“It may seem absurd to believe that a “primitive” culture in the Himalaya has anything to teach our industrialized society. But our search for a cure that works keeps spiraling back to an ancient connection between ourselves and the earth, and interconnectedness that ancient cultures have never abandoned.” – Helena Nonberg-Hodge
On November 7, I will be traveling to the mountains of Talamanca in the province of Limon to live with the indigenous people group the Bribri for three and a half weeks! They have a preservation project of protecting iguanas. I will live with a famila and do what they do. This "work" or iguana project is the excuse to live with the people.
This second half of the semester, LASP focuses on Faith and Praxis. We are being challenged to live out our faith and the knowledge that we have gained from the experiences from the first half of the semester. This is a life long process to discover how to practice faith in God! But I am looking forward to learning much wisdom from a "primitive" culture who sees and hears the Divine through creation and has a respect for nature and its preservation. The goal is to "be" with the people and relate to them...not to "DO" and "ACCOMPLISH" something grand!
I do not want to make great expectations for this concentration...good or bad! I just want to "be" in it! What comes, comes. What happens, happens! I strive to be PRESENT in the day; therefore, I will take advantage of the final week in San Jose before the next adventure!
How are you living out your faith today?
Friday, October 29, 2010
Three Cups of Tea
– Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
When the porcelain bowls of scalding butter tea steamed in their hands, Haji Ali spoke. “If you want to thrive in Baltistan, you must respect our ways, “ Haji Ali said, blowing on his bowl. “The first time you share tea with a Balti, you are a stranger. The second time you take tea, you are an honored guest. The third time you share a cup of tea, you become family, and for our family, we are prepared to do anything, even die,” he said, laying his hand warmly on Mortenson’s own. “Doctor Greg, you must make time to share three cups of tea. We may be uneducated. But we are not stupid. We have lived and survived here for a long time.”
“That day, Havi Ali taught me the most important lesson I’ve every learned in my life,” Mortenson says. “We Americans think you have to accomplish everything quickly. We’re the coutry of thirt-minute power lunches and two-minute football drills. Our leaders through their ‘shock and awe’ campaign could end the war in Iraq before it even started. Haji Ali taught me to share three cups of tea, to slow down and make building relationships as important as building projects. He taught me that I had more to learn from the people I work with than I could ever hope to teach them.”
I have been enjoying a bit of leisure reading among my language and literature readings this week. The message of sharing tea with the people relates to sharing coffee with people in Latin America. I have been valuing the relationships that are built around the table, asking questions, listening, sharing stories, learning...God is present in this dialogue!
May you make time to share a cup of tea...or coffee...with someone soon! And then another cup...and a third!
When the porcelain bowls of scalding butter tea steamed in their hands, Haji Ali spoke. “If you want to thrive in Baltistan, you must respect our ways, “ Haji Ali said, blowing on his bowl. “The first time you share tea with a Balti, you are a stranger. The second time you take tea, you are an honored guest. The third time you share a cup of tea, you become family, and for our family, we are prepared to do anything, even die,” he said, laying his hand warmly on Mortenson’s own. “Doctor Greg, you must make time to share three cups of tea. We may be uneducated. But we are not stupid. We have lived and survived here for a long time.”
“That day, Havi Ali taught me the most important lesson I’ve every learned in my life,” Mortenson says. “We Americans think you have to accomplish everything quickly. We’re the coutry of thirt-minute power lunches and two-minute football drills. Our leaders through their ‘shock and awe’ campaign could end the war in Iraq before it even started. Haji Ali taught me to share three cups of tea, to slow down and make building relationships as important as building projects. He taught me that I had more to learn from the people I work with than I could ever hope to teach them.”
I have been enjoying a bit of leisure reading among my language and literature readings this week. The message of sharing tea with the people relates to sharing coffee with people in Latin America. I have been valuing the relationships that are built around the table, asking questions, listening, sharing stories, learning...God is present in this dialogue!
May you make time to share a cup of tea...or coffee...with someone soon! And then another cup...and a third!
Cultural perspectives….What is success? What is enough?
here is a little 'cuento' to ponder...Enjoy!
A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.
“Not very long,” answered the Mexican.
“But then, why didn’t you stay out longer and catch more?” asked the American.
The Mexican explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.
The American asked, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”
“I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sing a few songs…I have a full life.”
The American interrupted, “I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you! You should start be fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat. With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and more to Mexico City, Los Angeles, or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge enterprise.”
“How long would that take?” asked the Mexican.
“Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years,” replied the American.
“And after that?
“Afterwards? That’s when it gets really interesting,” answered the American, laughing. “When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!”
“Millions? Really? And after that?”
“After that you’ll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the cast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta, and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends!”
A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.
“Not very long,” answered the Mexican.
“But then, why didn’t you stay out longer and catch more?” asked the American.
The Mexican explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.
The American asked, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”
“I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sing a few songs…I have a full life.”
The American interrupted, “I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you! You should start be fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat. With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers. Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and more to Mexico City, Los Angeles, or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge enterprise.”
“How long would that take?” asked the Mexican.
“Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years,” replied the American.
“And after that?
