Since arriving here I have had only a handful of times when I have caused some upset because of cultural
confusion. Part of the reasons there aren't too many times is that I can speak French, so that means I can
get across what I am trying to say well. But French is just the language it doesn't solve being from a different
culture! Today (Feb. 6/09) I had a Bible study at a home only a few minutes from my home. I arrived late and
no one knew where the lady was. I asked her mother and all I got was a wave of the arming, meaning I do not
know. I came back an hour or so later and found out when I had come she had been in the washroom. Her mother
was sitting there and she said she was upset with me. I half realized what was coming. In this culture greeting
people is a right they have. People do not even start conversations without saying hello. And on top of the fact
I had not greeted her, this lady is an elderly lady, due much respect. She asked me, "Did you say hello to me
when you came in? No, you just saw me and asked where is she? That's not good." She went to say that even
I a stranger have been here long enough to know that custom. I had wondered why she hadn't spoken. It was so ingrained
in her that as soon as I did not greet her she wouldn't talk to me. I kindly said sorry, that I was human, and she was
willing to forgive. A few minutes later she brought up another issue however this time I was not so sure about the validity.
I saw her at the market in Tigniti (the day we walked back to Nati) almost two weeks ago. I had seen her daughter, Bladin the
middle aged lady I do the Bible studies with, a few days after seeing her at the market, and she was not happy
that I had not told Bladin that I had seen her mom at the market. I do see how that is cultural. In lots places of the world
it's accepted to say, "Hey I saw your cousin, mom, brother, whatever at the mall or at the market or at Church the other day."
But with all the people I saw at the market was I to remember. Seems a bit ridiculous. But again I apologized.
And I am glad to learn about how to live in this society and pray that I will not make mistakes that will be harder to forgive!
About Me
- In His Grip
- For the past two years I have been studying Adventure Based Counseling at Canadian University in Alberta. For the 2008-09 school year, I will be traveling to the West African country of Benin, with Adventist Frontier Missions. Joining three other missionaries that are already there. My role is Child and Teen Ministry Director, and will be helping with Pathfinders, Bible study, friendship evanglism, and more.
2 comments:
Dear Eric:
Love the title of your post... :-) I love reading all your blog entries....when we talk on the phone we can't talk about everything that happens in your life so it is great to be able to read what goes on....it is interesting the read about the way the different cultures work...love to keep up with your life...
May the Lord continue to keep you close and to keep you looking up to Him for all your needs. Thank you for doing the work you are doing....we praise the Lord for you.
We love you very much and are now doing the countdown....24 weeks and counting....
Grosses Bises.
Maman :-)
Smile, God loves you! :-)
wow that's a lesson in humility.........MY BAD is so funny............I laughed outloud. she's a mean old thing God love her!!!!!!!!!The main thing is you apologized.............as the bible teaches Matt 5:24
First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
NIV
Eph 4:2-4
2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
NIV
Post a Comment