30 Gifts

by Paul on November 9, 2011

Regular PFO-er Fran suggested this [2'45"] video. A Brazilian immigrant to Australia decided to celebrate his 30th birthday by giving 30 gifts to complete strangers in his new home town of Sydney.

30 gifts to 30 strangers in Sydney from Lucas Jatoba on Vimeo.

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Tagged as: complete strangers, immgrant, sydney australia

{ 27 comments… read them below or add one }

Simon November 9, 2011 at 2:32 am

That is such a happy video. Not knowing anything of the man’s life before he went to Australia it is difficult to know whether it was the relative beauty of his life after moving to Australia or the absolute beauty of his life in Australia among Australians that triggered his wonderful gesture. Australia and some Australians gave me one of the most important chances of my life and I wouldn’t be where I am without them. In my experience, they are such an optimistic and fun loving bunch that it is hard not to be happy around them. God bless Australia!

Paul November 11, 2011 at 10:39 am: Simon,

I agree with you that the Australians I’ve met are an “optimistic and fun loving bunch.” Do you think they have rules which keep all the “Debbie Downers” from leaving the country?

Paul

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Fran Rossi Szpylczyn November 9, 2011 at 4:28 am

Before I actually read the words of introduction (hey, it is only 5:25 am!) I thought, “Oh wow, I love that video!” Hahaha!

Glad to make the recommendation. It is a reminder of the joy of giving and the one path that opens us to receiving. (I’m subversive about inserting good eucharistic theology wherever I can…)

Who knows what his life was, as Simon asks, but what a life he is living! Unabashed joy.

Paul November 11, 2011 at 10:39 am: Fran,

“Unabashed joy.” Now, there’s something to which we can all aspire.

Paul

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carol November 9, 2011 at 6:22 am

Watching this video , has left me with the gifts of happiness, joy and excitement.
Bless Lucas.

Thank you Fran and Fr. Paul

Paul November 11, 2011 at 10:40 am: Carol,

I deserve no praise – let’s split 50/50 between Lucas and Fran.

Paul

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Lynda November 9, 2011 at 7:39 am

Giving without expecting anything in return except the joy of giving. How incredibly beautiful.

Thanks to Fran, Fr. Paul & Lucas.

Paul November 11, 2011 at 10:41 am: Lynda,

What I said to Carol above applies here as well…

And, yes, the “joy of giving” is a very beautiful thing.

Paul

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Denise Gorss November 9, 2011 at 8:00 am

Thanks to Fran for sharing this. As the retailers start their Christmas season and the rest of us in the U.S. prepare for Thanksgiving, the message is particularly well-timed.

Paul November 11, 2011 at 10:42 am: Denise,

I wish I could claim some deep thinking on my part about the timing… but you know how my head works (or, rather, doesn’t!)

Paul

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Jane Knuth November 9, 2011 at 12:08 pm

What a happy way to spend a birthday! Years ago I worked at a lumberyard where each of us, on our birthday, brought in donuts for all our co-workers. It was easy to remember when it was my turn, and lots of fun.

Paul November 11, 2011 at 10:42 am: Jane,

I’m still trying to get my head around the idea of you working in a lumber yard. Did you have to wear a plaid shirt every day?

Paul

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Marg November 9, 2011 at 1:27 pm

Loved this! Be happy, make someone else happy. It’s a message that I keep getting. Peace, love and happiness.

I wonder if this would have gone over as well in NYC. A more cautious bunch of folks. I kept trying to visualize myself handing out gifts in midtown.

Paul November 11, 2011 at 10:44 am

Marg,

Remember the “Say something nice” video from a few weeks ago? It was set up in NYC and, unless they edited out a lot of nasty stuff, most people were totally wonderful. In my (albeit limited) experience, New Yorkers are kind and helpful.

Paul

Marg November 11, 2011 at 12:26 pm: Oh there is not a New Yorker that wouldn’t go for the open mike, me included. I just think we maybe a litte more dubious about accepting a wrapped gift from a stranger. I am really friendly, it would be hard for me to accept a freebie from someone in the middle of Manhattan. What’s in there?????

I wish things could be a little more joyful and a little less tense.

m.

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Fran Rossi Szpylczyn November 10, 2011 at 4:05 am

As it happens, my own birthday is ahead… I send you all my gifts of friendship, love and community as well as my prayers. I think I would like to wrap up all sorts of lovely bits and run around though, handing things out like he did!

BTW, speaking of birthdays, a certain PFO-er is having one today on November 10 if I am correct… Who might it be? (HINT: He and Paul have met…) Happy birthday friend!

Tim November 10, 2011 at 4:55 am

Lynda November 10, 2011 at 5:59 am

Happy birthday to you…:)

Marg November 10, 2011 at 6:15 am

“They say it’s your birthday!”

All the best for a great year ahead

Carol November 10, 2011 at 6:55 am: Tim
Birthday Blessings !!
Hope you have a wonderful day!

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Tim November 10, 2011 at 9:26 am: …We’re gonna have a good time…

Many thanks to all for all the kind words – xo

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Paul November 11, 2011 at 10:47 am

Tim,

Happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy, happy Birthday.

Paul

Simon November 10, 2011 at 6:30 am