Love Conquers All

Scriptures: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (I Corinthians 13:13)

In 1983, on my way to the United States, I had to take four different airplanes to come to Dallas, TX from Taipei. The first trip was from Taipei to Tokyo when I sat next to a Japanese and did not find any chance to practice English. The next trip was a long one, from Tokyo to Seattle, and I sat next to a missionary from New Jersey with whom I had some conversations and I really enjoyed it.

The third trip was from Seattle to Minneapolis when I sat next to an Air Force sergeant from Minnesota. He told me quite a bit about that beautiful but freezing state. Then, my last trip was from Minneapolis to Dallas where I sat next to a salesman from Boston who went on and on talking about what he did and sell. As much as I enjoyed the conversation with him, I don’t remember much of what we talked about.

Anyway, since it was the first time I ever been to any place out side of Taiwan, I was very pleased with my English proficiency. The day after my arrival, my friend took me to a bank in Dallas to open a new account so I can manage the financial side of my life here on this new land, my self-confidence in English dropped to the bottom. For more than two hours, I couldn’t make out most of the things she was talking about. I couldn’t understand what she was asking for. The problem was one-sided. She had no problem understanding me. But, it seemed like my ears had left me. Finally, we had to resort to writing in order for me to understand her.

Talking about culture shock! And this was just the beginning. There’s so much to learn about this place and the systems, the banking system, the educational system, the political system, and so much more. Subsequent to that, for a period of two months, I refused to take care of any business over the phone. I would rather take the time to go to whatever business and meet the person in charge face-to-face because it’s a lot easier for me to understand them when I could see their facial expression and body language. This was truly a humbling experience which taught me a lot about adapting into a new culture.

A couple of the few people that helped me adjust to the Lone-Star culture were my host parents. The two of them ran a very successful business in Dallas. I was told that their business supplied all the mirrors in the Texas Stadium. But, more than that, they were devout Christians. They took time to introduce American culture, even Texan culture, to me.

Over the three years I spent in Dallas, I can’t remember how many days and nights I spent in their home and other places, with their family, friends, business associates learning and sharing. I still remember, one night after the dinner, as we sat at the dinning table, my host mother took out her bible, which was filled with notes on the margin, and began sharing the love and grace of God in their lives. For a foreign student in a strange land, the love and work of God in their lives warmed and strengthened me.

Through their faith and lives, they introduced me the traditional aspect of the American culture, one often missed by Hollywood; they introduced me their friends and family through whom I came to know American people in such a real and personal way that made me feel at home! They were just like angels to me!

Now, 20 some years later, when I look back, yes, there was a culture shock; a huge gap between the culture I came from and the culture here. But the love of God that touched their hearts also moved them to open and share their lives with me. That love bridged the gap between cultures and brought us together as one, one family of God!

Prayer Requests:
For those having to move to a strange land for a new life

Prayer:
Our gracious Lord, you told us that we are “strangers in the world” (I Peter 1:1). Thank You for always been there for us when we find ourselves lost and afraid in this dark and strange land. We ask that, as we strive to live out the glorious image of our Lord Jesus here in this world, You help us to introduce your heavenly culture to them and help transform their lives to experience the riches of Jesus’ kingdom right here and right now. In the precious name of our Lord Jesus we pray, Amen!