Asian worldview VS Western worldview
Blue is the West
Red is Asian
What they value
Parties
Being "on time"
The next few posts will have picture like these. A Chinese woman grew up in Germany and she formed 18 visuals that represent the difference between the 2 cultures.. She nailed it!
So now it's 2014 and already a lot has happened. The biggest of which is that I am helping with a training program here. It's for both national and international students who want to be a part of community development. Of course the international students are here for a culture experience like me :) So, a few weeks ago we saw 1 American, 5 Dutch, and 2 nationals come here to start the 3 months of intense training. I have been a part of these types of training before so they asked me to help with it since it was their first time to run one. Of course I couldn't resist. With the program being bi-lingual, it's helping me learn the language even more because some of the national students don't speak English very well. It's all very exciting!
One story that has come out of it is that within the first 2 weeks, 2 of the students got to welcome someone into the family (a Hindu lady). So, they get to take what they learn in class and put it immediately into practice!
Other exciting news is that from this program, at least 2 people are interested in going to the M people with me. Even though they haven't made firm plans, this is a huge step from having nobody to go with me. That would have made a very lonely few years :( 1 girl is joining me on a 3 week adventure to see how things go. Another guy (a local) is going to take a 3 month scouting trip to check things out for himself and see how dad leads him. Whoop Whoop to the JJ!
When I went to P town last year, I made 2 very good friends who also work among the M people. They were very excited about the possibility of me living there and they said they would help my experience be a great one. However, since I've been back, I haven't heard from them and even couldn't find their contact numbers to call them. Well, after some people thought for me back at home, that very day BOTH of them contacted me. Luckily, they had my number. Crazy, huh! Now, I'm on my way planning my next trip with their help.
The visa thing is still an issue but there are some ideas I have and we'll see how he opens the door.
OK!! You have probably noticed there are not many pictures. Every time I see something I want to take a picture of, I go to get my camera only to realize I had forgotten it (again!). SO! let's hope I do better next time. BUT! for you entertainment, I will now give you a lesson on how to eat Ind style!
Welcome to Ind!
Let's eat together!!!
Here's what's involved:
FOOD
you'll always have rice
HAND
make sure your nails are short or (if long like mine) very clean
FRIENDS
you'll always eat with people
"OH NO! WHAT DO YOU DO NOW??
HOW DO YOU DO THIS???"
Way #1
scoop as much food in your hand…….
and SHOVEL it in!!!
"EEWWWW!!!!! that won't work….looks like my Ind friend doesn't like that"
"OK! let's try this! it's easier! use BOTH hands and shovel it in!"
"hhhmmmm……..by the look on my friend's face, that's not the right way either"
"Ok! I'll try THIS way!"
Arc your fingers, get your thumb ready
mix a little food with your rice and smash it together
put the food into that little arch and use your thumb to push the food into your mouth
"YAY!!!! Everybody's happy!!!!"
(I'd to thank my roommate for her help in the making of this presentation……animals were harmed during the making of this video….I'm eating pork)
Ok! thought needs:
1) My 2 family-member friends in P town. Sarah and Mary. They are working with the M people. Please think for protection and encouragement
2) The 2 people considering joining me there. Please ask for clear direction from Dad
3) For me…..I've been going through some personal battles and have been discouraged by them. It's a time where I need people to hold my hands up because they are getting tired.
