God Bless America

Back in 1998, when I first started learning about Korean culture, I used to think that America really didn’t have any culture of their own- it was kind of a blend of all things. However, back then, I used to think that learning about another culture was limited to the things you see at a Culture Camp- things like Korean drumming, fan dancing, and traditional games. But, as I learned more about the Korean way of life, I have come to realize that culture is much more than the traditional stuff. Culture is the way we live our day to day lives. Beyond Thanksgiving, Christmas and July 4th, culture is also about the simple things in our life, like what we eat for breakfast and how we talk to our kids. I feel it so much living on Guam among many different distinct cultures- Filipino, Chamorro, Korean, Japanese, and even the Chuukese.

Yesterday, we started the morning at Korean church, where we are fairly comfortable, but still very careful and always studying others to make sure not to offend. In contrast, later in the afternoon, we went to a potluck up on Anderson Airforce Base. The food was very American- potato salad, bake beans, brats, burgers, chips, etc. I had no worries about what to say or do or how to eat my food. This is my mainland American culture, and while living aboard, indeed it can be very comforting at times. Right now, I’m watching NASCAR live, a rare thing on Guam thanks to time differences. It takes an evening race in California for this to happen comfortably! Anyway, love all the American stuff- Budweiser, Dale Jr, the "man-laws", the AFLAC duck, the RVs in the infield, the National Anthem, and the "fly-over". This afternoon, we will head to the Hilton to swim and again immerse ourselves in the diversity, but for now…Go #9 Car! God Bless America!!