Adopting Mongolian Culture

My Mom and Dad have been actually in Mongolia now for just over two weeks now, and they have absolutely fallen in love with the Mongolian people. It has been so fun to hear about their experiences so far. Thank goodness for Skype! And thank goodness senior couples don't have the same "rules" to follow as young missionaries when it comes to communicating with family!

One thing about the Mongolian culture my parents told me about is that their is literally no rudeness. For example, if Bryant and I were walking down the street side by side, and someone walked in between us, that is not rude. It was simply they needed to get past us somehow, and that was the easiest way to do it. A person over there my "move you" as well, as in kind of nudge you out of the way so they could get past or see something, etc. Now here in the U.S. these things would be considered rude, but not in Mongolia. It's beyond their comprehension to think they were doing something offensive or inappropriate. In fact they don't even have words like "Excuse Me" or "I'm sorry" even.

I thought that was really interesting, and shows how different cultures are around the world. I also decided I really like this attitude. If there is no "Rudeness" there is also no "Offense" taken by people. I think in our culture (and especially in the church) we allow ourselves to get offended way too easily. How great would it be if we all worked harder at not offending others, and if we also all worked harder at not being offended. We would have better family relationships, better friends, less contention in our lives in general.

So, I am going to try to adopt this Mongolian attitude as much as possible I've decided! Of course I realize we do live in a culture where I can't just walk between people on the street! That's not what I mean. I am just going to try really hard to make sure I never do something rude or offensive (not that I ever try to, but we can always improve right?), and I am NOT going to allow myself to be offended by things.

Even though I'm not there, and I have never even met a Mongolian person, I am beginning to fall in love with them too! I especially love how those wonderful people (strangers or not) have welcomed my parents into their country and made their experiences so far priceless!

(By the way, for more amazing stories, check out my Mom's blog. She has been great at keeping it updated. Go to www.elderandsistercarter.blogspot.com )