Culture Shock

We've been force-fed our culture's version of Christmas for months. Shopping, buying, planning, spending, worrying, and traveling are what “Christmas” has become for us these days. And those days seem to come earlier in the season and last longer into the night every year. But Christmas is finally here! It’s time to tear away all the excess. Time to forget about the traffic, malls, gifts, trees, lights, treats, and toys. The simplicity of the manger is so refreshingly ironic. Jesus came to the humblest of women in the humblest of ways. To remember his birth is to forget about ourselves – to revel in the astonishing mystery of Christ. And so I rejoice in having the opportunity to worship. With the angel, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord!

To me, the news of Rick Warren praying at the Presidential I nauguration in January is as shocking as C.C. Sabathia going to the Yankees or O.J. Simpson going to jail. It just makes sense. Rick Warren is indeed an evangelical Christian. His views are more conservative than liberals prefer. He's a tad bit overweight, sports the youth pastor goatee and leads a mega-church. How much more evangelical can you get? But on the other hand, he invited Obama to his church, he's an intellectual (so says one of today's top theologians), and he cares deeply about social issues. (By the way, I'm in no way implying that evangelicals can't be intellectuals or don't care about social issues - just that they have traditionally been thought not to have.) The thing that distinguishes him from both conservatives and liberals though is his commitment to 'reverse tithing'. The guy gives up 90% of his income! What? Liberals, say what you like, but does Michael Moore, Angelin...

“Every beginning is difficult” It was my first time flying internationally. I boarded the Croatian Airways flight from London’s Heathrow airport, found my seat and began to relax my body, anticipating the ascent of the plane and descent of my seatback. As soon as the seatbelt light switched off I found the small button, gripped my arm rests and pushed against the back of my seat. I immediately felt resistance. Again, and with more strength I tried to lower my seat. My strength however was matched by the person behind me who was keeping my seatback in its upright position. Newton’s 3rd law of motion came to mind - “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.” I thought about trying again - then thought about politely asking the person behind me if I could lower my seat back. But I quickly realized that two attempts were enough to know that they didn’t want me to lean back. So I stayed upright and uptight. I thought about the fact that I had never experienced ...

The title was taken from a recent post on one of my favorite musician's blog. Andrew Schwab is a musician/singer/songwriter. In this piece he clearly articulates the importance of living a genuine faith without an agenda: "We aren’t commanded to make a shallow pitch, a clever presentation, or a witty speech. Nor are we meant to be proud bearers of “bumper-sticker christianity,” complete with tactless t-shirts, tracts, and tokens which advertise spiritual slogans. God doesn’t want telemarketers. Why?" Go to his post to find how he answers the question. Here's a picture of Schwab from one of his shows years ago.

Have you ever played the boardgame "Sorry!"? Today as I was observing my cousins-in-law playing the game I noticed the glee, mischief, and ultimate gloating that would occur every time a "Sorry!" card was picked. There's no better way to say you're sorry than to mockingly take someone else's gamepiece and move it back to their start. And once, there were two "Sorry" cards in a row. Let me tell you, the best revenge for one sorry is your opponent picking up another sorry and screaming it with triumphant delight. I think I took note because of those times when my apologies are uttered from selfish motives. Often times I'll give or forgive with my own self-interest in mind. Funny what a kids game can teach you about yourself.

I had the pleasure last week of having my blood drawn. When I received a phone call from my doctor a couple days ago I wasn't at all surprised that I would need to take measures to reduce my level of triglycerides. Now, any reader of my blog will know that I'm a coffee enthusiast. We all know that "America runs on Dunkin'" and in that way I'm a true American. But even when I abstain from my favorite coffee chain I can't resist the stimulation of bean caffeine. I love coffee and I tend to love it with a spoonful (at least) of sugar. My blood results, however, have caused me to reconsider how I take my coffee. I can give up pastas, eliminate white breads, and eat fewer desserts, but can I do without sugar in my coffee? I realize though, if I claim to be a coffee lover, I have to love coffee regardless of what's in it. I've always disliked those fair weather sports fans who root for a team once they're good then drop them once they lose the winnin...

In my attempt to learn Croatian I've decided I need to start incorporating the foreign language into my blog. We'll start slowly. A “kum” (sounds like “Coom”) is the Croatian equivalent of a best man. “Kumovi” is the plural version. In Croatia there is a greater significance in the relationship between kumovi than there is here in America. It’s sort of an unwritten rule that your kum will be committed to supporting your family and marriage long after the reception is over. We had the privilege of having Milo and his family visit us in Massachusetts for 5 days. It’s been 8 years since I acted as his best man, but our relationship has remained a close friendship since then – even despite my poor best-man-skills at his wedding. We met almost 10 years ago as Marine bandsmen. We competed. We played. We began our own families. And our families have been able to stay close despite the physical distance.

