Relationships, pt. 2

As a follow-up to my initial post, "Relationships," I wanted to give you an update on how things are going with my new acquaintance.  As I mentioned before, he recently invited me to go climb a mountain with him.  Though the park we went to didn't require an entrance fee, it was his responsibility to purchase drinks and snacks while we were out.

So, this past weekend, I called him and invited him to go out and drink tea.  This time I was the host, and it was my responsibility to pay.  As I understand it, this is how a "societal" relationship begins in this culture.

To be honest, we have been a little unclear regarding this reciprocal aspect of culture during our time here.  For instance, last night while our family was out walking near our home, we passed by a Muslim restaurant where we frequently stop and chat with the owners and their family.  Two younger boys (but older than our kids) were playing with a couple of small toys.  As soon as they saw that Caleb and Susanna were interested, they immediately gave the toys to them and insisted that they keep them.  Feeling more than a little embarrassed, we began contemplating how we might "respond" to this act of kindness.  What do you think?

In America:  Though we might be touched by their kindness, in that situation we would insist that our kids give the toys back because they have plenty of their own.

Here:  After refusing several times, you would accept the gift and immediately think of how you might respond.  If you don't have anything suitable with you, you can choose another time in the near future to reciprocate their kindness. 

Yesterday, I made a slight mistake in a similar situation.  A student bought me an inexpensive breakfast food.  After he handed me the snack, I insisted on giving him some money for it.  Only afterward did I realize that paying him for the gift might have given him the mistaken impression that I don't want to be friends with him.

Continue to think of us as we navigate a world that plays by different rules than we are accustomed to, seeking to share our lives and His life with our neighbors here.