A weird half hour

Tonight I had a weird experience. I was studying and doing homework at the Service Station like I typically do. There was a YoungLife event going on so I saw a ton of Whitworth people I knew. It was wonderful to catch up and be immersed into the community. Looking around @ the coffee shop I observed many different bible studies going on, students studying and others simply hanging out. All of this is pretty typical for a night at the Service Station.

After studying, I had to make a stop at the grocery store for a few things so as I normally do, I crossed the street and headed to WinCo. Now Ebay and I go to WinCo probably 3 times a week and it is no surprise to us that the culture of WinCo is one of its own. Unfortunately, many people in the community resort to WinCo because of the cheap prices of things. Therefore, there is an expectational diverse population. Tonight when I walked in I felt as if I were walking into a grocery store in a third world country. I'm not sure if it was just the night or the contrast between the Service Station and WinCo but I felt my heart breaking. I am definitely not trying to place judgment or assumptions on the outward appearance of people because that is not my place. It was however apparent that there are so many people struggling simply to afford groceries.

Feeling in a bit of a daze I waited in line at the checkout. The nice lady at the register noticed my Willard Elementary badge and asked if I was a substitute teacher. I told her no and explained to her that I was student teaching. She proceeded to tell me that she is a substitute in district 81 and has been for the past four years. However, she then explained to me that she holds a Bachelors and Masters in teaching but has not been able to get a job since arriving in the United States from the Philippines four years ago. She explained that she is completely qualified to teach but her heavy accent turns people off for hiring her. Therefore, on her nights she works at WinCo to pay the bills. Here I am, 22 years old working on my Master's Degree. In less than a year I will probably not have a problem getting a job because of my race or language...but here is this women completely qualified for a teaching job (probably more experience then most) but can't get a job because of her accent...

WinCo has not just been a place to buy my groceries but has been a place that reminds me about the small blessings I have in my life. "Lord, break my heart for the things that break yours".