Reflections after one day in the States...
During our de-briefing in Hammamet, Tunisia (a city on the Mediterranean Sea), we discussed at great length the importance of integrating what we had learned, and the danger of merely assimilating to our old ways or alienating ourselves from American culture altogether. Yesterday, I kept these thoughts in mind as I experienced my first day back in the United States.
I wouldn't necessarily say that I am experiencing reverse culture shock (at least, not yet), but there were a few things that stood out to me yesterday.
1--There are SO many choices in America for everything.
Example: My mentor took me to lunch yesterday, and asked me which restaurant I would like. I just sat there, because after almost a month of eating the same thing everyday, I didn't know what I wanted to eat. I did know that I wanted Mexican food (something that our team missed while in Tunisia), so he decided from there. There are just so many choices for EVERYTHING. That isn't a bad thing, just an observation.
2--I am so thankful that, for the most part, American drivers obey the laws.
In Tunisia, driving (or being a passenger, really) was an adventure, and not a fun one. Lanes are a suggestion, and no one uses mirrors or looks over their shoulder. So, they'll drive in two lanes at once, or move over when a car is right next to them. Shockingly, I did not see even one accident the entire time I was there! I guess that they all know how to drive in that country, and they probably would think that Americans are bad drivers, but it was a difficult adjustment.
3--Americans are much more insistent on "personal space" than Tunisians.
In Tunisia, we all felt smothered at times because the nationals would latch on to us, call a million times a day, invite us over and want us to stay for hours, etc. We felt like we didn't have enough "alone time"...and I wonder if this need for personal space and alone time is primarily an American thing, or if it exists elsewhere. Tunisians love being with people, showing hospitality (Tunisia is known as "the country of hospitality), and they really value friendships over their own "alone time".
4--America is incredibly free, and we shouldn't complain so much about little things that "infringe" on our freedom.
We were not allowed to check our email, or send emails that had any "spiritual" language that might endanger those with whom we were serving. Why? The government monitors ALL incoming and outgoing communication, including phone. The police knew where our team was at all times, and even followed us (well, actually, preceded us) when we were in the desert, where Star Wars was filmed. They claimed it was for our protection, because they want to maintain good relations with America. I doubt that I will ever complain about little things in America again. We are more free than Tunisians would ever dream of being.
5--Women in America are treated like royalty in comparison to much of the world...
That says it all. Even though Tunisia is perhaps the most progessive Arab nation in this area, it still was apparent to us all that they are no where near the equality they proclaim. American women really have nothing to complain about--things may not be perfectly equal here, but all it takes is an experience in a foreign country where a man flat out tells you that "woman without man is zero" to change your perspective on things.
6--Christians in Tunisia have truly learned the meaning of sacrifice.
While in Tunisia, I was struck by the level of faith that I observed by the Believers. Many Christians in America (and other countries like America) think they have sacrificed a lot of things for their faith, but in reality it cannot even begin to compare to what Believers in countries like Tunisia (or any Muslim country) have had to sacrifice. In some cases, they lose their families, their friends, their jobs. They are forced to fellowship in secret, extending the Kingdom of God in ways that are hidden from the eyes of man.
Yet, they continue to seek the Lord, they seek to grow, and their faith is so much stronger than many Christians I know in the States. They have had to "take up their cross" to a greater extent than I will probably ever have to, and that is so humbling. I often grumble about my life, but after being there, I will think twice. I was incredibly encouraged and blessed by them!
As I continue to reflect upon this incredible experience, I know that more things will come to light. But, for now, this is what I have observed. God is doing great and amazing things in that country, and I am so excited to watch Him at work!
I wouldn't necessarily say that I am experiencing reverse culture shock (at least, not yet), but there were a few things that stood out to me yesterday.
1--There are SO many choices in America for everything.
Example: My mentor took me to lunch yesterday, and asked me which restaurant I would like. I just sat there, because after almost a month of eating the same thing everyday, I didn't know what I wanted to eat. I did know that I wanted Mexican food (something that our team missed while in Tunisia), so he decided from there. There are just so many choices for EVERYTHING. That isn't a bad thing, just an observation.
2--I am so thankful that, for the most part, American drivers obey the laws.
In Tunisia, driving (or being a passenger, really) was an adventure, and not a fun one. Lanes are a suggestion, and no one uses mirrors or looks over their shoulder. So, they'll drive in two lanes at once, or move over when a car is right next to them. Shockingly, I did not see even one accident the entire time I was there! I guess that they all know how to drive in that country, and they probably would think that Americans are bad drivers, but it was a difficult adjustment.
3--Americans are much more insistent on "personal space" than Tunisians.
In Tunisia, we all felt smothered at times because the nationals would latch on to us, call a million times a day, invite us over and want us to stay for hours, etc. We felt like we didn't have enough "alone time"...and I wonder if this need for personal space and alone time is primarily an American thing, or if it exists elsewhere. Tunisians love being with people, showing hospitality (Tunisia is known as "the country of hospitality), and they really value friendships over their own "alone time".
4--America is incredibly free, and we shouldn't complain so much about little things that "infringe" on our freedom.
We were not allowed to check our email, or send emails that had any "spiritual" language that might endanger those with whom we were serving. Why? The government monitors ALL incoming and outgoing communication, including phone. The police knew where our team was at all times, and even followed us (well, actually, preceded us) when we were in the desert, where Star Wars was filmed. They claimed it was for our protection, because they want to maintain good relations with America. I doubt that I will ever complain about little things in America again. We are more free than Tunisians would ever dream of being.
5--Women in America are treated like royalty in comparison to much of the world...
That says it all. Even though Tunisia is perhaps the most progessive Arab nation in this area, it still was apparent to us all that they are no where near the equality they proclaim. American women really have nothing to complain about--things may not be perfectly equal here, but all it takes is an experience in a foreign country where a man flat out tells you that "woman without man is zero" to change your perspective on things.
6--Christians in Tunisia have truly learned the meaning of sacrifice.
While in Tunisia, I was struck by the level of faith that I observed by the Believers. Many Christians in America (and other countries like America) think they have sacrificed a lot of things for their faith, but in reality it cannot even begin to compare to what Believers in countries like Tunisia (or any Muslim country) have had to sacrifice. In some cases, they lose their families, their friends, their jobs. They are forced to fellowship in secret, extending the Kingdom of God in ways that are hidden from the eyes of man.
Yet, they continue to seek the Lord, they seek to grow, and their faith is so much stronger than many Christians I know in the States. They have had to "take up their cross" to a greater extent than I will probably ever have to, and that is so humbling. I often grumble about my life, but after being there, I will think twice. I was incredibly encouraged and blessed by them!
As I continue to reflect upon this incredible experience, I know that more things will come to light. But, for now, this is what I have observed. God is doing great and amazing things in that country, and I am so excited to watch Him at work!
posted by Lesa at 6/11/2005 11:10:00 AM
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