In my travels I have learned that the locals love it when you dress or fit in culturally in any way. I believe that when you respect their culture then they will respect you that much more. How fun it is to learn and do as the locals do!
Today, my team and I, got up and made our way to church. We knew we were all going to wear our skirts that were made, but how else can we look more like the locals?
We asked our sweetest friends who work at the hostel for their help. They were so excited when we asked them for thanaka patches on our faces. Thanaka is the name of a slow-growing tree that thrives in the central parts of Myanmar. The paste is made from grinding the bark against a flat, wet stone and then applied to the face. It is said that Burmese have been using thanaka this way for 2,000 years. It is good protection from the sun, lightens the skin, and even works against acne.
The longyi (skirts) were made beautifully by our ministry host’s wife. They are a single piece of cylindrical cloth that gained popularity during British colonial rule. Almost all men and women wear the long traditional skirt.
And to top off our outfit for the day we wore Asian conical hats. When we went out before we would often get smiles and waves, but today we got so much more! They recognized our longyi’s, our faces beautifully covered in thanaka, and the respect we had for their culture. Oh, a day that I will remember for always.
The greatest moment was when we arrived to church. Our friends were in love with it all. One in particular as we walked through the gate would say, “Ohhhh, wow. Ohhhh, so beautiful,” with the most wonderful Burmese accent. A good day, indeed.
My experience here in Myanmar (formally known as Burma) has been miraculous. A place two months ago I was fearful of coming too. The experience is real and in my brief time thus far Myanmar is magical.
I continue to fall in love with the things the Lord surrounds me with. This weekend marked the halfway point! Whoah.
Here’s to the next half of the race!
