So I realized what a
treat is it that I get to travel between continents and pick up on the cultural
differences. I mean, it’s not every day that you get to be immersed into two
different continents and get to recognize what are stereotypes and what are real
life things. As I’ve taken notes I’d like to share some of my findings….
Things are my size. Despite buses still being
crammed until someone is spilling out when the door is opened; Africans are
more my height. Cute Asians made it easy for my 5’10” self to stick out. Now,
my ‘Mazungu’ skin does the trick amongst the tall heads. Others on our squad
have had a difficulty with their feet touching the ground as they sit at
dinning room chairs; but I’m quite enjoying being able to fit on beds
again.
African Time is Real: Throughout the last two
months we have come to adjust to African time. Although it’s often the butt of
a joke it’s a real relational saver. On the way to ministry, if there is
someone to stop and greet; please feel welcome. With a better understanding and
expectation of one another Africans are able to make relationships a priority.
Although it’s something churches impress upon their congregations to learn from
us as Americans, I really think that it’s something to adapt and bring to the
states and our priorities.
Shoes worn inside! In Asia, step inside and you
better take a hot second to remove those shoes! Asia has a major emphasis on
feet being the lowliest part of your body so we always had to keep in check
that our feet were not pointing towards anyone or touching anything of value.
Here, shoes are worn until bed. What a relief it is to know I’m not offending
anyone by crossing my feet in front of me.
Pause of activities due to rain. In Cambodia
the rain meant play hard and slide in the mud, splash a few buckets on one
another. However, in Africa, we have taken pause and been welcomed into homes
to be sheltered from the rain. I have sat in churches with tin roofs, unable to
hear the person sitting right next to me. It’s a fun way to celebrate the
creation of rain; whether it be jumping in the refreshing rain, or pausing and
enjoying the time to just be.
Loud and proud worship. The worship environment
has shifted big time. Typical Asian worship we encountered was reserved and
reverent. I believe it has to do with the perspective of keeping feelings
hidden for the sake of honor. Whereas, in Africa the perspective of showing
your emotions is honorable. Worship is shouted through speakers and you leave
church with a gift of remembrance in your ringing ears that you got to be in
church that day.
“God” is written everywhere. In Asia
Buddhism is the highlighted religion. Everywhere you look you will spot a
shrine or incense burning. Here, ‘God’ or ‘Jesus Saves’ is written on the
mirrors of every motto, bus, saloon, or parking lot. It’s been a change of
scenario: In Asia we had to introduce Christianity, we were representing a
foreign concept and seeing the work of Kingdom Builders working against the
cultural norms. In Africa, people know of ‘God’ and ‘Jesus the Savior’ but now
we have to create an understanding of common language across theology
understandings.
Potatoes is the new staple. Chopsticks made it
difficult to pick up every grain of rice, but it was well worth it as the
grilled pineapple accompanied it. ‘Please serve up another scoop of rice to go
with the lime and pepper’ and I’m a happy girl. Although I miss the challenge
and routine of rice, I’ve now moved onto a new comfort food. I believe it’s
from the amount of potatoes my mom ate as I was in her belly, either way I’ve
enjoyed the new staple of Africa. Mashed potatoes, chips, Irish potatoes, even
mashed Mataoke (green bananas) are served with every meal.
Bowing is not a way of greeting no-more. I
began liking meeting people and bowing in respect as I spent my three months in
Asia. They were surprised when we knew the way of ‘wai’ and would pay our
respects in honoring their customs. In Africa, we greet with a huge embrace of
a hug. Where a personal bubble is made out of titanium in Asia, the personal
bubble has been royally popped in Africa. While visiting in homes in Cambodia
we were offered Banana Cakes, whereas here we are given huge hugs and
graciously given seats to socialize with the entire family.
And Coca-Cola is universally yummy! Whether it
be a village in Cambodia or a home welcoming us in for evangelism ministry; the
Coke is delicious. I never have been in habit of drinking coca-cola, but on the
Race, new habits develop and things taste yummy that wouldn’t normally. So
cheers to the next coca-cola you drink that’s in a glass bottle because we all
know they taste better with the real sugar.
Hope you’ve enjoyed
some of the tidbits I’ve picked up while traveling continent to continent! It
sure is fun seeing the different ways of life and experiencing culture from
place to place.
Thanks for following
the journey! In a few days we will fly to Ethiopia for next month! I’m excited to be going back
to Ethiopia after 4 1/2 years of when Michelle and Jason welcomed Matty into
our family!
