We've been talking about bonding in class...you know the kind...the type of bonding between the parents and the child, that takes place when a baby is born. Well, it is said that a similar thing takes place when one moves to a new and unfamiliar culture. As a child coming into the world, all things are new...you have to learn how to speak, how to communicate, and what actions are considered culturally acceptable.
Now, what happens in those first few moments of "life" in a new culture are vital to how a missionary may conduct the rest of their time and ministry there. It is in those moments where the bonding takes place. The question is, who will we bond with? The expatriates, who share culture and language with us, or the nationals of the country we go to minister to? I'm rooting for the nationals.
And this is why I have begun to think about some things for when I arrive in Thailand. I am considering (and please pray with me about this) moving in with a Thai family for the first few months of of my time there. I realise that it may be difficult and uncomfortable, but what an incredible way to adjust and learn the language (a bit like being thrown in the deep end and having to learn how to swim)!!! I don't want to become Thai, because I will never stop being Canadian, but I do want to 'inculturate' myself and learn how to depend on the Thai people as well as the expats around me.
I know people read this blog...so leave me some comments and let me know what you think!!!
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10 comments:
Jessica, I think your idea of exposing yourself to the culture as much as possible is the best thing you can do. It will help you tremendously to have a Thai "mentor" who can give you clues about the culture, acceptable behavior and so on. May you be well there ~ and enjoy the wonderful culture Thailand has to offer.
Thailand Gal
~*~*~*~
Do it!
Back out east in my small bible college we had this kid Ismael from Quebec, and when he started he only spoke French, by the end of our year there he was pretty good at the Anglais. So for sure, living with people you cannot understand very well, will help you to learn their language quicker..
I say go for it, Jess. That's one thing I wish I had the opportunity to do, it would have made learning French and adjusting to the culture easier (and prob faster too!) But you also need to have a mentor or someone outside the family that can help you through the bumps, misunderstandings and headaches along the way. I'd also recommend a Christian family if possible, that way you have that common ground to bond you. I was also supposed to have a roommate but ended up living alone in France. If you can't live with a Thai family, at least live with someone that is learning or has learnt the language. It will at least give you someone to practice with and someone to vent to when you just can't understand the language/culture/people. Keep praying, God will open up the perfect situation for your personality and learning style.
The missionaries I look up to, the Bruce Olsens, the Amy Carmichaels, the Jackie Pullingers...they didn't care two figs for the ex-pats, but dove head first into the culture without looking back. Go For It!
That sounds like it'll be tricky for a while, but worth it. You can hack it. :)
That's a brave but brilliant idea, Jess!
Which class did you hear that in? Sounds like something I've heard from B.Born. He and his family did a village live in when they arrived in Botswana. I didn't go to a village but I lived at an orphanage for my first year - instant community of indigenous people who spoke the local language. It is vital to find a "mentor"…not necessarily a Thai...but a Christian figure you can bounce ideas, thoughts, struggles etc. off of and learn from their experiences. It would be good to find someone who is not directly connected with your work.
Do it if at all possible! I'm surrounded by ex-pats... and in my situation there isn't many options... but every day what you desire I wish for.
It will be hard... yet perfect!
Can't wait to hear how it goes!
Awesome!!! Thanks guys for the comments. I think the idea of getting a mentor has been mentioned a few times, and I really like the idea. Matt...it was Uncle B.Born who has been planting the seed and encouraging me to head in that direction.
And Paula, I don't think I realised that all those missionaries lived full on with the people, but now that I think of it they are the ones that I respect the most as well.
Thanks so much for the comments. Keep 'em coming!!!
This could be really interesting. I would think that it'd be a really enriching experience. A friend of mine did this. She didn't bond well with her family, but she was able to truly see how Thai people live as well as pick up the language quicker. I say go for it!
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