“Afterwards? That’s when it gets really interesting,” answered the American, laughing. “When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!”
“Millions? Really? And after that?”
“After that you’ll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the cast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta, and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends!”
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
NICARAGUA…este es la vida…
Wow. What an experience!
-2 days travel by microbus (1 day there and 1 day back)
-We only spent 45 minutes going through customs at the border…a LASP record!
-2 days in the capital to learn Nicaraguan history through excursions and charlas
-I felt like the time spent in Managua prepared me for living among the Nicaraguans. I gained a greater perspective of the destructive history that Nicaragua has…starting with colonialization…up to the current corrupt political system and lack of development as a country. Inspired by the 1849 Gold Rush and the American declaration Manifest Destiny, William Walker came to Nicaragua with the purpose of enslaving the indigenous people to make slave states out of Latin America….native Augusto Cesar Sandino conquered the Marine occupation in the 20th century but was killed by Somoza, from whom sprouted a corrupt dynasty.
The 1972 earthquake destroyed Managua and surrounding areas. To this day, Managua has never re-developed because Somoza used international funds for his own riches instead of stabilizing his country and people. In the 1960s the world lit up with youth and student revolutions and movements including the Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional in Nicaragua. However, in the 80s progress retreated again as Reagan denied importation of arms to Nicaragua in the Boland Act. Fearing any kind of socialism, the US intervened, getting rid of any suspicious person, ripping people out of homes and bombing innocent people. My host dad did not have to fight in the Contra-war but he did know the fear and devastation for his family and community.
Currently, the Sandanista Daniel Ortega is finishing his second 5-year term as President and also manipulating the constitution so he can run consecutively in the 2011 election. In the upcoming election Ortega and his Liberal opponent Aleman carry corrupt political records. Many Nicaraguans do not even consider going to the polls to face the electoral fraud that seems hopeless. The current presidency has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, Ortega is supporting the poor who suffered from recent flooding in Managua. He is making himself look good before re-elections by supporting the construction of block houses for the protestors of Nemagon. These are past banana workers who suffer from cancer and other internal effects because of Nemagon, a chemical banned in the US 20 years prior to its illegal use by North American companies (Dole, Del Monte, Shell, United Fruit, etc.) in Latin America. 500 people sacrificed their work and families to live in this shack community in front of government buildings to fight to have a voice and be recognized as human beings by their own leaders. So it may look good for Ortega to build them dignified houses with electricity and water source, but after 18 years of protest and no change, I am uncertain that this is what these people really need. What are Ortega’s motives?
Nicaragua has such potential to be beautiful and thriving economically. Unfortunately, corrupt government, the 72 earthquake, and the ContraWar pulled Nicaragua behind in development. It is the second poorest country in Latin American after Haiti, lacking in education, literacy, and job opportunities. Yet, I was enamored by the people who extended the table of hospitality and solidarity with me….when I lived with them for a week!
-5 days of home stays in rural/urban communities
LASP students broke into groups of 4 to live in various evangelical communities around Managua and Masaya. I lived with Pastor Eleodorio, wife Nachita, daughter Raquel, son-in-law Moisés, and baby grandson Hazael. What a blessing! Although sometimes our group felt like we were on a “mission trip,” we were privileged to fellowship with the people of our families and church community. This church has worked with a North American missionary and experienced North American youth groups; therefore, they held this positive perspective of the US…saying that Americans are very generous people with the resources and abilities they have. The PURPOSE of the home stay was: build relationships with the people. Gracias a Dios, I embraced every moment of life with my familia nica: packing our family and church community on the back of the pickup truck to go to the market, eating mountains of gallo pinto (rice and beans) while dialoguing with Raquel or Pastor, sitting and “being” on the front porch in a hand crafted rocking chair, playing with children, learning from their dedication to the church, learning from a 16 year old amiga Jessica, getting a pedicure from neighbor girl Wendy, clearing church property with machetes and shovels, learning how to hand wash my clothes, learning how to make typical deep fried food or sugary fresh fruit “refrescos”, receiving the blessing of being their guest. I was truly humbled and amazed at the value of my words that they would repeat to others and will hold on to. Parting with our familias was very emotional all around.
I had the opportunity to see a church serving the Lord not only within its “building” but OUTSIDE of the block walls. This church has always traveled to smaller communities to minister. Four churches have sprouted from their faithfulness of evangelizing. I am not necessarily gungho about their evangelizing methods, but they show me faithfulness to the world, the ones that need to be reached as their mission in the kingdom of God on earth. Granted the evangelical church struggles from authoritarian leadership thanks to the North American evangelical influence and the machismo culture. Also, Nicaraguans have always been the underdogs, so they lack confidence in their own potential…they openly hold their hands out in expectation of help instead of thinking for themselves. I do not have the correct response to these issues, but the answer is NOT charity simply giving them money or building a house or church for them…Charity attempts to justify the giver without forcing them to get their hands dirty or know the true reality of the poor. Our capitalistic system thrives off of the poor. We will never defeat poverty as long as there are riches. But we can seek opportunities to extend the table, live with them, hear their stories, and be a voice for them.
O so much more I could say!!
