Thursday, June 14, 2012
Cultural Differences
A funny thing happened while I was just minding my own sweet business.
The phone rang. It does that sometimes. On the other end was a friend I had made at my previous employer. She's a giggly, blondie, tiny woman whose smile is simply infectious. I've never heard a bad word come out of her mouth. She's a gem.
Over the years, she and her husband have provided housing for nearly thirty foreign students, most of which have been Islamic. I distinctly remember telling her how I would be so afraid to open my home to strangers. Especially Muslims. I'm just a sissy that way.
I seemed to have that narrow-minded view that they are out to kill all of us. Which is true in some circles. So imagine what I said when my friend phoned me and asked if we could take in a young woman from Syria for ten weeks this summer. And could we decide quickly, because she'll be here on Sunday.
I laughed a little and said that my Beloved is a little funny about strangers living in his house. I told her I'd ask him and get back to her.
And then a funny thing happened....
Beloved and I agreed that we could, that we should, that we would be happy to open our homes and lives to this complete stranger.
That was Tuesday.
She arrives late Sunday.
I am excited, but concerned that I will make some stupid "American" mistake and offend her. I'm looking forward to learning about her country and her beliefs. Mostly, I'm hoping to make a new friend and hope she is too.
I'll keep you posted.
You will do well. Honesty, communication, lacking questions, listening will serve you well. Remember she may have fears and misgivings about you! What a great way to share Christ by being His hands and feet to one who does not know Him.
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