Christmas Reflection

December is a perfect month to reflect on the gift of my experience in Micronesia. When I was younger, I always correlated the word “gift” with a tangible present – whether it was a toy, an item of clothing, or money. It was something that could be touched with my hands and put to use in a very practical way. A “gift” that was simply a card or a letter and a hug or a kiss did not hold as much meaning to me then. However, I would say one of the greatest growth experiences I have had during my time in Micronesia revolves around my recognition of the importance of intangible gifts – whether they be a simple conversation, a handshake or a hug, or a smile and a laugh.

This holiday season I was very fortunate to be able to share a glimpse of my Micronesian experiences with my mother and sister. They arrived on December 19th and shared shortly over two weeks with me and my community. During that time, we spent a little over a week with my host family on and off island. It was beautiful for me to witness my host family welcome them with open arms and seem to be as elated to visit with them as I was. They referred to them as “our mother and sister,” rather than “Stephanie’s mother and sister,” as if they had known them much longer than a couple of hours or a couple of days. While I know some of my host family felt inadequate to provide material items for them, they offered them intangible gifts or local resources that my mother and sister will most likely remember and cherish even more. They offered local necklaces off of their own necks and skirts or dresses hung in their closet. They collected countless coconuts and seashells to share with them the beauty of their land. In response to their example, the value of generosity has assumed a new meaning for me and, in many instances, continues to challenge me to become more selfless.

Together, we laughed and smiled as my mother and sister choked over the pronunciation of a few Chuukese conversational words. We danced and sang to a mix of Chuukese and English songs. We watched sunsets and sunrises as we crossed through the Pacific. We relaxed on local mats, sipping on coconuts, enjoying the ocean breeze, and gazing at the water. We banged on tin cans, apathetic of the pouring rain, to celebrate the New Year. We sat in each other’s company, happy and at peace to just share time together, even if it meant doing nothing but that. We bridged the barrier of language to share each other’s humanity. One of the greatest feelings I had during their visit was when I recognized how I was treated differently than my mother and sister. Whereas my mother and sister were asked to rest and enjoy everything at all times, I was no longer treated as the guest; I was accepted as a sister or a daughter.

The students of Xavier continue to teach me as well. Little do they know that I continually learn from them as much as I try to teach them. Their openness to share their culture and holiday break with my family communicated to me that they not only cared about me, but also about my family. We conversed about cultural dress; laughed over cookie baking, board games, and hikes; and formed new friendships.
It is hard to express in words how thankful I was to all of my host family and the Xavier students for sharing their hearts and homes with me and my family. For me, it was the best Christmas present I have received in a while. I think everything I have tried to convey through this reflection can be summarized by a statement my brother once said, “A Christmas present is that which cannot be touched or felt, at least not with the hands that is…it is the memories we share with those we love. And through this love the gift can be realized.” I hope that such feelings of gratitude and peace can resonate in others reading this reflection. Happy New Year and peace to all.