Sitting in the Biloxi/Gulfport airport a few days before Christmas, I was eagerly awaiting my flight to Fort Meyers Florida. As I sat, waiting, I overheard the conversation of the woman next to me. The language spoken, although not English, was very familiar. When she concluded her conversation I asked her if she was speaking Tagalog. Tagalog is the native language of the Philippines.
The woman’s expression lit up as she question as to how I was able to recognize the language. I told her about my recent travels and she asked me what is one observation that I had had. I told her that I found the Filipinos to be some of the nicest and friendliest people that I had ever met.
Our conversation continued and we chatted about her family. Within our short fifteen minutes of interaction, she offered to by me a coffee, invited me to the local Filipino Community Christmas Party, and introduced me to her son.
This gracious individual reminded me of how ones actions are viewed by others and how they reflect upon the society, region, or even country upon which an individual is from. It is important to remember that not only do my actions reflect upon the individual I am, but also they reflect upon AmeriCorps NCCC, the USA, and—most importantly—our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
From one kind gesture made by a stranger, I also learned and developed an appreciation for true random acts of kindness. It amazes me what pieces of wisdom one individual can impart on another in such a small space of time.
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