Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Learning another culture




Many of our friends and family have had the privilege to visit other cultures or even live elsewhere to learn about other cultures. Although I have had a brief glimpse into the UK or even shorter time in Cuba I think I have learned the most through missions fests or missions weeks at church over the years. Not to say that I haven't loved living in a country where we are becoming a minority. There is a lot more to be said about learning a culture through immersion but cultural awareness is very much eye opening too. We are curently learning about China as Grandma is there right now, and we have learned about India through Grandpa and Grandma going two years ago.

This last week was missions week across our city (5 major churches involved). I really enjoyed the concerts and speakers but the biggest impact on me was going to the Sikh temple - seeing, learning and participating in a grand opening and memorial service. Friday we also went to a Sat Sung put on by our church. It was fun to get dressed up in a Punjab cur ta(spelling???). We listened to classical Punjab music in a christian worship setting. Aradia did an amazing job. Crossing two cultures together.
The food was a great way to end the night with a Indian restaurant providing the samosas and sweets.