A Taste of Humble Pie

Coming to another culture can be a very humbling experience. Quickly one realizes that their “gringo” ways of doing things are just that, gringo. Not everyone in the world feels the necessity to stick to a rigid schedule or to be punctual at the risk of being offensive. For example, when we were reviewing for a big test in our grammar class, another teacher came into the room and told our teacher, Oscar, that they would be singing in 15 minutes and his assistance was needed. Singing? During class???!?? Some of the gringos wondered what could be so important to interrupt class, especially during an exam review. Well, one of the teachers was having a birthday. I had the wonderful privilege of watching a group of people that put relationships over personal agendas honor one of their friends by not just singing happy birthday, but also a local song of blessing from God to that same person.

Ken had a humbling experience of his own when a man walked out of the store across the street as we were leaving our house for school one day. The man was speaking in rapid Spanish to Ken and Ken had a quizzical look on his face. The man switched to broken English and said to Ken that he remembered Ken from the House of Restoration for men, and that Ken had been there to share the gospel a few weeks ago. Like Ken said, he is fairly certain one of the more advanced students probably did all the talking, but this man remembered Ken being there. Ken said it humbled him to know this man saw him as an evangelist, and that this inspired Ken even more to apply himself to learn the language.

It has really humbled me to think that these people understand what so many of us gringos take for granted. People and relationships are so much more important than schedules and agendas. The average Tico will be very offended if you come to a meeting and do not go to each individual to ask how they are doing, how is their family, etc…They will honestly think maybe you are angry with them or something is wrong. Every time we go to the House of Restoration it takes about 5-10 minutes to go all around the room and hug and kiss everyone and ask how they are, how is their family, etc…The same applies when it is time to go. Much time is spent hugging and telling the other person you hope that God will be with them this week and that they will be blessed, etc…This is not just a custom either, or at least not with most people. This is for real. They genuinely care deeply for one another. I think of all the times in my life I have just kind of waved and said hi to people and gone on my way, when I should have stopped and said, “Hey, how is your child doing? Have they adjusted to that new class yet?” Or, “How are you feeling since losing your loved one? “

Yes, it has been quite a taste of humble pie, but I am learning to appreciate the flavor. Just call it the blue plate special. Would anyone else care for a piece? There is plenty to go around….