-2 days exploring the colorful colonial Granada and processing the home stays…
Finally, to conclude the Nicaraguan journey, we relaxed and transitioned from our impacting experiences together! Granada and León are the two most visited cities of Nicaragua. They have actually been developed to attract tourists. The most impactful experience for me was talking to the locals or the artisans on the street. I even got to help a 17 year old girl weave a row of a hammock in one of the stores. She works 8-6 Monday-Saturday and gets to go to school on Sundays. She earns $5 for each hammock she makes and can make 3 in a week ($15/week). I also learned from a Swiss supervisor that this is a social project that supports women and children, providing school materials, refuge from abuse, and opportunity to work and acquire a skill/trade that is useful. Such a beautiful thing to interact with the people!
Thanks for hearing my reflections.
En paz, Joanne
-2 days travel by microbus (1 day there and 1 day back)
-We only spent 45 minutes going through customs at the border…a LASP record!
-2 days in the capital to learn Nicaraguan history through excursions and charlas
-I felt like the time spent in Managua prepared me for living among the Nicaraguans. I gained a greater perspective of the destructive history that Nicaragua has…starting with colonialization…up to the current corrupt political system and lack of development as a country. Inspired by the 1849 Gold Rush and the American declaration Manifest Destiny, William Walker came to Nicaragua with the purpose of enslaving the indigenous people to make slave states out of Latin America….native Augusto Cesar Sandino conquered the Marine occupation in the 20th century but was killed by Somoza, from whom sprouted a corrupt dynasty.
The 1972 earthquake destroyed Managua and surrounding areas. To this day, Managua has never re-developed because Somoza used international funds for his own riches instead of stabilizing his country and people. In the 1960s the world lit up with youth and student revolutions and movements including the Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional in Nicaragua. However, in the 80s progress retreated again as Reagan denied importation of arms to Nicaragua in the Boland Act. Fearing any kind of socialism, the US intervened, getting rid of any suspicious person, ripping people out of homes and bombing innocent people. My host dad did not have to fight in the Contra-war but he did know the fear and devastation for his family and community.
Currently, the Sandanista Daniel Ortega is finishing his second 5-year term as President and also manipulating the constitution so he can run consecutively in the 2011 election. In the upcoming election Ortega and his Liberal opponent Aleman carry corrupt political records. Many Nicaraguans do not even consider going to the polls to face the electoral fraud that seems hopeless. The current presidency has its strengths and weaknesses. For example, Ortega is supporting the poor who suffered from recent flooding in Managua. He is making himself look good before re-elections by supporting the construction of block houses for the protestors of Nemagon. These are past banana workers who suffer from cancer and other internal effects because of Nemagon, a chemical banned in the US 20 years prior to its illegal use by North American companies (Dole, Del Monte, Shell, United Fruit, etc.) in Latin America. 500 people sacrificed their work and families to live in this shack community in front of government buildings to fight to have a voice and be recognized as human beings by their own leaders. So it may look good for Ortega to build them dignified houses with electricity and water source, but after 18 years of protest and no change, I am uncertain that this is what these people really need. What are Ortega’s motives?
Nicaragua has such potential to be beautiful and thriving economically. Unfortunately, corrupt government, the 72 earthquake, and the ContraWar pulled Nicaragua behind in development. It is the second poorest country in Latin American after Haiti, lacking in education, literacy, and job opportunities. Yet, I was enamored by the people who extended the table of hospitality and solidarity with me….when I lived with them for a week!
-5 days of home stays in rural/urban communities
LASP students broke into groups of 4 to live in various evangelical communities around Managua and Masaya. I lived with Pastor Eleodorio, wife Nachita, daughter Raquel, son-in-law Moisés, and baby grandson Hazael. What a blessing! Although sometimes our group felt like we were on a “mission trip,” we were privileged to fellowship with the people of our families and church community. This church has worked with a North American missionary and experienced North American youth groups; therefore, they held this positive perspective of the US…saying that Americans are very generous people with the resources and abilities they have. The PURPOSE of the home stay was: build relationships with the people. Gracias a Dios, I embraced every moment of life with my familia nica: packing our family and church community on the back of the pickup truck to go to the market, eating mountains of gallo pinto (rice and beans) while dialoguing with Raquel or Pastor, sitting and “being” on the front porch in a hand crafted rocking chair, playing with children, learning from their dedication to the church, learning from a 16 year old amiga Jessica, getting a pedicure from neighbor girl Wendy, clearing church property with machetes and shovels, learning how to hand wash my clothes, learning how to make typical deep fried food or sugary fresh fruit “refrescos”, receiving the blessing of being their guest. I was truly humbled and amazed at the value of my words that they would repeat to others and will hold on to. Parting with our familias was very emotional all around.
