Sunday, December 20, 2009

I think there is a difference between "culture shock" and "cultural shocks". Let me explain.
Since returning to England, I (Dave) have struggled with a few things like the plenty that is available here and the sheer amount of stuff that people have but do very little with. A culture of hoarding, greed and materialism, maybe. It can sound harsh expressed in this way but seeing your own culture from the outside is an interesting, and not always pleasant, experience.
I have experienced a few, what I call "mini shocks" since being here too. For example, in church today it was announced that someone not only did not need an emergency operation any more but has completely recovered from their serious illness, praise God. I wanted to shout "woohoo" and clap to acknowledge what God had done but it quickly moved on to something else before I was even able to make a noise....strange. This is not a criticism of the church or the person leading, just an observation and a reality check for me in this culture.
Also, I got so used to greeting almost everyone on the street in Brazil that when I came here I really noticed how English people do not like to make eye contact or even say "hi" to the person walking the opposite direction to them on the path. Now I try to deliberately do it with the intention of bringing a smile to a downcast face.
The weather here is cold at the moment.....maybe the culture is too.
In contrast to this, I have been warmly greeted by loving friends and family and I am so thankful to my Lord for this and also thankful to those people too.