Ever since I was named the TIME person of the year two years ago I've been debating whether or not to grab my piece of the weblog pie. Now's the time. And as I begin blogging, my wife kindly reminds me that no one out there cares to read what's on my mind. She makes a good point - especially considering I often vent in order to rid my own mind of my thoughts. On the other hand, I've found that others have managed to spurt out profound little nuggets of truth that are produced by their admittedly normal lives. Maybe I can do the same.
Since my wife and I moved to Croatia I have often been asked if I experienced culture shock. I usually tell them no and then go on to explain that my wife is Croatian and I visited Croatia a few times before we moved so it made the transition easier. But the fact is, I'm going through culture shock every day.
They don't put ice in the drinks here in Croatia. The draft will kill you and they love their beer and their soccer. They're worse than Boston during the Big Dig when you're on the road (although their tunnels stay together). But they're genuine. They'll give you a 5 course snack and wonder why you can't finish the dessert. They'll offer to let you stay in their house for a year if you need to, even if you're not family.
And you know what? I'm married. That's culture shock. I married a woman who had very few of the characteristics I envisioned of an ideal wife when I was 20. And I still look back and think it's amazing we hit it off. But I love her more now than I ever have. She's passionate about a lot of things but none more than her faith and our family. God has blessed us with a child who will soon change our life even more.
I am a follower of Christ. As Paul notes we often do what we shouldn't and don't do what we should. I've noticed this habit in my own life and in the life of the church. Sometimes observing myself and other believers in light of how Christ lived can be shocking.
So I'm going to write about the everyday culture shock I go through. It'll include politics, music, the Cubs, and the used car salesman I still need to vent about. It'll also include my deep desire to fall in love with Jesus and the ministry that has resulted from that longing. It's my life, but one that couldn't be growing, developing and maturing without the amazing influence of others. So here's my piece of the pie. Please enjoy it with me.
Since my wife and I moved to Croatia I have often been asked if I experienced culture shock. I usually tell them no and then go on to explain that my wife is Croatian and I visited Croatia a few times before we moved so it made the transition easier. But the fact is, I'm going through culture shock every day.
They don't put ice in the drinks here in Croatia. The draft will kill you and they love their beer and their soccer. They're worse than Boston during the Big Dig when you're on the road (although their tunnels stay together). But they're genuine. They'll give you a 5 course snack and wonder why you can't finish the dessert. They'll offer to let you stay in their house for a year if you need to, even if you're not family.
And you know what? I'm married. That's culture shock. I married a woman who had very few of the characteristics I envisioned of an ideal wife when I was 20. And I still look back and think it's amazing we hit it off. But I love her more now than I ever have. She's passionate about a lot of things but none more than her faith and our family. God has blessed us with a child who will soon change our life even more.
I am a follower of Christ. As Paul notes we often do what we shouldn't and don't do what we should. I've noticed this habit in my own life and in the life of the church. Sometimes observing myself and other believers in light of how Christ lived can be shocking.
So I'm going to write about the everyday culture shock I go through. It'll include politics, music, the Cubs, and the used car salesman I still need to vent about. It'll also include my deep desire to fall in love with Jesus and the ministry that has resulted from that longing. It's my life, but one that couldn't be growing, developing and maturing without the amazing influence of others. So here's my piece of the pie. Please enjoy it with me.
3 comments:
I LOVE the first slice...
Welcome to the craziness
L
I agree with Laci, that was a tasty bite!
I'm glad your wife tells you the same thing I tell Milo... but I've learned to love it most of the time! You may just have to be the first blog I subscribe to!
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