I had the opportunity to see a church serving the Lord not only within its “building” but OUTSIDE of the block walls. This church has always traveled to smaller communities to minister. Four churches have sprouted from their faithfulness of evangelizing. I am not necessarily gungho about their evangelizing methods, but they show me faithfulness to the world, the ones that need to be reached as their mission in the kingdom of God on earth. Granted the evangelical church struggles from authoritarian leadership thanks to the North American evangelical influence and the machismo culture. Also, Nicaraguans have always been the underdogs, so they lack confidence in their own potential…they openly hold their hands out in expectation of help instead of thinking for themselves. I do not have the correct response to these issues, but the answer is NOT charity simply giving them money or building a house or church for them…Charity attempts to justify the giver without forcing them to get their hands dirty or know the true reality of the poor. Our capitalistic system thrives off of the poor. We will never defeat poverty as long as there are riches. But we can seek opportunities to extend the table, live with them, hear their stories, and be a voice for them.
O so much more I could say!!
-2 days exploring the colorful colonial Granada and processing the home stays…
Finally, to conclude the Nicaraguan journey, we relaxed and transitioned from our impacting experiences together! Granada and León are the two most visited cities of Nicaragua. They have actually been developed to attract tourists. The most impactful experience for me was talking to the locals or the artisans on the street. I even got to help a 17 year old girl weave a row of a hammock in one of the stores. She works 8-6 Monday-Saturday and gets to go to school on Sundays. She earns $5 for each hammock she makes and can make 3 in a week ($15/week). I also learned from a Swiss supervisor that this is a social project that supports women and children, providing school materials, refuge from abuse, and opportunity to work and acquire a skill/trade that is useful. Such a beautiful thing to interact with the people!
Thanks for hearing my reflections.
En paz, Joanne
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The glory of Fall Break!
Friday, October 22 - Monday, October 23 is LASP students' fall break...an interlude between our 2 week Nicaragua experience and 2 weeks of classes in our concentration areas. (I will post reflections on Nicaragua another day when I have access to Internet again). But a brief update on exploring Costa Rica for the weekend...
Friday, October 22:
Amigos Caleb, Kristen, and I took a bus from San Jose at 6:30 AM intending to go to "La Paz" which is a tourist attraction of trails leading to 5 waterfalls, a butterfly conservatory, hummingbird feeders, and more! However, we found out the bus did not pass directly by this park. Supposedly we could get off at a certain spot and walk 3 km. But we had miscommunication/lack of help to know when to get off. So we ended up basically stranded at the last bus stop on the route with 2 1/2 hours to spare until the bus departed for San Jose again!! Thankfully, this turned out better than paying for a lofty tourist attraction because we hiked the rocky road overlooking the mountain slope and explored a rushing river climbing amidst the rocks! It was glorious and peaceful and adventurous. And the scenery of the mountains and hillsides traveling through Costa Rica is also incredible!
Saturday, October 23:
I spent the night with my friend/peer Kristen and her tica (Costa Rican) family, I traveled to Jaco, a popular beach a 2 hour from San Jose. Kristen's family has connections to a condominium/cabina near the beach that we stayed in for the day. We swam in the pool and ended up relaxing until evening in the cabin because it was rainy rainy rainy...normal here! We took a stroll through Jaco's souvenir shops for the night, but it started pouring again. Better to just relax and be with the family. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to spend the weekend with Costa Ricans and Kristen - to be around Spanish speakers who are so welcoming and keep us immersed in the culture! This means the family is laid back and the plans keep changing and all you can do is be flexible and go along with it. Enjoy! Which I did and was amused. We also shared the expenses of gas and food which helps too!
Sunday, October 24:
We ate breakfast of gallo pinto (rice and beans) and juevos (eggs) and tortillas...then off to Manuel Antonio: a national park along the coast of the region Puntarenas and lots of tropical forest. I enjoyed the hour and a half drive along the coast with Kristen's sister Gloriana and her boyfriend Flaco. They taught us about the masses of palm trees that companies grow to extract coconut oil and about the rice fields/production also. It is actually cheaper to import rice to Costa Rica than to produce much locally.
At the national park, Kristen's sisters Gloriana and Gabriela, Flaco, Kristen, and I explored various hiking trails/paths through the forests/mountains while the parents guarded our possessions along the shore...seriously guarded everything from the monkeys and raccoons!! We saw many clever 'theives' taking tourists' belongings like food or shoes or sunglasses!! The trails were beautiful under the shade of the trees and vines. I saw spider monkeys, lizards, hermit crabs, raccoons and their cousins picoches, sloths, and many COLORFUL butterflies and birds! God's glory everywhere. I was a bit amused at tourists that visit from all over the world....accompanied by their paid tour guide. I felt quite secure being with natives who know the park and trails. Glori, Gabi, and Flaco led us to a waterfall where we immersed ourselves under the chilly, refreshing, pounding water. I enjoyed hiking the trails the best...a challenge with the slopes and mud and streams...while listening and watching nature.
We returned to the beach to Kristen's parents, but since it was a full moon and afternoon, the tide had risen so that we couldn't picnic on the beach inside the park. The waves came up so far that we almost lost a few belongings if each one of us wouldn't have guarded them in a rush. My water Camelback water bottle took a ride quite a ways into the ocean...fortunately the next wave pushed it back out! What an exhilarating end to Manuel Antonio! The water and the views of the ocean were striking with brilliant blues and waves crashing against the rocks. We picnicked on the public beach before traveling back to the cabin in Jaco to jump in the pool at dusk, clean the cabin, and travel home to San Jose.
