*LONG POST* As I pack everything to leave and head home, Im reflecting on this whole visit and culture. First let me say as Americans, we are VERY SPOILED, and take EVERY THING for granted. Every thing we do is super sized.... from our drinks, food, cars, wardrobe....everything. Also we are quick to judge others and look down on them for many things. Their culture, clothing, religion, food, etc.... But the thing is who are we to think our way is the right way??? We say we love God and our families, and we do, we just dont appreciate them like we should. Here in Tunisia, family is EVERY THING. It reminds me a lot of Mawmaw and Granddaddys house years ago. Every day, all the children and grandchildren come by just to say hello and check on the family. All three meals are served at the table, and everyone eats together (even if we have to eat on the Veranda and put multiple tables together). Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, all the extended family (from both sides) visit each other a couple of times a week. They greet each other with hugs and kisses on each cheek. This is daily.... This how they say good morning, say hello when you see someone for the first time that day, and how they say good night. They LOVE each other unconditionally. No arguments, no getting angry, no jealousy, none of what I see many of us do daily. These people take nothing for granted and appreciate everyone/everything. Even though most of us are taught this in Church and at Sunday school (see scripture below), we really dont practice it much. (1 Corinthians 13:4 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.) So why do we not live by what we believe???? I must say, even though I am SOOOO ready to get home and see my children and family, I will miss the LOVE, KINDNESS, and HOSPITALITY of my extended family. It brings me joy to know that Othman has family here that LOVES him sooooo much and finally got to see him and spoil him. But the flip side to that, my heart is hurting because he is leaving all of this and wont be back for a couple of years. I will talk to him everyday about his family here to keep them fresh on his mind and I will skype with them so he sees them. If I could I would bring him every 6 months just to be able to experience family the way that I did back at Mawmaw and Granddaddys!!!! Im thankful God gave us the opportunity to come and pray that he will make a way for us to continue to come visit, for Othmans sake. Thank you for all the prayers for safe travel coming to Tunisia. I ask that you pray for safe travels for us on our journey back home. And if you ever get the chance to visit another country or culture, I encourage you to do it..... it may change your whole perspective on what REALLY matters in life...... FAMILY!!!
Posted on: Tue, 14 Oct 2014 00:32:35 +0000
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