Amexicano

Watched the indie film Amexicano tonight...muy interesante.  It catalogs the experience of a guy that gets wrapped up in the story of two immigrants' journeys here in the United States.  As a "film" it was not great...the music was good, but everything else was pretty run-of-the-mill, complete with a predictable plot and tons of stereotypes.  I was struck by the appreciation these two immigrants had for an experience in the United States that was not great at all.  They lived in a small apartment, worked temporary jobs, and lived in constant fear of being deported.  I came away feeling pretty ethnocentric and glad to have a window into another world.

 

It was striking how people experiencing basic freedoms and opportunities at an incredibly high cost could be so fulfilling.  Life in other parts of the world, and even other parts of the country (or even across the street), is so different, and I have a great deal to be thankful for.  Yet I rarely am thankful.  I look ahead, wonder what could be, and contentment for me seems much more elusive than it should.  Resting in the station, place, time that I am currently residing in is really difficult sometimes, but I appreciate the reminders to enjoy what is here.  Now.  Present.  Because it is so much, and so much more than others have who still, surprisingly, possess joy.