Being with a well-off family for the weekend in "luxury" of vacation is an interesting transition after living in the 2nd poorest county in Latin America for 2 weeks. (Nicaragua). Costa Rica and Nicaragua certainly have their distinct differences. The Costa Ricans have stereotypes or prejudices of the Nicaraguan immigrants who do the low-paying jobs that ticos wouldn't do...similar to the United States' stereotypes or prejudices of "Mexicans" or Hispano immigrants who seek jobs in the U.S. Wait until I post my reflections of my Nicaraguan experience! It touched my heart greatly.
Monday, October 25:
Today I am going to hang out with a baker in his artesian bakery as an "apprentice." It is a bakery in San Jose famous for the cinnamon rolls. And I just want to learn what I can and take advantage of the time I have to be with ticos! Then I will write the reflection paper on Nicaragua that is due on Tuesday!
Con carino,
Joanne
It has been 3 weeks since communicating by Internet! I have 2 more weeks in San Jose taking Language and Literature classes at LASP. Then all the students separate to live in various parts of Costa Rica to complete their concentration/internship. I leave for the province of Limon to live with an indigenous group los Bribri for 3 1/2 weeks to work with them and live with another familia. The Bribri have a preservation project of iguanas...so I am going to learn all about iguanas and the indigenous lifestyle! Yet I am enjoying one day at a time!
Friday, October 22:
Amigos Caleb, Kristen, and I took a bus from San Jose at 6:30 AM intending to go to "La Paz" which is a tourist attraction of trails leading to 5 waterfalls, a butterfly conservatory, hummingbird feeders, and more! However, we found out the bus did not pass directly by this park. Supposedly we could get off at a certain spot and walk 3 km. But we had miscommunication/lack of help to know when to get off. So we ended up basically stranded at the last bus stop on the route with 2 1/2 hours to spare until the bus departed for San Jose again!! Thankfully, this turned out better than paying for a lofty tourist attraction because we hiked the rocky road overlooking the mountain slope and explored a rushing river climbing amidst the rocks! It was glorious and peaceful and adventurous. And the scenery of the mountains and hillsides traveling through Costa Rica is also incredible!
Saturday, October 23:
I spent the night with my friend/peer Kristen and her tica (Costa Rican) family, I traveled to Jaco, a popular beach a 2 hour from San Jose. Kristen's family has connections to a condominium/cabina near the beach that we stayed in for the day. We swam in the pool and ended up relaxing until evening in the cabin because it was rainy rainy rainy...normal here! We took a stroll through Jaco's souvenir shops for the night, but it started pouring again. Better to just relax and be with the family. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to spend the weekend with Costa Ricans and Kristen - to be around Spanish speakers who are so welcoming and keep us immersed in the culture! This means the family is laid back and the plans keep changing and all you can do is be flexible and go along with it. Enjoy! Which I did and was amused. We also shared the expenses of gas and food which helps too!
Sunday, October 24:
We ate breakfast of gallo pinto (rice and beans) and juevos (eggs) and tortillas...then off to Manuel Antonio: a national park along the coast of the region Puntarenas and lots of tropical forest. I enjoyed the hour and a half drive along the coast with Kristen's sister Gloriana and her boyfriend Flaco. They taught us about the masses of palm trees that companies grow to extract coconut oil and about the rice fields/production also. It is actually cheaper to import rice to Costa Rica than to produce much locally.
At the national park, Kristen's sisters Gloriana and Gabriela, Flaco, Kristen, and I explored various hiking trails/paths through the forests/mountains while the parents guarded our possessions along the shore...seriously guarded everything from the monkeys and raccoons!! We saw many clever 'theives' taking tourists' belongings like food or shoes or sunglasses!! The trails were beautiful under the shade of the trees and vines. I saw spider monkeys, lizards, hermit crabs, raccoons and their cousins picoches, sloths, and many COLORFUL butterflies and birds! God's glory everywhere. I was a bit amused at tourists that visit from all over the world....accompanied by their paid tour guide. I felt quite secure being with natives who know the park and trails. Glori, Gabi, and Flaco led us to a waterfall where we immersed ourselves under the chilly, refreshing, pounding water. I enjoyed hiking the trails the best...a challenge with the slopes and mud and streams...while listening and watching nature.
We returned to the beach to Kristen's parents, but since it was a full moon and afternoon, the tide had risen so that we couldn't picnic on the beach inside the park. The waves came up so far that we almost lost a few belongings if each one of us wouldn't have guarded them in a rush. My water Camelback water bottle took a ride quite a ways into the ocean...fortunately the next wave pushed it back out! What an exhilarating end to Manuel Antonio! The water and the views of the ocean were striking with brilliant blues and waves crashing against the rocks. We picnicked on the public beach before traveling back to the cabin in Jaco to jump in the pool at dusk, clean the cabin, and travel home to San Jose.
