So on New Years Eve I went home and decided to try and reach my dad. I was pretty surprised to get through at around 3:00am (Which was 11:00pm in Samoa.) Anyways I had a good conversation with my dad, just talking about what he had been up to that day. In the last few months my dad not only joined Manumalo Baptist church but he has also done musical numbers for them almost every other week, and on this particular night he was asked to share his testimony, which he did.
Him agreeing to do that and then following through....was a HUGE thing for him. My dad is very quiet and pretty introverted, he'll only speak if it's necessary. He also was never very religious while I was growing up...I have never once seen my dad say a prayer and the only time he went to church was during the holidays. He is the kind of person that keeps a lot of things in and doesn't talk about what's going on with him. He'll shy away from crowds and talking in public. So this change in him is a major thing. He sounds happier, content, and even excited about the things he is doing. I'm not exactly sure what brought about the change but I'm glad that he is doing things that are challenging him...despite the fact that I am sure its scary for him...seeing as how he never would have done those things in the past.
So before I end my conversation with my dad I ask him, "Dad do you have any advice for me for 2010?" He paused for a minute..and in that brief time I imagined that he would probably say "Stop trying to go to school and go and get a job that pays more money". or "Move back home where you're close to family"....but that is not the advice he gave me.. he said, "Keep reaching for the things that will make you happy". He continued ...(because of course like the sap that I am, I started to tear up) "You always made your own way, and I know you're doing all these things for a reason, I just want you to be happy". My dad is a man of few words...so his words and confidence in me and my decisions meant more to me than I can begin to express.
So how do I incorporate his advice into my life in 2010? I am not big on "New Years Resolutions"...However my dad's words have inspired me to set some specific goals that will help me be a better version of myself than I have been in the past. I'll still be the same out spoken, goofy, stubborn, slightly ghetto person that I have always been :), I don't see those pieces of me changing... but I pray to be ...better. Better to those around me, better to my family, but most importantly better to myself.
I'm not sure what 2010 will bring, but I'm grateful for the promise this new year has to offer of new experiences and opportunities to learn, grow, and improve.