Sixteen dollars and two cents. That's the price I paid to fill my gas tank from dangerously empty to overflowingly full today. A month ago, right before we left Croatia, it cost us approximately $70 to fill up our new car. In case you hadn't heard, the price of gas here in America has plumitted in the last few months from around $4 a gallon to under $2. The price I paid today was $1.74 a gallon. And if you're like me, you might be a little skeptical. Why the sudden drop? I haven't gotten a solid answer yet. The decrease in price seems to have come at a rather convenient time given our "Materialism is the reason for the season" attitude in America. But the fact remains; fuel is significantly more expensive in Europe. Guess I'll have to prepare for culture shock at the gas station when we get back.

As I begin using my new Microsoft Office Word 2007 legally obtained edition I'm reminded of my surprise upon learning that Eastern Europeans often do it differently. CD’s, DVD’s, recently released movies, software, programs, MP3’s (and the list goes on) can be had free of charge for those who know how to beat the system. Oops, did I let the cat out of the bag? I wish to neither defend nor attack such behavior. So, just the facts (based on my observations): 1. CD’s, DVD’s and other entertainment related material are much harder to find and at least twice the price as the equivalent piece of merchandise in America. 2. There seem to be no measures set up in this part of the world to keep people from illegal downloads or copies. 3. The only Christian music distributor I’ve encountered who sells the real deal has a full-time day job. He hasn’t been successful in marketing his music despite his good intentions. And number 1 is still the rule here - $25-$30 for a Chris ...

The hypothalamus is that part of your brain that tells you you're hungry. My 12th grade psychology teacher taught us a lot of different things, but this is the one piece of information that I retained. And it’s to a strange extent. For example, I’ll be eating a snack in front of my dog Copland. He’ll politely sit in front of me waiting for my charitable contribution or an inadvertent crumb. The longer he waits the longer his shoelace-like drool gets. His hypothalamus is at work. My son Enoh also has a hypothalamus. Although we’ve put it on a 3.5 hour schedule, it’s still obvious when Enoh receives a special message from that part of his brain and he shares it with us in the middle of the night in the form of a piercing scream. And then there’s my response to being hungry. I often become irritable, grumpy, impatient and downright desperate when I’m really hungry. Those are the times I salivate like Pavlov’s dog (the other psychological thing I remember) when I think about food. So ...

Enoh has been the target of many nicknames. Friends, family, parents (Petra and I) and strangers alike have either mistakenly or purposefully called him something other than we named him. The following is a list of those names: Those that rhyme (sort of): - Anyhow - Eggnog - Enough Mistakes: - Emu (his American pediatrician) - Emo (his American pediatrician the second time) Those that have nothing to do with his actual name: - Mister Shlister - Kermy - Honey Bunches of Oats - Snorters (he snorts when he cries) - Cow Butt (he has an outfit with a cow on the behind) - JJ (for Jeremy Jr.)

In the last day I've encountered two different advertisements. The first one was on television and featured a series of cute toddlers trying to say “Merry Christmas”. They all made the kind of verbal mistakes that endear us to that age and it caught my eye. A few minutes later I saw Petra smiling as she watched the same commercial. It was effective. The second was on the radio. A pleasant woman was talking to her (presumably) husband who was dissatisfied with the old status-quo television and wanted to get an HD TV. The lady was all-too happy to help. “There’s a place we can go” she said, but immediately turned omniscient and told all about the amazing deal this store had. In the first, the message was that this brand’s greeting cards had the perfect way to say “Merry Christmas”. Subliminally though - even given the fact the message was for adults – told us that we should teach our children what Christmas is really about here in America. The second ad was for us men. And believe me...

"And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." Or what about a warm cup of coffee? I went for my Dunkin Donuts hot french vanilla coffee with cream and sugar this morning. You typically place your order to a talking sign and then move your car up and give your money to an actual person. Today the lady informed me that the driver ahead of me had paid for my coffee. She also told me to have a "blessed day". Who knows if she was a follower of Christ? She probably had never heard of the book Random Acts of Kindness or seen the movie Pay it Forward . Or maybe she has. Whatever the case, she made my day - no strings attached. What a concept huh? Talk about culture shock.

Change is on the way. Since beginning the blog a few months ago I've decided some things need to be tweaked. I've already got some ideas but I'd like your input as well. Please participate in the poll to your right. I've arranged the polls so that you can vote for more than one option Your voice will be heard!

