In this interview, José Andrés asked Yo-Yo Ma what he would do if he wasn't a world-renowned cellist. Ma said he'd be a server because his "greatest passion is people and trying to figure out who they are and why they do what they do."
Service/Serving - as a volunteer, advocate, donor, or friend - can be a meaningful way to learn about people and culture, one that is proximate and intentional. This issue is all about how service + culture connects in my life.
IN MY OWN WORDS
The Gift of Grilled Cheese, (in)courage, 6/2023: I wrote about grilled cheese, foster care, and following Jesus' lead in making small gestures of care.
Library Love, 2/2011: Books provide windows and mirrors into culture. I wrote this for my old blog, Finding Philanthropy, and it still resonates.
Free Resource: Grants 101 Toolkit: By day I'm a full-time grant writer. Since I often get asked for advice, I created a toolkit to help folks get started on the grant-seeking journey.
INSPIRATION
Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul: I had the privilege of hearing author Dorcas Cheng-Tozun speak at a retreat. Her new book affirms and encourages meaningful and authentic action and advocacy for the sensitive souls among us.
Kanopy: This streaming service is free with your public library card! It lives up to its tagline "Enjoy Thoughtful Entertainment" with movies like The Farewell.
National Park Service: The cheeky NPS social media posts and Ken Burns' "The National Parks, America's Best Idea" are great reminders of these national treasures. (My family recently visited Acadia National Park, amazing!)
ENCOURAGEMENT
Sharing your story can be an act of service. In her new memoir, Tell Me the Dream Again, my friend Tasha Jun writes about living between and within cultures. We all have stories of culture and experience that can shed light, encourage empathy, and inspire. What stories can you share?
CONNECTION
My family had two special opportunities to be foster care advocates: An article in The Criterion (the local Catholic newspaper), and this video for Bethany Christian Services. (Here's a Spanish version). Interested in learning about short-term immigrant foster care more? I'm happy to connect!
If you’ve enjoyed this newsletter, consider sharing In the Mix with others who might be interested in connecting through culture. Thanks!
