Today, Sunday, February 26th, 2012 was a tough day emotionally for the entire family. My mom-in-law, Marjorie Lehman, had been here with in Argentina, visiting for the last 2+ weeks. Today her time with us was done and we had to drive her to Salta (2 hours one way) and put her on her flight back to the U.S. After her being with us in our tiny home for a couple of weeks, it was really hard to see her go and to say good-bye. Aliana cried a lot as we left the airport & the kids behaved badly on the way home. Thankfully, we were able to right the ship and everyone is doing better now.
It was so interesting having her here. Besides, being fun & cool to have a visit like that, it was a study into culture. We were so excited to take her everywhere, show her everything, have her try everything. I forget that we had MONTHS to make adjustments and she had only days, and often only 1 shot at an experience. As I watched her reactions and listened to her descriptions, it was intriguing. I wondered if that is what we looked and sounded like when we first arrived in NW Argentina, and perhaps at times, still do.
We are a loud family. I admit it, know it, and we constantly work on trying to be more quiet and subtle. I now see why so much of the world thinks of us North Americans as the "Ugly Americans." Our culture is so much louder, more direct, more individualistic, quick and aggressive, etc. Without ever trying to or meaning to, we end up being a bit like a bull in a China Shop.
I was constantly aware of how loud my m-i-l was and I was trying to tactfully get things more quiet. There were times in public that she would make a funny face at something and I was mortified inside, hoping that no locals took notice of it or worse yet, were offended. She did not mean anything by it. She was just being herself (N. American culture), and in fact, was probably trying to be tactful. But to our quiet, humble culture here in Jujuy, it was still loud and dramatic.
It made me realize how far we had come as a family in our cultural adaptation, and I was excited for that. At the same time, it made me wonder how much we still had to learn, how often we are still being the "Bull in the China Shop" culturally. Hmmm? It was cool and scary at the same time. : )
Anyways, it will be a tough adjustment for a bit to be without grandma in the house. We love her so, appreciate her greatly, and miss her a lot. Safe flight tonight grandma. We will talk to you again soon by skype I am sure. But for us, it is back to the grind. Going to be tough going for a bit.
Love you mom. God bless you and keep you safe
Good night all
May God's grace, peace, & plan be with you all -
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