The events of a week ago are probably the most significant piece of American history in my lifetime. While I do have plenty to say about the election of Barack Obama; most of it is unoriginal. The fact that Obama is the first black president doesn ’t resonate with me the same way it would with Tiger Woods. Oprah can identify with the “self-made man” much more than I can. His multi-ethnicity is foreign to me. I am neither a student of history nor a sociologist any more than I am a politician. My vantage point comes from my relatively short American life, my dissatisfaction with the current president and my exposure to the media. So if you want my reaction you can go here , or here . This post will be a collection of facts, mini-stories and tidbits of information – some more significant than others – that I’ ve digested over the past week. Stats: - Obama won more votes than anyone in American history (T) (62,527,406 votes) - He received 93% of the votes in District of Columbia. (U) - 9%...

We spent some time in Austin Texas with family last week. The following are some of the things we saw while we were there. The first photograph ever taken. No, no one has a clue what it's supposed to be a picture of: The Gutenberg Bible which was "the first substantial book printed with movable metal type". It was completed in 1454 or 1455. This is one of 5 complete copies in the world: And for those of you who thought American history was shallow - The Ten Commandments. Apparently Moses was a student at the University of Texas at Austin: The Texas Capital building, in which our current President's (former Governor of Texas) picture graces the walls: We returned to Boson this past weekend where we were able to have Enoh dedicated a second time by my father in the church he now pastors - Central Baptist Church in Southbridge . For a guy who's name means "dedicated", Enoh has certainly lived up to it so far: Central Baptist was so warm in receiving ...

My wife always told me Croatians are rough around the edges. In other words, they often come across rude when you first meet them – but then after you get to know them they're the friendliest people in the world. Although it's a generalization - and there are always exceptions - I've found her description to be quite accurate. Many times I wish I saw more smiles or friendly faces in Croatia. So today I'm at a local Austin, Texas Starbucks. I order a plain grande coffee. The lady pleasantly asks if I'd like her to leave some room for cream. I say “yes please”. She continues: “Would you like whip cream on top?” “No, thanks” I reply “Would you like a dash of our new Christmas cinnamon sprinkles?” “No, thanks” I repeat “Well you just don’t want any of our little treats to make your coffee better do you?” She said playfully. Taken aback I reply: “Well I thought your coffee was supposed to be good by itself.” It was right around “coffee” that I heard what was comin...

I am thrilled that Barack Obama will be the next president of the United States. His victory is unprecedented, exciting, and historic. But for all the energy and time I put into absorbing the campaign I'm convinced there's something more. Yes, America has definitively chosen Obama as the man they want to bring change to our country – even the world. But our collective decision to put our hope in a politician should pale in comparison to a real authentic hope – hope grounded in faith. Hebrews 11 fantastically begins by defining “faith” as being “sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (TNIV). For those of us who have grown up hearing this verse it might not be as shocking as it was intended to be. How can we be sure of what we hope for? Isn’t hope, by definition, something we’re not supposed to be sure of? How can we be certain of what we do not see? Barack Obama, whether you’re a critic or not, will fail. He will bring change, but it might not be the change...

It's hard for me to articulate the change that has washed over me in light of the elections, results and historic speech Barack Obama made last evening. The contrast between Obama and Bush at least from the surface level is so striking that it's incredible that they will share the same title. The word that comes to mind immediately is humility. Obama was humble in his gracious message to Senator McCain. He humbly recognized the fact that Americans - rather than he - made this change. He’s rooted in the sense that he is a part of the process rather than the engine behind the process. Obviously a leader must have a certain amount of confidence in his abilities. He wouldn’t have made it past the first primary if he weren’t aware of his leadership capabilities. That being said, he seems to genuinely want to be a part of history – not the highlight of history. His ideas are radical at times, his policies foreign to some, but his temperament hasn’t wavered and his campaign was never ...

From the latest New Yorker: "His vote doesn't count, but at least he gets a sense of being part of the process. " That's me. I don't get to vote. So here's my attempt to have a voice in the elections. At the risk of oversimplifying; Top 10 Reasons I Would Vote For Obama: 10. Hussein. We could finally have a president that not only has a different color skin, but has other ethnic influences – a good thing seeing that there are other people in the world besides Americans. 9. Oratory. This doesn't belong any higher than number 9. A good speaker does not necessarily make a good leader. However, a good leader should be able to speak clearly and articulately. Obama does that plus some. 8. Sarah Palin. Yes, she’s a soccer mom – that doesn't qualify one for vice-presidency. 7. John McCain. Yes, he’s an American hero – that doesn't qualify one for presidency. 6. Intellect. Call him an elitist (but he's not – see 5). Call him an intellectual. For my vot...

