I Am From

People love to be known and understood. When we introduce ourselves to others, we often share our name and our occupation first. We try to place ourselves the best way we can to be understood. In the short amount of time that we have with the new person, we want to be able to answer the question,“Who am I?” 

"I am From" poems help us to begin thinking and seeing ourselves in a relational way. Rather than identifying ourselves by our occupation or location, "I am From" poems help us write our story in regard to our roots and our experiences. It can reveal where we are from, what culture(s) we come from, and also  how we relate to self, others, and God. The only rule is to make the beginning of every expression “I am from…” 

This is the original introduction to "I am From" poems. During summer mission, each member of our team wrote and shared his/her "I am From" poem with each other, allowing a little window for one another to peek into the past, and the influences that have shaped one another. 

"I am From" poems are not static; in fact, they can change as we learn more about ourselves and the stories that make us who we are today. Even so, I want to share my "I am From" poem. Some lines are more metaphorical and artistic than others, but if you have any questions, ask me! In the meantime, enjoy :) 

I Am From

I am from a politically controversial island, proud to be independent and longing to be acknowledged
I am from a hush-hush escape and mysterious family ties; a tight-knit sisterhood and generations of prayer warriors (and amazing cooks)
I am from mathematicians and engineers, prideful problem-solvers who don’t ask for help from man or manuals
I am from a lonely traveler, speaking many tongues but saying very little, weary of the worries of the world
I am from a responsible, high-strung student; sharp and blunt like a knife, wanderlust and hungry for a lost childhood
I am from blood bonds stronger than past pains, unspoken love marrying undying devotion;

I am from a quiet cul-de-sac amidst drought-resistant lawns and Google self-driving cars
I am from cats: copycat, curious cat, and the ones with a big red bow and a big white pouch
I am from “感謝主” [gan xie zhu] and “For God so loved the world”
I am from an open-minded palette, narrow-minded taste, and close-minded morals
I am from fist fights to verbal attacks to mutual respect to intentional depth
I am from open eyes and ears attentive to “來幫忙！” [lai bang mang], but mouth closed since “小孩不是人” [xiao hai bu shi ren]
I am from Sunday school, piano lessons, Awana, Bible Study Fellowship, and VBS
I am from dread of a dormant volcano: anxious of silent tension that gives way to sudden, unexpected explosions
I am from confusion and shame and pride in my mother tongue and heritage
I am from a frugal home that saves food, saves money, saves face — “不要浪費” [bu yao lang fei]
I am from late nights at church stacking chairs, only to return early the next day to cook rice
I am from hard work, discipline, excellence, conformity, and a belief in unlimited potential
I am from conservative Christian values and traditional Eastern ideals battling liberal, Western education
I am from suffocating under my “Yes”  
I am from endless math worksheets that evolved into rainbow tassels from application and art
I am from familiar faces in unexpected places to longing for familiarity in new environments;

I am from answered prayers that gave me child-like faith
I am from being scared to be alone in the dark but having Light within 
I am from leaving out of fear to leaving out of faith
I am from a Master who generously gives many talents as I wrestle not to bury or boast about them
I am from a head full of promises, slowly making their way down to my heart
I am from Martha’s personality practicing to be like Mary
I am from a doubting heart questioning the goodness of and freedom in His laws 
I am from a Father who lavishly showers me with grace and love, and gently leads me to still waters
I am from a restless soul searching the world for my place, only to find that home is simply in His presence
I am from a Savior who endured shame, humiliation, and death so I can live with confidence and hope
I am from a past molded by an intimate, infinite Creator God, who continues to hold me and shape me for His glory;