Living in a Warm and Friendly Culture

Sandra, one of our milk families

Gina and I were walking through Buena Vista the other day on our way to drop off some food to a new mother with pretty much no food and no money to buy any. There’s a really long story about this family, but it will have to be another post. As we walked down the steep hill, we passed the house of one of the families in our milk program. She was out washing clothes in her pila (sink for cleaning everything including their bodies), when she saw us passing. She waved to us and then looked rather disappointed when we didn’t stop and kept walking. You can’t stop? She asked.  But we had our purpose and needed to accomplish it, so we moved on. Not being offensive. It’s just not what we’re used to doing in our culture.

Before moving here, we read a few books that our former pastor gave us to read on cultural adjustment. We learned a lot, but to actually live it is quite different than just reading about it. One of the things about this culture that’s very different from our own is how important relationships are to them. It’s hard for us Americans to grasp this. Being willing to set aside whatever you’re doing to pay attention to them is highly regarded. It’s noticed in the way they always greet you. And the way they have you sit and chat if you stop by. And make sure you have some Coke. And even though BV is a closed community, as in you don’t talk about certain things, you still are expected to visit and keep in touch. It’s being a real friend. It’s what they need to see Jesus in us. We just have to conform to their culture if we expect them to listen when we share God’s love. I personally love this about their culture. But it doesn’t come natural for me. I have to be purposeful in remembering to stop my agenda to stop and listen. They will notice when I do. And someday, they will listen to me when they’re ready to hear about the best relationship they could ever have.

Marily, the mom at her pila

My Friend, Rosa and two other milk families

Esneder, a baby struggling right now.

 Blanca on the left, one of the 1st milk families 

Iris, another milk family