So I'm on my way to the market on my motorbike, when I feel a wet sensation on my back (caused by squirt gun wielding passengers in a passing truck)... OK, no problem (I give them a "whatever" token smile). Then BAM !, I get a big bucket of water thrown in my face by some giggling teens on the side of the road (they get no smile this time). After composing myself (remember, I'm on a motor bike) about 20 yards later I get soaked again, this time with several repeated buckets.
Then it dawned on me... "SongKran" (Thai New Year celebration) is this weekend. We were warned that the way they celebrate it is by throwing, squirting, dumping... water on anyone that passes by. (it's kind of like a forced baptism thing).
How interesting, I was just doing some study on Cultural shock and adaptation. (guess why, yeah, we are in the middle of it !).
Check out this quote (from the Perspectives reader, pg.374) Culture shock "is the shock in discovering that all the cultural patterns we have learned are now meaningless. We know less about living here than the children, and we must begin again to learn the elementary things of life... Culture shock really sets in when we realize that this now is going to be our life and home"
So, while I was making great strides in trying to understand the complex "rules of the road" - an Oxymoron here - (rules / road)... a brand new "learning opportunity presented itself to me.
After some "contextualized" soul searching and a quick prayer, the long ride home became less and less offensive to me. My wet clothes actually felt pretty good in the heat of the day. I even stopped and took some pictures and joked with a couple waterlogged groups... and laughed with them.
Pray for us as we open-mindedly observe, learn, accept and ADAPT to this very different culture to which we have been called to be lights.
Still wet but smiling, Russ.
6 comments:
What a great entry--wonderfully educational. Seeing all that water makes me envious, though. We haven't seen a rain drop in a long time!! I will continue to pray for your daily adaptation to your new culture. Love, Gary.
Hey I read about this holiday in my Thai tour guide book... so happy to see it in real life through YOU !!!! and we just read that passage in our Perspectives book just last week very timely for you to give us an active lesson on culture. thank you so much
and I am looking forward to the experience next year
love ya all
pam
Looks like you are getting a lesson in cultural adaption and a good excuse to cool down at the same time. It is so awesome to see the pictures of all of you. Hope things are going well. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Beth
Looks like you are having Fun! Kelly
Awesome! I love keeping up with you and your family. Thanks for the blog reminders; I forward them onto our DHC email list. It is very informative and keeps you in our prayers!
God bless!
Russ,
Given your theoloy, just keep shouting "Believe in Jesus!" as they toss the water on people... lol.
All kidding aside, I'm glad you are having a good time there. Keep up the good work, even though you get wet now and then.
-nick
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