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Home > Fellowship Plaza Apt. A202 |
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At the Farmer’s Market
2 Saturdays ago, there was a warm sunshine at the apartments that I reside. The weather was slightly colder than the previous year, and was expected. But it was bright and sunny. I wanted to know the area around me better so my wife and I decided to head to the Farmers Market that opens in the morning. It is held in the West Valley College.
Usually we walked in the path that is slightly hilly for our walks, but today we walked in the path that was nearly flat, and went about half a mile. The Farmers Market sells vegetables from home grown to the farms itself, fruits, honey, flowers, and even simple food made on the spot, hand crafted items for limited time. Unlike the manufactured looks of typical market, it is more pleasant to look around because it’s simple and farm-like.
People tend to like well-organized markets, but also family’s likes to head out and look around and buy the local grown produce, and eat the food that is made on spot. It makes the people look at more ease. Even though this is United States, strangely, most of the customers wondering about are mostly Asians. Since the school district is well distinguished, there are lots of Chinese and Indians. As I am Korean, there isn’t much to say about. I didn’t move to have a good school district. It is because it’s a good environment to live.
The previous night before visiting the market, I went to our daughter’s place. Out of the three granddaughters, firstborn Naomi is 7 years and 9 months. She is very close to us because she lived with us for about 6 years. Before she heads to school in the morning, she gave me $4 and few changes in coins. When I ask her “why are you giving me these changes?” she says to give to the poor when I run into them. She has such a kind spirit for her age, and thankful of it. I wondered why she would think like this lot, and remember her past.
While living in New Jersey, there is a group called Yekko! (Meaning Jesus’ little children) that produces many Christian music videos and stories produced in Korean and English for children. I bought them as a birthday gift to her and showed her many times repeatedly. Along with children’s gospel songs, Biblical characters, there was a play showing children sending gifts with their heart to poor children in Africa. Whether she knows it or not, I told Naomi, “Naomi, let’s helps others just like that!” many times. Around 4 years of age, she would wrap her crayons to send it somewhere, or collect coins whenever she had them. What you see when you’re young affects you greatly and I saw it myself.
Since I didn’t know if we were going to purchase anything, I brought a little bit of cash with me. When I went to the parking lot where the market is held, I heard a very energetic music being sung while playing guitar. A Caucasian woman in her 60s was sitting there and playing guitar while singing. She had few CDs of her singing. There was a collection box, and several dollars were in there. When I saw her closely, she had her eyes open, but could not see. As there is a saying “Blind with eyes open” she blinks her eyes but cannot see.
There was a large wooden board, and she has a blue paper on it, explaining that despite being blind at a young age, there was a picture of her riding a tricycle and there’s and explanation of her life. It said that, despite being blind, her father was kind and held her hand while walking and the memories of it. She wrote also about how her father had encouraged her to live, despite being handicapped, and that being the support for her to this day. It was a good affection her father had given to her. Someone probably wrote it while she told her story. She gets help through her singing, but her face looked like it wasn’t destined, or to make her look like she’s in needy and trying to express it outwardly. Despite being a disabled person, she has a talent and through her skills, she looked good. Even though she has a disabled life and isn’t quite wealthy, she has a musical talent and shares it with others and earns money. Despite not being able to play with her friends at young age, she had a father who was able to support her. It was an opportunity to see how a good influence can be valuable to you.
My wife and I thought about the money Naomi gave, and put $5 in her box. I pray for Naomi that she would grow and continue to have more of that kindness in her, helping and encouraging those in need. As Jesus said, “Those who give little, receives much.”
While returning to our apartment, the first tower of senior center’s bell rang, telling it was 12PM noon.
(January 19, 2013)
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Youngjin’s mother 
At the Farmer’s Market