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 ;)

The People We Meet

So, I would just like to state up front, I won't write as much as Ashley does. I tend to have less to say than her, and, for the most part, many other people. That out of the way, these first few days have been okay. I only say okay because adjustment has been a bit difficult. Mostly in the area of sleep. I guess a little elaboration would be useful. When I'm home, where I usually live, my room is in a basement where there are no windows and very good insulation to keep out most external sounds. But here on the other hand, I'm in a second story apartment without AC, so I have to keep the windows open at night in order to stay as cool as I'm used to. And here lies the problem, my apartment faces one of the main streets in this town so there are several reoccurring noises throughout the night, and also a street light immediately adjacent to my window in my bedroom. So, long story short, sleep has been a bit elusive over the past few days. I'm fairly certain that I will be able to adapt in time, I just wish I could do that sooner.


Aside from that, the days have been fairly good, Most of what we have done so far is attend meetings that the members and representatives of OM from all over Canada have come to attend. These meetings are called Planning Days. They are a time to gather everyone into one place and, well, plan. Plan for the coming 6 months to a year. They are also a time to refresh relationships and  contact between the representatives of OM across Canada. For Ashley and I, this is a good opportunity to get to know the people we will be working with, and around before we actually have to work with them. I have met a lot of people, it is definitely stretching my socially. I think if it weren't for Ashley I would have hit my social limit by now.


I have to say, out of all of the people I've met, I can relate and enjoy speaking to CJ the most. He makes me think of how I'll be when I'm around his age. A guy who still loves the things that he did when he was 20, like video games and cars. But at the same time has a passion for his work for God and for the people he is around. I have a feeling we will become good friends through my time here, and I fear leaving because of the friendships I'll have made. Especially with CJ, since he is a console gamer and I play on PC =P But seriously, long distance friendships are hard, and can be just as hard as trying to maintain a long distance dating relationship. It takes an effort that I'm going to have to try to put into it, because I don't think I'll want to lose these people once I leave. Who knows, maybe God will send us back here in the future, and we'll get to work along side them, not as interns for the summer, but as co-workers that will be around for several years.


Well, looks like I lied to you in the beginning. I may end up writing more than I thought. Hope you don't mind. Sorry for the solemn post, but that's just what I've been thinking on tonight. Anyways, time for bed. G'night all!