In many areas this summer I have felt what seems to be the dance of life, two steps forward, one step back. Both on a small scale, when my youngest regresses to former behaviors that were reinforced before we knew him, and on a large scale, as it’s made clear that there is still so much racial hostility in this country, I’m saddened and frustrated. Overall, we seemed to be doing so well, progressing, improving. Why does it now feel like we are moving backward? And why does it really surprise me? Did I expect only forward movement? I guess I did, but foundational teachings are hard to see past and selfishness comes easily.

Loving others begins with an awareness of chosen words/actions and how they impact those around you. I’m usually so focused on teaching my children about that awareness that I often miss opportunities to teach others. Words and attitudes can hurt, have hurt. I’m thankful, that at least so far, we haven’t had any experiences with people who have intended hate or harm, but we have had plenty of hurtful unawareness.

As Jay prepares to begin kindergarten, he is full of excitement and anticipation. I am equally excited for him, while realizing that the first day of school brings lots of new people with lots of questions and comments. I realize that it’s a particularly important time to bring awareness, open communication, lay out expectations, answer questions, teach language, and build connections through common ground. At the advise of one of my new friends, I’ve created a simple story book to introduce Jay to his classmates. Too often I miss the full opportunity by not being prepared, so I’m extra thankful for my friend’s guidance. This is a chance to teach precious little people how to make friends with someone who doesn’t look like them- how to see past the surface difference and get to know who someone is on the inside.

All this diversity may not come waltzing into your classroom next week, but if you are reading this post, I hope that it will not just introduce some new language. I pray that it will encourage you to get to know someone who doesn’t look like you, doesn’t talk like you, and maybe even someone who doesn’t vote like you. You might make a new friend that helps you see with world with different eyes.

Ni Hao (Hello), My Name Is Jay. When I meet people for the first time, they are often very curious, but sometimes shy. Thanks for letting me share a little about myself today that may answer some of your questions.

You may have noticed, my ASIAN features. I am Chinese-American. I was born in Shanghai, China. I became an American when I was 3 years old.

You may have noticed, not everyone in my family looks like me. Yes, they are my REAL parents and brothers. None are robots or aliens, but it’s true we aren’t all of a BIOLOGICAL (BIRTH) relation. Our family was built through marriage, birth, and adoption.

You may have noticed, my eyes are different colors. The fancy word for this is heterochromia. It’s just one of the many things that makes me UNIQUE.

You may have noticed, my hands don’t look like yours. This is called LIMB DIFFERENCE. Some people, like me, are born with their limb differences.

Please don’t be scared. I’m just a kid like you, only with 1 finger instead of 5 on each hand. Please don’t feel badly for me. I can do anything I set my mind on doing. I praise God because I am fearfully & wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

Please do give me time & space to figure out the task at hand. Please do be understanding & encouraging if I get frustrated. Please do help me find a way to accomplish the task instead of just doing it for me.

Although we may look a bit different, we are probably very similar. Do any of you like to swim? I’m a good swimmer. I love to ride my bike, fish with my dad, and pretend to be a fireman or policeman. And I’m a WAY better driver than my brother!

So now that you know a little more about me, I’d like to know: What’s UNIQUE about you?