Being with a well-off family for the weekend in "luxury" of vacation is an interesting transition after living in the 2nd poorest county in Latin America for 2 weeks. (Nicaragua). Costa Rica and Nicaragua certainly have their distinct differences. The Costa Ricans have stereotypes or prejudices of the Nicaraguan immigrants who do the low-paying jobs that ticos wouldn't do...similar to the United States' stereotypes or prejudices of "Mexicans" or Hispano immigrants who seek jobs in the U.S. Wait until I post my reflections of my Nicaraguan experience! It touched my heart greatly.
Monday, October 25:
Today I am going to hang out with a baker in his artesian bakery as an "apprentice." It is a bakery in San Jose famous for the cinnamon rolls. And I just want to learn what I can and take advantage of the time I have to be with ticos! Then I will write the reflection paper on Nicaragua that is due on Tuesday!
Con carino,
Joanne
It has been 3 weeks since communicating by Internet! I have 2 more weeks in San Jose taking Language and Literature classes at LASP. Then all the students separate to live in various parts of Costa Rica to complete their concentration/internship. I leave for the province of Limon to live with an indigenous group los Bribri for 3 1/2 weeks to work with them and live with another familia. The Bribri have a preservation project of iguanas...so I am going to learn all about iguanas and the indigenous lifestyle! Yet I am enjoying one day at a time!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Learning Cultural Differences first hand…
El aprendizaje de la cultura de primera mano…
A recap of the last weekend/week to refresh my memory!
Last weekend (Oct. 2-3):
I experienced my first family fiesta for my Abuelo’s cumpleaños (Grandpa’s birthday). ALL the family came over Saturday night to celebrate! We would have fellowshipped with food and the fútbol game except that it was delayed because of strong lighting and thunder. Instead the little chicos entertained us by dancing in the middle of the living room. They have no shame and loved the attention!
Cultural differences:
I learned that communication is INDIRECT firsthand by an error(s) that I made at the birthday party! Abuela (grandma) has issues with my eating habits that I was unaware of. I found out because she had enough of it when she saw me snitch a bit of frosting remaining in the cake pan after everyone had eaten cake. She did not appreciate this and thought it was very dirty. How did I find out?? WELL, since you never directly confront someone, she approached her host student Elizabeth and let everything out to her, and then to my Mom the next day. So I heard these issues through Elizabeth, a friend who could let me know in a nice way! Ha! Really the whole situation is comical and it is a personal issue of Abuela. Not just a cultural issue. Abuela is the queen of the kitchen; it is where she feels control.
Here I thought that I was blessed to have the opportunity to get to know my abuelo’s family beside my own host family because they live down the street. I visit Elizabeth in the evening sometimes and because they eat later than our family, I happen to be there around 9pm dinner time. They have invited me to eat with them sometimes. LASP tells us to eat what is offered to us, so I don’t question it but appreciate the TIME and the RELATTIONSHIPS that are formed around the table. I had no idea that Abuela thinks I eat a lot or too much, since yes, I do get enough food at my house, even though it is something lighter (or whiter like bread!) and earlier with Mami at cafecito. So yes, I know that I shouldn’t have snitched the leftover frosting from the cake pan, but I was unaware that I really should not be saying yes to the offer of food all the time. Abuela offers me food because that is polite or courteous, but in her heart, she doesn’t actually mean it. So I need to manipulate my response to the question to see if she really means it.
At Laura’s house, I am seeing what true hospitality is from another mother who is queen of the kitchen. But this situation made me question whether this Mom’s offer to have tea or coffee with them is genuine or not as well! Ah! Because here again, I feel privileged to get to relate to another family and learn around the table from them.
I did not approach Abuela about this, but talked to LASP staff and Mami. Mami (the daughter of Abuela) was understanding and carries a different perspective of the kitchen. She treats me equal to her children. If Sebas opens the fridge, JoJo can open the fridge. If Ale wants more bread, JoJo can have more bread. Whereas at Abuela’s we should always ask before taking or helping ourselves to more…or in my situation, not even ask! Every family is different! And I am grateful for this interesting indirect situation, that I could learn first hand!
On Sunday I spent the day with my friend Laura. We went to the church (a typical evangelical Latin American church) where her brother and his band were leading worship. I appreciated their worship more than the pastor’s strong and loud sermon about the Word that lacked depth of teaching from the Scripture. I wonder what the people actually take away from the sermon to live out each week. It can be all fiery and emotion in the moment…this applies to many churches, not just in Latin America. After church, this band took Laura, Laura, and I to eat Japanese food at their favorite restaurant. I took advantage of the opportunity to learn from them and practice español! So here I am in Costa Rica ordering Japanese food in español. Quite a mix of culture, eh! I tried sushi for the first time! It was good, but nothing extravagant to me! (And I avoided eating the rolls with raw seafood…but I did have caviar).
The week (Oct. 4-8):
This was the final week of our Core Seminar at LASP and Language classes at ICADS. So we were completing final projects like a 10 page research paper (mine on poverty, specifically the people who live in/from the dumps) and a 10 minute presentation in español (mine on the contamination in San José). It is amazing to look back on how much I have learned/experienced through the classroom, not to mention the trips and family living, in 5 weeks alone!
