Emily is a fierce giver. She does not feel the attachment to material possessions that’s practically part of the genetic code for anyone from the west. And she loves to give gifts. When I was in New Zealand, I would receive phone calls from her that went a little like this
Emily Guess where I am?
Travis You’re at the—
Emily I’m at the post office. Beat. I’m sending you a package.
Travis I’m super excited.
Emily Want to know what’s in it?
Travis I like surpri—
Emily It’s a box of Mike and Ikes, a mix cd, a movie about travelling pants, and a nice card. Proceeds to read out loud what’s written in the card.
Now this is something I love about her nature—something I am incredibly attracted to. But at times it gets out of control. Sometimes it seems as though life is a game show that is easy to win and Emily is the generous host. Or maybe our lives are just that moment on Oprah when she tells everyone to look under their chairs, except what’s under the chairs are necessities, essentials, and things that aren’t even ours to begin with. A case history
Comfy Brown Couch I spent months dreaming about the day this would make the trip to the apartment. Afternoons spent dozing and firing up the Xbox. It is incredibly comfortable. Emily gave it to her friend Katie on a whim, not even mentioning it until weeks later.
Gift Card to Brio We received a gift card to a nice restaurant called Brio from Emily’s parents. Before I could even begin to dream of the scrumptious flatbread, Emily had given the gift card to a family we know who are religious refugees from Uzbekistan. Turns out it was their anniversary, how can you argue with that?
My car Another missionary from Uzbekistan was once talking to us about the huge need for cars by international refugees in Houston. By this point I knew better than to even think about dreaming, let alone think of something as mine. So before Emily could speak I was already questioning the man about the possibility of donating a car. We’ll see what happens.
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