Today was my first time to meet with Awad since meeting him briefly at the tea last week. Awad is from Saudi Arabia. He is older than my other CP's and TP's, is married, and has a higher level of English. In fact, this is his last session before he moves to Texas for Master's level work in finance.
This meeting was very rich in cultural exchange. We walked to an Arabic restaurant he enjoys. The walk was filled with the normal "getting to know about each other" conversation, allowing me to see how well I could understand him and he, me. I was relieved that our conversation was smooth, and that the tone of the conversation was open and warm. My first impression at the tea was very different, though we only had about 45 seconds to talk before he informed me he was leaving for a nap.
While standing in line to order, I found out that he was from Saudi Arabia rather than from where my assumption had placed him (Kuwait). My expression of joy at having my first encounter with someone from his country, even shaking his hand as I expressed my gladness, made a smile on his face. I knew from that point that we both were going to enjoy the lunch hour.
Before we began talking, I asked him if carrying on a conversation during a meal is considered acceptable or not in his culture. Once I knew it is considered fine, I felt at ease. I have experienced the opposite in my travels. We discussed education systems, my home state of Alabama, his home region of Saudi Arabia, what each region of his country is famous for, and what Alabama is famous for. We discussed how and why Alabama and other states are divided into counties, problems with corruption in my county - now bankrupt, and how finances are managed and distributed among the 5 regions of his country. We also enjoyed learning more about each other's birth family and marriage family. It was really a valuable time of exchange.
I came away with a good impression of a man from his country. I hope he left with the same impression about this man. I am always aware that I am an ambassador on many levels. It's not just about English.
Glad it was such a good meeting! Cultural exchange is the goal of conversion partners, and it sounds like you guys had the opportunity to exchange a lot of culture :) what's the name of the place you went?
ReplyDeleteI don't remember, but it is on Tennessee Street, across the street from a bar that looks like a western saloon and next door to a local (not chain) coffee shop. Take the street behind Eppes and follow it to the right until it ends. Then go right until the next path on the left. which leads you off campus. Once on Tenn., go left about a half block and you are there. (I hope!)
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