Abroad with Eyes Wide Open.
Walking through the streets of Santa Lucia Honduras, Katerina Parsons reflected on the unique opportunity study abroad has afforded her.
"There is so much to learn here and so much to do here. I could talk about all the ways Honduras is different or the same, but there's no way to compare it to what I'm used to. I'm walking forward with new eyes, ready to experience whatever happens, however it happens. There will be time for all those stories! Right now I have homework to finish, dinner to be back in time for, and a city to explore..."
Nicholas Wolterstorff in a 2008 commencement address at Calvin encouraged students to develop two eyes; one eye that develops the eye of the mind and the other that develops the eye of the heart. Whatever your major, wherever you go this semester, walk with two eyes wide open. Develop knowledge, discernment, critical engagement, and empathy, compassion, and care. Do not be so focused on knowledge that you neglect compassion; do not be so overcome by compassion that you neglect knowledge. You need both eyes, both the eye of the mind and the eye of the heart, both the eye of discernment and the eye of empathy -- to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice.
Romans 12:14-21
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
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