When my family took an assignment in South Dakota in 1991, we anticipated an adventure. We left Chicagoland in the rear-view mirror and headed for the glorious West. With echoes of the movie, Dances With Wolves, narrating our own experience, we expected to befriend members of the Sioux …
Before the Red Chair is Blue
Missionary service is the only way to truly prove your dedication to Jesus Christ. Or so I mistakenly thought—and upon which I built two decades of my life. To not be overseas was to be living in rebellion against prayers prayed and commitments made. To not be overseas meant ignoring a calling, …
The Land Between
The moment you receive news that alters the course or direction of your life's journey, everything is different. What felt secure or at least felt normal is replaced with uncertainty. The moment my husband said, "We are going back to the states and we're not coming back to Mongolia," I crumpled …
Coming home again.
Coming home? Fondly called the RE-ENTRY PROCESS, reverse culture shock is a formidable minefield. The unsuspecting could definitely be caught off guard. When our family returned from our five years abroad, there was a simple exit-interview with one of the personnel directors at mission headquarters …
Are there ethics that should apply to our writing?
A school teacher has an ethical approach to her teaching. We could call it her PHILOSOPHY of teaching. Written or not, she acts out her philosophy over and over again, the EVIDENCE found in the MOMENTS that make up a school day. As a teacher myself, I respect the individual and his or her right to …
Were ancient cultures “better”–“pure”?
Were the good old days better? Were ancient cultures pure of malicious motives? Were those cultures never rude or cruel or greedy? One phenomenon in the study of culture is the sense that "culture or society is DETERIORIATING." You’ve heard this type of comment from older folks, haven’t you? What …
Twain–a world traveler
The Autobiography of Mark Twain, Volume One, lies open before me. These 467 pages represent just a portion of the extensive memoir of Samuel Clemens who wrote under the pen-name of Mark Twain. I close the volume to study the cover. Twain is presented in his later years in this photograph of black …
SOCIAL GRAMMAR
The theme for August and September is the EXTENDED family and how the norms are passed on or ignored by the next generation. This cultural phenomenon of teaching a type of BEHAVIORAL CODE or SOCIAL GRAMMAR is inevitable. To live together is to learn from each other. Mom’s habits may become my …
Each writer–a unique journey
LORI, HOW DID YOU GET INTO WRITING? Ever since I was a child, I've been captivated by her international friendships and the teaching of English. I am mesmerized by the power of short works to inspire true understanding of the cross-cultural experience. I aim to expand my writing skills in …
Color–Culturally loaded?
< Physically speaking, color may affect mood as interior and industrial designers have proven. Take for example the hotel that I recently stayed. The huge lobby was decorated in muted orange, clay, and silver. The wall sconces shed soft light on the surroundings, the waterfall added the gentle …
How dare you Compare one culture to another?
It's risky business. I mean to compare one culture to another. In this post, I would like to show how David Casarett tastefully handles COMPARING ONE CULTURE TO ANOTHER in his novel Murder at the House of Rooster Happiness. How do we do that at the risk of offending our readers? Today, …