by: Stefanie Parsons

I live in an Anglo Saxon white world. There is nothing really wrong with that, I know, but lately I have wanted to break from this cultural sameness and discover something new.

It never would have bothered me four years ago, but now after spending almost two years in Thailand, I know what it’s like to be different. In the beginning, I admit that I felt uncomfortable in my own skin.  Walking down the street in a town that doesn’t see many tourists was almost like being on display. But eventually, as I discovered how to ‘put on’ my Thai self and learn how to conduct myself in Thai culture, I began to see how rich and varied my new culture was.

I was blessed with many ‘teachers’ in Thailand who never tired in their efforts to help me learn everything about this beautiful country. From language lessons and trips to many historical sites and bustling markets, Principal Kittichai was an excellent guide to all things Thai. There was no half way for me in his class, wherever the learning took place. If I wanted to be as Thai as I could I would have to try everything, even the roasted scorpion and squid jerky or chopping open a coconut and harvesting bananas on his small farm. 

When I wanted to try my hand at Thai cooking it was Soonaree who took me in her little car to the morning fish market.  Being a great cook, she helped me choose the best ingredients for the famous Tom Yam Goong soup. Walking along the pier among the fisherman and women with their catch of blue mussels and iridescent squid still swishing in the plastic bowls, to the tables of fresh herbs and large mounds of pungent shrimp paste, it was another world just down the road.

I can remember many times when I tried new things in Thailand, sometimes they ended in embarrassment (like slipping into a squat toilet) but more often they led to better connections with my Thai hosts and new friends.  By being teachable I found that it was easier to get to know Thai people and experience more fully a different culture.

Canada is a diverse nation and all around us are people who have come from all over the world.  We are in a unique position in this country to be able to experience other cultures within our borders.  As Christians we should take advantage of this and make friends with people of many different ethnicities. Taking an interest in a real hands-on way as a learner will display your humbleness and show genuine care for your ‘teacher’.

And this is great preparation for going to the wider mission fields that are beyond Canada.  Even if you have no desire to learn how to use chopsticks or live in a bamboo hut or drive on the left side of the road, being open (even a little) to new experiences can create new relationships that God could use for his glory.