When I started this blog, I only wanted to document the kiddos really cute, quips :) They're really smart (sometimes, could be quite a smart-a$$ in their remarks but since they are still little, it still sounded cute, so...) and their repartee often amuses us no end. So I felt that I would want to document some of them at least. Thus this blog came to be. As they get older though, our conversation has evolved. They are still quite funny but sometimes, our conversations can turn into serious ones. And their views and/or wisdom often leave me in awe.
Today, while having lunch in an Indian restaurant and me being happy about my vegetarian choices, I told Rod many of my colleagues are also vegetarian.
Rod: Because your work is about pursuing a passion... what you're passionate about... (The motivation) is not about money or anything.
Then for some reason we then discussed about the sector I'm in, the many changes that is happening within it and LHL. This led us to talk about decolonizing aid.
Rod: I get what you mean but somehow there is (an added) value on the experiences that had been had across many contexts...
Me: I agree. Still, it is high time to get started and serious about local capacity...
I briefly discussed the value of this and also talked about practicality like difficulty in access during emergency.
We grew quiet for a bit and then out of the blue I just blurted out -- "Maybe that is why I chose to be Asian and a woman at that..."
Rod: To be seen as a minority?
Me: Maybe I was white and male...
Rod: In your past life... yeah...
Me: So now, a complete turn-around... Asian and a woman...
It always amazes me how the children, particularly, Rod just get me, even if I blurt out something totally weird. No questions, no judgment nor any side, deragatory comments. Just acceptance and carrying on with the conversation as if we're just talking about the weather. What a gift that is! I'm grateful.
