There are many things that one learns when they live in another culture other than their own. And to be very honest, life can seem to involve one humbling situation after another. For John and I though, we have learned to laugh at ourselves throughout our time here. And frankly, there are months when we seem to be laughing a lot! Memories of last summer and our first experience with a community dinner here in southern France brings us much laughter and a whole lot of learning. 
It all began when the street on which we live decided to have a neighborhood picnic together. We were all in! You see, we were from the Midwest in the US… we knew how to do picnics! So, we sent in our RSVP and baked some “pain de courgette” (zucchini bread) to take with us to share. We knew that the organizers of the party were catering a Paëlla for the meal and we were excited to be able to experience yet another portion of the culture here in the south of France. Finally, on the appointed day we gathered our paper plates, plasticware and baked bread and walked over to the party.
All was going fabulous as we were able to meet our neighbors on a more cordial level than the normal over-the-fence nod or a possible quick “bonjour” as we would walk our dog. We were able to laugh and talk with them as friends and begin to develop a deeper bond with these wonderful people.
However, my stomach began to become unsettled as we sat down at the community table in preparation for the meal to begin. The Paëlla had arrived and everyone began pulling out of their bags their regular plates (not paper ones!), silverware and most had brought an elegant jackknife, as well. For John and I, being the Midwesterners that we are, we proceeded to place with less confidence our disposable wares on the table and watch those around us. When our turn came, we filled our plates up with the best smelling food ever! Loads of mussels and shrimp were placed on a heaping bed of rice. We were very excited to begin, but little did we know that the next lesson was about to start…
As we began eating, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible, the man sitting next to John leaned over and questioned what we were doing. “No,” he said. “That’s not how you eat it. Here let me help you.” Then he proceeded to take his elegant jackknife (a Laguiole knife, made in southern France) and show us how we needed to shell our shrimp … and it couldn’t be done with a plastic fork! We broke out laughing and I think that helped to put everyone else at the table at ease, as well. We laughed at our “faux pas” then and still continue to smile at all the “opportunities” that we have had to learn about another culture. More than ever we are so thankful for the patient people that the Lord has placed around us and hopefully we will be able to show to them a clear representation of our heavenly Father.
But… you can bet your bottom dollar that when the next “picnic” rolls around … the plasticware will be left at home! =)
 |
| Pétanque Boules |