In LASP we had 2 charlas (lectures/speakers) this week. The first charla intended to prepare us for our 2 week journey in Nicaragua (Oct. 11-21). A Central American missionary John Stam shared his experiences in Nicaragua and an overview of Nicaraguan history. He challenged us to become more informed about the world through reading data/news. However the interpretation of data is integral because the media presents data in a manner that can manipulate the public! So he encouraged us to get accurate and adequate information, get in depth interpretation, and consider a responsible action.
“Countries are like people, they’re fascinating, fun, and when you get to know them, you can really learn a lot.” –John Stam
Stam has a curiosity for Nicaragua. Even though Nicaragua borders Costa Rica, they are 2 completely opposite countries, which relates to their development historically. The United States has destructive history in Nicaragua, driving the Somoza nationalistic government with their own political and economic interests in mind. Where front doors are closed in Costa Rica they are open wide in Nicaragua. Stam has myriad of connections in Latin America. He even was invited to meet with Fidel Castro with a group of evangelicals hosting a conference in Cuba. Castro was full of questions about the book of Revelation. Stam had the opportunity to use his knowledge to dialogue with Casto about faith. Stam could tell us stories for hours about ministry in Central America where he has been able to understand people by loving them first, not by being a “soul winner.”
Faith and Practice in Latinoamérica: guest speaker Melinda Bates, wrapped up our series of charlas at LASP by sharing her experience as a missionary and woman pastor in Costa Rica. Instead of presenting new/shocking information to us, she showed us a direct application of the things we have been learning through the example of her ministry. Her life is a ministry of listening: the ministry of CAFECITO! God’s presence is evident to her through conversations around the table with a cup of coffee. On the road to Emmaus, the two disciples recognized who Jesus was in communion, in hospitality. Thus, her life and mission is sharing stories. She has a voice in the community and in the States, she influences the mainstream by sharing the stories of the marginalized. She shared the story about a pueblito (small village) outside of Alejuela where God is at work and multiplying the fruit of a group of woman who came together to create a small preschool.
I appreciated Melinda’s perspective because it affirmed truths of what ‘mission’ is. Missionary often carries a negative connotation. Through my 5 weeks here I have been reconsidering what being a “missionary” truly means. Melinda can testify that it is “not about success, it’s about faithfulness” and it is “not about fixing things, it’s about learning.” Why do we think that we have the answers or can fix problems? Americans assume that they have a place at the table instead of coming in and listening to stories of marginalized. (I do not deny that North America is generous and innovative, but much of American history has been painful and hurtful to Latin America).
Change only happens when we listen to each other. When we are in the mainstream we don’t even think about it or worry about it. We are comfortable. We are privileged. I know that I have more responsibility because I have access to the mainstream and people will listen to me. I am learning to be curious! I have a responsibility to share the stories that I am gifted with in Latin America. BUT how do I share the “other” perspective to people who have not been there and have only the North American perspective?!
Thank you for listening. I appreciate responses too!
P.S. During my 2 weeks in Nicaragua, I will most likely not have access to Internet (that doesn’t mean you can’t email me!). We are spending a few days in the capital Managua in a student center learning from speakers and classes. We will be separated for 5 days to live with host families in neighboring villages learning through daily life and relationships. The final days will be spent together in Granada. Pray that my heart remains open to listening and learning through people!
A recap of the last weekend/week to refresh my memory!
Last weekend (Oct. 2-3):
I experienced my first family fiesta for my Abuelo’s cumpleaños (Grandpa’s birthday). ALL the family came over Saturday night to celebrate! We would have fellowshipped with food and the fútbol game except that it was delayed because of strong lighting and thunder. Instead the little chicos entertained us by dancing in the middle of the living room. They have no shame and loved the attention!
Cultural differences:
I learned that communication is INDIRECT firsthand by an error(s) that I made at the birthday party! Abuela (grandma) has issues with my eating habits that I was unaware of. I found out because she had enough of it when she saw me snitch a bit of frosting remaining in the cake pan after everyone had eaten cake. She did not appreciate this and thought it was very dirty. How did I find out?? WELL, since you never directly confront someone, she approached her host student Elizabeth and let everything out to her, and then to my Mom the next day. So I heard these issues through Elizabeth, a friend who could let me know in a nice way! Ha! Really the whole situation is comical and it is a personal issue of Abuela. Not just a cultural issue. Abuela is the queen of the kitchen; it is where she feels control.
Here I thought that I was blessed to have the opportunity to get to know my abuelo’s family beside my own host family because they live down the street. I visit Elizabeth in the evening sometimes and because they eat later than our family, I happen to be there around 9pm dinner time. They have invited me to eat with them sometimes. LASP tells us to eat what is offered to us, so I don’t question it but appreciate the TIME and the RELATTIONSHIPS that are formed around the table. I had no idea that Abuela thinks I eat a lot or too much, since yes, I do get enough food at my house, even though it is something lighter (or whiter like bread!) and earlier with Mami at cafecito. So yes, I know that I shouldn’t have snitched the leftover frosting from the cake pan, but I was unaware that I really should not be saying yes to the offer of food all the time. Abuela offers me food because that is polite or courteous, but in her heart, she doesn’t actually mean it. So I need to manipulate my response to the question to see if she really means it.
