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MKs, internationals share experiences





Bethany Sorensen sits with Brian in Uganda. Brian lived with the Sorensens for a few months after his parents died of AIDS.

Missionary kids and internationals have the opportunity of looking at the United States from an outsider's perspective. Seven Multnomah students offered their views on American perspectives, values, relationships, language and food.

Freshman Dave Temple spent the first 13 years of his life in Vienna, Austria, as an MK. When he returned to the United States in the eighth grade, he said he was confronted with ignorance. "None of my classmates knew where Austria was and none of them had probably been outside their own state. A lot of them were so consumed with their lives, their toys, they had a hard time seeing beyond the end of their nose," Temple said. Temple said perhaps the fact the United States is so big and self-sustaining has kept people from venturing out into the larger world.

Becca McMartin, a junior from Haiti, said people in the United States have to realize they're looking at the world through a grid. She said, "You have to say, 'I look at the world this way because this is all I've ever known.'" McMartin grew up in Haiti as an MK and moved to the United States to go to Multnomah. She said she didn't realize how Haitian she was until she came to the United States.

The MKs and internationals suggested students broaden their perspectives by diving into another culture. Junior Ben Malone, who lived two years in Germany and 10 years in Portugal, said if students truly want to relate to people of other countries, they should learn to speak their language. Malone said he has established friendships because he can walk up to people and talk to them one on one. Freshman Bethany Sorensen, from Uganda, said that when you learn a people's language, you show you love them and want to communicate on their level.

McMartin said if a short missions trip or vacation isn't possible, students should at least eat at ethnic restaurants. She recommends Alexis, a Greek restaurant; Orient; or India House. McMartin said she has had great times going to restaurants and talking with the people. She said the waiters and waitresses will teach students the words on the menu if they ask.

Sophomore Ben Robinson, an MK from Costa Rica disagreed. He said restaurants usually give a distorted view of a culture and aren't necessarily a taste of the true culture. He said he feels visiting the country is the only way to experience it.

In a foreign country, not only is language a part of understanding the people, but so is food. Sorensen said: "When our family goes to a village, the Ugandans go way out. They kill a cow and have a huge feast. We've had mission teams that come out, and the food is just so disgusting, or they've never had it before and they won't even try it. In a lot of cultures, if you don't try someone's food, it is so disrespectful."

However, Sorensen said most people who have come to Uganda for missions trips sincerely try to blend in and learn the new customs.

McMartin said she has found benefits in taking part in different cultures and their lifestyles. She said, "You get to pick and choose from two value systems."

Yuriy Korniyenko, a freshman, lived the first 10 years of his life in Russia. He said he is happy having the brain of a Russian and the language of an American.

Robinson said Costa Ricans are role models for him in their family values, their lack of materialism and their slower paced life. In his ministry, Robinson said he feels the rush of American life. He said people want to see others come to know Jesus right away, and students get frustrated when conversions appear to be slow.

Superficial relationships in the United States frustrated Malone when he arrived here from Portugal. He said in Portugal, people take a little more time to get to know each other; then they just pour out their hearts.

Freshman Dan Hall, a military kid who has lived in various countries, said in contrast to Portuguse people, the Czech people are cautious and think through an answer thoroughly before responding. As a result, the Czech people have a hard time telling when Americans are being sincere and open.

Ugandans, on the other hand, are social and value true friendship, Sorensen said. She said Ugandans don't keep track of time and are usually late going places because of socializing.

McMartin said in Haiti the people are light hearted. If a guy slips and falls down along the road, people burst out laughing. The laughter between the people helps ease their nerves. She said the Haitians' lives are so hard they have to have some laughter.

Korniyenko said Russians are formal and want to make a good impression on other people.

Because cultures are different, worship services operate differently overseas. In Haiti, Christians celebrate all afternoon. They will stand and sing their hearts out for God, McMartin said. She said the service is community-oriented; for example, people will pass around babies that need pampering.

In Portugal, the majority of the people are from Catholic backgrounds and are conservative. In Malone's father's church, the congregation is just starting to clap.

No matter how they worship or what country they are from, Temple said, MKs are students and people like everyone else.

Sorensen said she isn't anyone extra special because she grew up in Uganda, but she feels a duty to share her experiences and to help others see a much larger world.