I messed up. The deadline for registering to vote was the 15th of October. I called to register on the 16th. I will therefore have no official voice in determining the outcome of the 2008 presidential election. Although I live in a state (MA) where that probably doesn’t make a difference, I am nonetheless frustrated at my incompetence in taking part in an important part of democratic life – an event that many have risked their lives to be a part of. With that in mind, let me explain the rationale for the following post. I’ve come across some lists/articles of the reasons why you should vote for a particular candidate or party. Some of them have been entertaining. So I’ve decided to make my own. However, since I decided I would vote for Obama 2 years ago, I’ve run across some things that he stands for (or doesn’t) that trouble me. Any wise decision must take the negatives into account. Focusing only on the pros will lead to a rather uniformed position. That being said, I am confident th...

I have the privilege of being in Massachusetts at the height of autumn. The Psalmist says: "The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of His hands..." I often consider this verse when I see the beauty of His creation. This afternoon my parents and I spent some time driving around central Mass. The following is a combination of pictures I took today and during my college years at this same time of year. Enjoy.

Since we've been back in the States we've been busier than Sarah Palin's wardrobe shoppers. All of the errands we've run, relatives we've visited and places we've gone to have required a considerable amount of driving. Each time I've gotten into the car and ventured out onto the roadways I find myself thinking: “Wow it’s easy to drive here!” Assuming you’re not on the nice new Croatian highway, if you’re a driver in Croatia you’re taking a risk every time you drive. The following is a list of obstacles you could very well encounter on a typical Croatian 2 lane (1 in each direction) roadway: 1. cars 2. trucks 3. tractors 4. combines 5. three-wheelers 6. wheelchairs 7. trams 8. bicyclists 9. pedestrians 10. sheep 11. shepherds 12. cows During the daytime these objects are not so difficult to avoid. Wheelchairs a...

So I thought my first blog entry back in America would be something about how big America is or Americans are, how convenient they make things or how beautiful New England is in the fall. This has in fact been the longest I've been away. There is bound to be culture shock. But no. This post is about the child care center in the Zurich airport. Petra was excited to find out that there was indeed a place to feed Enoh during our 7 hour layover. However, we were in no way prepared for what awaited us in the Terminal A “Kinder” Center: - four changing stations - a separate room with: four cribs and two rocking chairs for feeding - a microwave - a fussball table - a lifesize Connect4 (in which I proved my superiority over Petra) - two Playstation2 stations: - lots of table space - 3 sinks - lots of pillows - lots of stuffed animals - a computer game: - one very nice airport nursery attendant who pleasantly informed us that the further we walk in the airport the lower the food prices wi...

Petra, Enoh and I are soon on our way back to my homeland. There's a lot to look forward to - My parents seeing Enoh, enjoying time with friends and family, dunkin donuts...but I'm going to miss Croatia at the same time. Although we don't leave for another few days, realistically my time for blogging will be nonexistant. So I'll make my last post in Croatia a tribute to its beauty. The following is what I've seen (from south to east) of Croatia in my 2 years here. Enjoy. Split Kukljica Tkon Kukljica Plitvica Plitvica Plitvica Zagreb Mikleus Visnjevac Orahovica Orahovica Osijek Osijek Vukovar

This is burek s mesom (burek with meat). We've become good friends since my first visit to Croatia. If eaten with yogurt (which they drink here in Eastern Europe) it sits better in your stomach. My Croatian friends are well aware of my cravings so I try to use it to my advantage. Over the weekend burek s mesom became a useful tool in teaching guitar. “For example,” I told my student, “Think of the G chord as burek s mesom. You can think of Gsus2 as burek s mesom from Orahovica while the G7 is from Zagreb – it’s the same basic thing, but has a different taste.” She got it. Just a day later while teaching English I encountered the problem of teaching contractions. “'I am’ can become ‘I’m’” I explained. “It’s kind of like how in Croatian you combine the ‘s’ and the ‘mesom’ of burek s mesom so when you say it it sounds like smesom.” They all nodded and smiled. And so there you have it. Burek s mesom is more than just a tasty meal – though quite tasty it is.

The guy knows English better than I do! When you move to another country (as I have) and you lose the ability to communicate effectively (as I have) you appreciate good people who can translate for you and even help you learn the language. Hazim has been that x10 for me. Hazim has become a good friend, is my translator when I give a message in church and has helped me learn Croatian. Although not Croatian himself, he grew up in former Yugoslavia, spent some time in the States and has studied theology. Among other things his background has given him a profound knowledge of both English and Croatian making him one of the best translators you can find. And believe me, good translators ARE hard to find. Even more meaningful for me has been his friendship - another thing foreigners often have a hard time finding. We enjoy discussing, debating and developing ideas over coffee or a drive to Zagreb every once in a while. In fact, he is one of the reasons I've been able to make...

What do we do in Orahovica ? youth groups Camps baseball English classes Christmas Package ministry Our desire in all of this is to create a bridge between the community and church; so that the church may be a light to the comuunity.