were an international traveling in America?\nWe often don't show the kindness we should toward international people. We become impatient when they don't speak perfect English. \nThere is a joke that if someone speaks three languages, she is called trilingual. If two languages, she is bilingual. But if someone speaks only one language, she is called American. \nWe simply expect others to speak our language. Overseas, people were patient with me as I butchered the mother tongue attempting to order a Coke. Are we patient here? I find it impressive that these students can speak several languages. If I can only speak one fluently, how can I insist that they speak two perfectly? \nWhen Moses led the Jewish people out of slavery in Egypt, God instructed the people: When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt (Leviticus 19:33-34). \nBut how often do we give internationals a hard time? How often do we expect them to completely understand our language, our customs and our culture here in America? Are we compassionate toward the aliens among us?\nAt IU, students come from around the world, providing an opportunity we can either seize or squander. These internationals come with fresh eyes. They see things we don't see, granting us insights into our own society. They come with diverse perspectives. They carry part of their own rich culture with them, affording us a "visit" to their country without ever leaving Bloomington. \nMy friendships with internationals have greatly enriched my life. Ghana. Tibet. India. Brazil. Pakistan. China. Belgium. My friends from each of these countries bless me with their friendship. I only hope I have been a blessing to them. \nThere is much more to an education than what is taught in the classroom. Don't squander some of the best opportunities of your life to interact with foreigners and learn from them. Seize the opportunity to shine the light of kindness into another's life. \nBe a person of compassion. Who knows? In brightening their lives, you may just brighten your own as well.