We leave for Manila next week and I am so looking forward to the warmer weather. I'm also looking forward to going to a warm beach and eating yummy food with family. Of course, I'm also looking forward to seeing relatives -- particularly my grandparents. I am a bit anxious about the head-to-foot looks and the know-it-all comments about Vincent. I want Vincent to enjoy himself because six months ago Vincent wouldn't dare think of going back to Manila (too traumatized by the extra-disciplinary actions taken by other people). Our attempt at a camping trip last year left a very memorable experience for all those involved. I am hoping that this is the start of being able to travel with him some more.
This year, though, Christmas isn't quite as Christmas-y as it has been. Times are just tough. Almost everyday I talk to people who are struggling to pay their rent, looking for work, worried about losing their current job, and just plain worried. I've met more people who have told me that they have never had to go look for financial help before. I had somebody in my office who was telling me how she used to be the one adopting families to take care of during Christmas. Now she's needing help to pay rent and finding out sources for free food. As we see this need grow it's hard not to take on some of the stress and anxiety that these people are feeling. I know I've been more sensitive to things people say and do around me, but it almost feels like a way to protect myself. I take it out on others so that I am able to sit down and listen to those who really need the help.
Almost every week, sometimes less, major corporations announce layoffs. Hewlett-Packard has been doing it for quite some time now. AT&T announced cutting 40,000 jobs last week... Sony announced 8,000 today... 533,000 jobs lost last month alone. I've heard of one person being the only one left in his department, which is a mixed blessing. He's happy to have a job, but he's now left with more work and wondering what will happen to his co-workers. It makes me wonder when I'll be next. I've been told that I probably don't have to worry because more and more people will be needing help. But where will this help come from? My friend who runs a non-profit in town is struggling to get enough food to fill Christmas baskets for needy families. Our emergency financial assistance funds come from donations -- where will this money come from if our parishioners are losing their jobs? I always say that those who work for alcohol companies are the only ones with job security right now -- watch those sales go up.
As I worry about losing my job, I am thankful for a few things. I've never had the need for more and more money, so I make do with little. I have never felt any attachments to material goods, so not having the latest gadgets is just fine with me and everything I own fits in one bedroom. Most importantly, I have a very supportive family. When it was announced that AIG (American Insurance Group) was getting federal help to keep itself afloat, I was initially worried because that's where I have my retirement fund. This was quickly replaced by relief when I remembered that I had only placed about $100 at that time. Phew!
My thoughts then go to other countries in the world. If Americans are struggling, what happens to all those countries who rely on the almighty dollar? What happens to all those people who rely on the dollars that are sent to them every month by a family member who works overseas? What happens to industries that rely on the Americans' consumerism? What happens to those who were already hungry before this whole mess got even worse?
I often feel the need for quick fixes, but this is just too huge for me to even come up with anything sane sounding. My latest is... What if we were all just considered citizens of the world and forced to spread everything equally? I mentioned this to Aki and he said that he also valued the unique identities of each country. Well, we would all still have our own identities -- just like those who are from the west coast are different from those from the east, or the north and the south. We would all share resources -- natural and man-made. It makes me wonder if we have been citizens of the world all this time, would we be as quick to go to war with each other? Would we allow such inequality of resources? Would we let somebody just thousands of miles away -- no body of water even separating us -- go to bed hungry each night? Would we see each other a little more equal than we do now and not consider ourselves more superior than somebody with a different skin color? Would we dump harmful products (such as selling cigarettes) on another country for the sake of profit? Would we be in a mess this big at all?
I do have tips for making this holiday brighter for others around us...
1. Donate to your favorite charity. Choose one within your own community and one outside of your community.
2. Live and give simply.
3. When you go grocery shopping, buy two extra canned goods for your local food bank.
4. Donate blankets, socks, sleeping bags, and tents for the homeless (I had a mountain of these in my office -- it was glorious!).
5. Give to your Church; especially if they provide assistance to the needy (like St. Mary's!).
6. Volunteer your time at your local soup kitchen, food pantry, or other non-profit organization that help the needy.
7. If you're able to, volunteer for organizations that help the poor in other countries (can be short term, too).
8. Be a support to someone who is feeling the stress of these economic times.
9. Be an advocate for policies that protect those weakest in our society.
10. Remember the true meaning of the season -- to prepare the way for the coming of our Lord, Jesus. Think of Mary's example of humility, acceptance, simplicity, and her call for justice (Magnificat). If we truly believe that Jesus lives in each of us, we learn to value those around us and even those we don't see.
For now... Let's try to bring glad tidings and joy to the world! (I can come up with more, if you want!)
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