It is MY bad actually.

My friend made a very clear point. As a community, we used to SHOW up for people.

Even if we were sick and dog tired, we would go and visit them in hospital,

And be there for them.

I didn’t go and visit my friend in hospital, because I didn’t have the capacity.

But it is not okay. If I have my own stuff going on, then I should still SHOW up.

Because she is my friend, and it is my responsibility to be there for her, no matter what is happening for me.

In Peru, they don’t have services like we do in Australia. If there is a natural disaster, or someone is hurt, the COMMUNITY comes to their aid.

It is a much better model that I learned about at Swinburne University, but can’t think of the name. The difference between Western and Eastern cultures. The network, rather than the nuclear family.

Eastern cultures have a community model, not an individual model. In Australia, we are on our own. We rely on services. And we are barely connected. WE are lonely.

The friend who showed up, who brought me things I needed, who was HERE for me, did it because of her Christian values. I appreciate it more than words can say.

There is a lot to be said for giving time and energy to friends who are in need.

And this friend is an incredibly generous, and kind person.