Help us discover our own riches;
don’t judge us poor because we lack what you have.
Help us discover our chains;
don’t judge us slaves by the type of shackles you wear.
Be patient with us as a people;
don’t judge us backward simply because we don’t follow your stride.
Be patient with our pace;
don’t judge us lazy simply because we can’t follow your tempo.
Be patient with our symbols;
don’t judge us ignorant because we can’t read your signs.
Be with us and proclaim the richness of your life,
which you can share with us.
Be with us and be open to what we can give.
Be with us as a companion who walks with us —
neither behind nor in front —
in our search for life and ultimately for God!

These words were written by a third world bishop for those who come as missioners to Latin America.  I found it quoted in Gracias by Henri Nouwen (22) and loved the message.  We are here to learn from others, not to teach.  We are here to be and not to judge people or customs that are different from us.  It was a great reminder for me of what Kenzo and I are doing here – sharing our lives with others and allowing them to share their lives with us.