At Laura’s house, I am seeing what true hospitality is from another mother who is queen of the kitchen. But this situation made me question whether this Mom’s offer to have tea or coffee with them is genuine or not as well! Ah! Because here again, I feel privileged to get to relate to another family and learn around the table from them.
I did not approach Abuela about this, but talked to LASP staff and Mami. Mami (the daughter of Abuela) was understanding and carries a different perspective of the kitchen. She treats me equal to her children. If Sebas opens the fridge, JoJo can open the fridge. If Ale wants more bread, JoJo can have more bread. Whereas at Abuela’s we should always ask before taking or helping ourselves to more…or in my situation, not even ask! Every family is different! And I am grateful for this interesting indirect situation, that I could learn first hand!
On Sunday I spent the day with my friend Laura. We went to the church (a typical evangelical Latin American church) where her brother and his band were leading worship. I appreciated their worship more than the pastor’s strong and loud sermon about the Word that lacked depth of teaching from the Scripture. I wonder what the people actually take away from the sermon to live out each week. It can be all fiery and emotion in the moment…this applies to many churches, not just in Latin America. After church, this band took Laura, Laura, and I to eat Japanese food at their favorite restaurant. I took advantage of the opportunity to learn from them and practice español! So here I am in Costa Rica ordering Japanese food in español. Quite a mix of culture, eh! I tried sushi for the first time! It was good, but nothing extravagant to me! (And I avoided eating the rolls with raw seafood…but I did have caviar).
The week (Oct. 4-8):
This was the final week of our Core Seminar at LASP and Language classes at ICADS. So we were completing final projects like a 10 page research paper (mine on poverty, specifically the people who live in/from the dumps) and a 10 minute presentation in español (mine on the contamination in San José). It is amazing to look back on how much I have learned/experienced through the classroom, not to mention the trips and family living, in 5 weeks alone!
In LASP we had 2 charlas (lectures/speakers) this week. The first charla intended to prepare us for our 2 week journey in Nicaragua (Oct. 11-21). A Central American missionary John Stam shared his experiences in Nicaragua and an overview of Nicaraguan history. He challenged us to become more informed about the world through reading data/news. However the interpretation of data is integral because the media presents data in a manner that can manipulate the public! So he encouraged us to get accurate and adequate information, get in depth interpretation, and consider a responsible action.
“Countries are like people, they’re fascinating, fun, and when you get to know them, you can really learn a lot.” –John Stam
Stam has a curiosity for Nicaragua. Even though Nicaragua borders Costa Rica, they are 2 completely opposite countries, which relates to their development historically. The United States has destructive history in Nicaragua, driving the Somoza nationalistic government with their own political and economic interests in mind. Where front doors are closed in Costa Rica they are open wide in Nicaragua. Stam has myriad of connections in Latin America. He even was invited to meet with Fidel Castro with a group of evangelicals hosting a conference in Cuba. Castro was full of questions about the book of Revelation. Stam had the opportunity to use his knowledge to dialogue with Casto about faith. Stam could tell us stories for hours about ministry in Central America where he has been able to understand people by loving them first, not by being a “soul winner.”
Faith and Practice in Latinoamérica: guest speaker Melinda Bates, wrapped up our series of charlas at LASP by sharing her experience as a missionary and woman pastor in Costa Rica. Instead of presenting new/shocking information to us, she showed us a direct application of the things we have been learning through the example of her ministry. Her life is a ministry of listening: the ministry of CAFECITO! God’s presence is evident to her through conversations around the table with a cup of coffee. On the road to Emmaus, the two disciples recognized who Jesus was in communion, in hospitality. Thus, her life and mission is sharing stories. She has a voice in the community and in the States, she influences the mainstream by sharing the stories of the marginalized. She shared the story about a pueblito (small village) outside of Alejuela where God is at work and multiplying the fruit of a group of woman who came together to create a small preschool.
I appreciated Melinda’s perspective because it affirmed truths of what ‘mission’ is. Missionary often carries a negative connotation. Through my 5 weeks here I have been reconsidering what being a “missionary” truly means. Melinda can testify that it is “not about success, it’s about faithfulness” and it is “not about fixing things, it’s about learning.” Why do we think that we have the answers or can fix problems? Americans assume that they have a place at the table instead of coming in and listening to stories of marginalized. (I do not deny that North America is generous and innovative, but much of American history has been painful and hurtful to Latin America).
Change only happens when we listen to each other. When we are in the mainstream we don’t even think about it or worry about it. We are comfortable. We are privileged. I know that I have more responsibility because I have access to the mainstream and people will listen to me. I am learning to be curious! I have a responsibility to share the stories that I am gifted with in Latin America. BUT how do I share the “other” perspective to people who have not been there and have only the North American perspective?!
Thank you for listening. I appreciate responses too!
P.S. During my 2 weeks in Nicaragua, I will most likely not have access to Internet (that doesn’t mean you can’t email me!). We are spending a few days in the capital Managua in a student center learning from speakers and classes. We will be separated for 5 days to live with host families in neighboring villages learning through daily life and relationships. The final days will be spent together in Granada. Pray that my heart remains open to listening and learning through people!
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