Culture

Update: We're currently on an OM Canada retreat at Redeemer University College. Yes, that is the school name. We've finished with Planning days and representative meetings, all of which went pretty well. We're going to be doing our office setup on Monday. However, I wanted to talk a little bit about other things that I've been thinking about.

I remember preparing for my trip to OM ICT in January 2011 and putting very little effort into learning about British culture. I figured, "Same language, bland food, my family is English, what is there possibly to learn?" While the culture divide between America and the UK is not as great as between America and Africa, there were definitely differences that I had to learn.

Unfortunately, I fell into the same trap coming into Canada. I was sent preparatory materials about living in a different culture and I brushed them off as I figured. "It's just Canada. Heck, we're only an hour away from the States, no big deal." And I sincerely thought this was true (and to some degree, still do. We're all human). When Paul and I first crossed the border, the first thing I noticed about Canada was....how much like America it seemed. Other than seeing "100 km/h" on the signs, I could have sworn we were still on an American interstate. I'll be honest; I was slightly disappointed. I'm tired of the Midwest scenery and wanted something new. Thankfully, three hours later, Port Colborne is definitely different scenery. There's a canal, lake, beach, etc. ( AND SEAGULLS! I love hearing the seagulls!)

We've been here a week now and I've probably had 3-4 conversations on culture differences between America and Canada, and they have all been incredibly interesting. I don't think I have ever put any thought into what Canadians are like. I had just assumed that they were pretty much like us. While I'm not entirely wrong, they are more different than I had imagined. As a side note: I think my favorite part about these conversations is when a Canadian has tried to tell me what an American is like and I have to keep quiet and not be the arrogant American they're telling me we all are. =P

From my conversations, this is what I have gathered:

English Canadians (excluding the French Canadians and immigrant Canadians) compared to Americans are:

• More tolerant
• More laid back 
• Less patriotic
• More apologetic
• Less arrogant
• More secular

Now you know what a Canadian is like! (At least, according to what Canadians say about themselves).  

That last one I listed is most important to the OM Canada team. Canadian legislation is cracking down on Protestant churches and Islamic activity is increasing in Canada. The percentage of Christians has decreased dramatically over the years, especially in my generation. Someone told me, "America is almost as secular as Canada. The difference is that we're proud of it and don't care anymore." But I believe that America is heading that direction. What I've gathered from this is that if we're not careful, America will become what Canada is now. 

Prayer requests: 

• For us to develop relationships with our office team
• Developing a plan of action for the OM Canada website for the summer
• Our relationship
• Sleep as we continue adjusting to our new living arrangements

Praises!

• Paul didn't get Strep!
• I am feeling much better
• Learning so much about culture & the book of Revelations during our retreat

Thanks for reading this slightly longer post ;)