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June 4, 2006
phase two.
summer is beginning in Dublin. The past 5 days have been without rain, and a nearly uninhibited sun. Its a surprise each day, and a welcome one. The other night I went to a pub with some friends and I assumed it was packed out because of the crowds of Irish standing around on the sidewalk drinking their pints. Yet as we winded our way to the door we found that the interior was in fact nearly empty. There is a funny commercial here about the Irish dropping everything when the sun comes out even work, and it seems to be somewhat true. The commercial exagerates a bit: cars stopping in the street and drivers getting out, clothing removal, etc...
This past week, 10 Americans arrived to begin the inculturation process before encounter begins. Its been a bit strange. Suggestions of reverse culture shock have been whispered in my ear, but my tendency is to deny any kind of culture shock because of my cross-cultural experience (a bit arrogant, yes), however I am realizing that I will probably experience culture shock my whole life. Whoa. it shakes your foundations of thought.
Regarding these fresh americans, I look forward to their foundations of thought being shaken by the discipleship material and Irish culture. Its exciting to think about being a part of mind's expanding and social perspectives being challenged. There is potential for lives to be changed by the gospel... brilliant.
My time with international students is wrapping up, to my dismay. I've already said goodbye to a couple friends as they left, but now I must say goodbye to Vincent... Sad day. We were an odd couple, but somehow got along really well despite his tidyness and my lack thereof.
Some other friends
Posted by lukedavidh at 11:34 PM | TrackBack