Okay, raise your hand if you thought the phrase was:
- Sweet Mary!
- Speak English?
- Help Me!
- I'm Sorry!
Learning to accept hospitality did not seem like it would be that challenging when I first began making my way around Slovakia. I mean, I am from the South and isn't this one of the most basic elements in which we take pride? Giving and accepting hosptality seems like a given, right? Not exactly so here in Hybe. Everyone has been so incredibly kind and gracious, I just was going along and showing my appreciation as I would at home in the states. However, a few days ago my host family took me aside and told me I have to accept...without the "thank yous" that seem so natural to me. Someone offers to come clean your floors, you let them by to get to work. A local grandmother knits you two pairs of wool socks because she heard you were not accustomed to the cold climate, you smile and accept without a word. Can this be right?! Suddenly being on the other side of hopitality has taken on a whole new meaning.
Imagine for a few minutes the pictures from above: yesterday some members from the village asked if they could come over and bring a few rugs and food staples to stock the pantry in my new apartment (this is my 3rd host house in less than 2 weeks). I expected some bread and milk. Anyway, that was perfectly fine until I saw all the wonderful, fresh food they brought. These women did not stop off at Piggly Wiggly before coming over...there is not one for 20 kilometers...but they went in their gardens for fresh vegetables and also to their pantries where they pulled homemade jams and preserved veggies and fruits from their personal supplies. I was so touched! Now...imagine the great showing of love and support these women just brought you...and you cannot say anything except where they should put it. I think you might find it as tough as I did.
Take a minute right now to count all the times you have said thank you in the past hour, day, and week.
Interesting, huh?
3 comments:
THANK YOU for your post; I really enjoyed the quizz. The kitchen looks great, I see alot of wonderful looking foods. As Lesley said , though, no grits. WONDERFUL talking last night, Stephen stayed around the house for almost 3 hours!! I think he misses his big sis...The dogs loved hearing you also.
Please for some more pics of the apt., the village, the travels around Hybe etc...
Love you MUCH. Dad
Sarah, we are so pleased that you are having a good experience. The newness and miles from home can be daunting, but you sound as if you have settled in exceptionally well. It is interesting to learn the difference. Your problem with "thank you" makes me think of our experience with "sorry" in England. They almost never use "excuse me" except to preface a request, such as sorry to interfere. Almost everything else is "Sorry." "Sorry, but you are standing on my foot." As if it were their fault that their foot was in your space.
We are very happy to be among your many sponsors for September. May our Heavenly Fathers blessings and protection continue with you throughout your experience.
Larry Wimmer
Hey Sarah,
That is so interesting! I totally guessed "I'm sorry" to be the two word quote but laughed when I saw "sweet mary" was the first. hahahaha... I love when you say that. That would be SOOO hard! So how can you show appreciation? Will they accept written notes or is it just not a part of their culture to thank? A community where everone is just expected to help others and it's a way of life... my heart is just beaming thinking about it! We can all learn a lot from your new friends. I love keeping up with you on your blog. Can't wait to read the next post. Maybe we could schedule an online chat sometime too??? I miss our weekly conversations!
Love you,
Rut
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