“If we must be dogmatic, then let us be dogmatic about the inclusive humanity of Christ.”
Chinese Christians, persecution, and the olympics: “It is an awakening outside the control of any propaganda machine, and one by which Western Christians are being instructed.”
“Very few people know what Mrs Clinton really thinks, and they never say.”
Temples in Japan: a bit like churches in Europe.
Aidan is eight months old! We’re a little behind in uploading our pics, so here’s a few taken recently:
He’s so close to crawling; he scoots around all over the place-but usually backwards! The family we are staying with has wooden floors, and he seems to enjoy sliding around. He’s also got his first tooth, and still has his huge appetite.
We were really excited when the opportunity to live with a Dutch family outside of Amsterdam came up. Actually, we’ve been trying to arrange a homestay since we arrived in Holland, but as you can imagine, there aren’t many families that are able to take in another family!
So why homestay? Well, I guess the obvious reason is that it is a tremendous help with learning language and culture. I like to think of it like learning to swim. You can take a class, learn the different strokes, have someone explain what water feels like-and all of these things can be helpful. But the learning goes to an entirely different level when you jump in the water! Doing a homestay is not the only way to immerse yourself in a culture (and sometimes it’s just not an option), but I definitely think it’s one of the best ways to learn about a different culture.
Of course, it’s not always easy; it requires being intentional about putting yourself in a situation where often you will be powerless or uncomfortable. But under the right circumstances it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. And that I think is the key; I don’t see it as an experience that will give me the understanding to be more effective in my ministry or work cross-culturally (though certainly that is true). Rather, I think it’s a rewarding experience in and of itself. To be accepted into a family from another culture; to live life as they do; to see the world with their cultural lens; and if they are Christians, to see how their faith takes shape in their culture-it’s an incredible experience.
And it has been for us, at least so far! More soon…
“the best stories are ones that are liberated from any need to conform to some external logic.”
In search of a sequel to Mere Christianity.
Water bottles. No more Nalgene! But i hear the new models are BPA free, though still plastic.
Beer and Bibles: where is church?
An interesting interview on development and tourism.
