10-Feb-2003
Strangers
In January I climbed out of the microbus in Chahal to begin my second year of teaching. Unlike the first time I arrived, I was not entering a new world of unknown people and places, but rather, a place where I had made a home, lived, worked, and made friends. I was returning.
Despite that, it is still obvious that I am very different from others here. There is nothing I can do that will change the fact that I am the "gringo". My skin, my height, and my accent all tell that I am not from this place. I am an outsider, and no matter how long I am here, to some people I will always be an outsider. Cultural differences such as foods, manners, greetings, and language can be great barriers to overcome. Because of the differences, misunderstandings are inevitable and sometimes embarrassing. Worse yet, the barriers sometimes cause us to avoid contact, to avoid making that embarrassing mistake.
I was fortunate that when I arrived in Chahal last year, I was warmly welcomed not only by the priests and sisters, but also by several community members who have since become my friends. Without their extension of hospitality, I would have felt very isolated. We didn’t always understand each other (and still don’t), but we haven’t stopped trying.
Thinking of my reception here leads me to consider the outsiders who have come into my communities in the United States. How did I, my family, and my community receive them? Did we receive them as Christ? This leads me to an idea for a Lenten resolution. Let us welcome the people we know to be strangers in our community. Do not let the differences stand in our way, but rather, consider it a chance to learn and an opportunity to show hospitality.
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