Someone asked a wonderful question in a comment yesterday. "Are there things that are the same from culture to culture." Great question. It's a great question because we tend to think that everyone thinks and lives like we do.
Here are some of my experiences. They are only mine, and do not represent reality, just my experience in other lands. I am sorry for the honesty, but it is a good question and deserves an answer.
Things that are the same. Christians that I have met in Russia and Mozambique seem to really love God and have the joy of Jesus in their heart. They love their children and consider life a gift.
Things that are different. About everything else. In every country I have been in, the infrastructure was falling apart. Crumbling sidewalks, elevators that have never been inspected, toilets that don't flush, and you don't want to fly the local airlines in Russia. People are scrambling to make ends meet. Everyone has a side job or a side gig or something that they are selling, or they are hopeful that you will adopt them and give them money and things to improve their lives. [when you consider all that we have, I do not blame these people]
Health care is a disaster in most countries I have visited. Education is also a real challenge. In some cultures, women are more like property. In some cultures, girl babies are not wanted because they do not help support the family.
If you have ever gotten off a cruise ship to visit some exotic port, you remember that you were met by beautiful native people who were proudly selling their native crafts. What you don't know is that they walk or take the bus to where they sell their wares. They arrive home at a place that would be condemned in the states. Many of them do not have electricity or running water. They wake up in the morning and wonder if they will be able to feed their family. So they are glad to see you get off the cruise ship and walk towards their little craft shop.
Their churches have little or no buildings without our help. They can't afford a church bus. They arrive to the place of worship on Sunday morning and for the most part, all they have as the church is each other, and a trust in God, and, - - - that is enough. Makes you wonder whose culture is healthier.
It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.
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1 comment:
Jeff; I've lived and visited many foreign coutries. Yes, many are like you describe, but many are affluent and most are hard working and happy in their lives. I was born in Mexico and though poor, I didn't know we were poor and have many fond memories of a loving family and country. Walt
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