In the event my family and I had to be relocated to another country because of a catastrophe we would probably be devastated. However, the three items that I would choose would be my Holy Bible, a photo album of my family, and my nephew's train. The Holy Bible represents our religion, my faith, and it is my book that I rely on through good and bad times. My Holy Bible also includes important documents such as copies of social security cards, birth certificates, and shot records, and school report cards. My family photo album is filled with pictures, special events, and memories that we can look back at during tough times. My nephew's train is the one toy that he cherishes over everything that he has ever owned. I would really want my nephew who is only seven years old to have something that will keep him occupied and happy.
Each of these items represents our life, our culture, and our faith. If upon arrival to my new country I was told that I had to give up two of the three items that I chose to keep I would be devastated as well as sad. However, I would have to comply to the rules of the country that I will be living in. Since I will have my immediate family with me it would probably be easy to give up the photo album and I am sure that I could probably find another train for my nephew but I believe that I would most likely hold on to the Holy Bible because the new country may not have the same religion and I really would want to keep my faith that I have and be able to read my bible whenever I can.
The first insight that I have gained from this exercise is that culture is embedded in our hearts. What we eat, the clothes we wear, our religion, our political preference, and many other characteristics that define our culture. We don't need materialistic things to keep reminding us of our culture. The second insight that I have learned is that if the need arises I can and will be able to adapt in other's cultures. The last insight that I have gained from this exercise is that things can happen to us that can force us to live outside of our culture.
Sharon, I really enjoyed reading your blog. Your agreeing too comply with the rules of that specific country is amazing in terms of giving up anything that feels so valuable to your family, but knowing your family will be there in physical form, is a greater gift over any! I look forward to reading future blogs.
ReplyDeleteHi Sharon,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! The fact that your important papers are kept in the family bible is very telling. It is a beautiful physical representation of your family's beliefs. Everything important is kept together.
Hi Sharon, it is so fascinating to see what everyone chose to bring with them and then decided out of the three which item you would keep. You are so right that our family culture is something that we can hold close that no one can take away.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your perspective on how you would deal with this situation.
Take care,
Stephanie
Sharon,
ReplyDeleteYour explanation of taking the bible, over the photo album and a train, makes sense. We tend to take things for granted and sometimes, we say that we could purchase items in a new place. After reading different answers, I believe you may have been the only one to say that you would take your bible, because you may not be able to purchase one, because they may not carry a bible in your new location. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Cathy
Hi Sharon
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post. It's interesting to see what everyone would take and how we decide on that one item. My bible was also the item that I would take. I laughed when I saw all the important papers that you named and they were in your bible. My bible is also filled with some of the same items. Since we have bad hurricane seasons in Louisiana, I make sure that everything is in a plastic protective sheet. My bible is also the item that I chose to bring. My family and I are strong in our faith. Our faith in God is what would make this transition better. Having my bible with me would allow us to continue to study God's word. As you stated, we may not be able to purchase a bible in the new country and if we could, it would probably be in a different language.
I enjoyed reading your post Sharon. Although three items are not enough to take in the event that one has to relocate, it was interesting to read about the three items that would be chosen to take along. Every one chose three things that have sentimental values and it very important to that person. This assignment was both interesting and touching. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete