...becoming all things to all men...

We spent the past five days in the big city for a bit of shopping and relaxation.  We were after all out of cheese.  Friday we spent the evening with some other westerners.  It was great fun catching up and sharing stories of our experiences here.  We had a group discussion about our actions here and how they might become bridges or barriers in relationships.  Having grown up in a different culture we can never become 100% like the people here, even if skilled at language.  Regardless, we discussed our need for cultural awareness and wisdom to know how and when to alter our actions.  One example was in the area of saying Thank You.  There is a direct translation in the national culture for thank you, but in the Barat language there is not.  John has learned that people feel using words for your appreciation for what another has done, is very shallow.  Instead, people respond in kind, with actions to appropriately show their thankfulness.  Living in their culture, we want to do most things (in light of right and wrong) like they do.  So do we stop saying thank you?  In our discussion last weekend we decided saying thank you in and of itself wasn't building barriers, yet we may be failing to really show others our appreciation.  To respond in kind often means taking neighbors food, offering rides, lending tools, or help in general when needed.  All of things takes time, effort, and often a willingness to let go of what I consider "mine."  Think of us as we continue in our efforts to be intentional and communicate effectively.