Meijer's: A Cultural Experience

Last week I was in our local supermarket, Meijer's, buying groceries for our Thanksgiving Day dinner. We had eight graduate students with us for Thanksgiving: two from Austria, two from Taiwan, one from Singapore, and three Americans (California, Idaho, and Montana). For some, this was their first American Thanksgiving -- they had only seen it in movies or heard about it from friends. After our meal, we talked about how the Lord has blessed us throughout the past year, including during difficult times in our lives.

Often when I'm in Meijer's, I see many people from around the world. Because of the University, there are people from more than 110 nations and many of them shop Meijers. Last week was no different. Every aisle can be a "cultural experience" with people speaking different languages and wearing unusual clothing. My trip to Meijer's this week reminded of a posting I wrote a year ago in my Facebook page. I went back and cut/paste it here.

Recently I was at the supermarket. I passed two Asian women jabbering in Chinese. Around the corner were two Arab women in full burkas. Next aisle were two biker-babes with full sleeve tattoos and lots of fringe on their leather bustiers. Next were two Amish women dressed in flower print pastel dresses with poofy sleeves wearing bonnets and Adidas tennis shoes. Made me marvel. Where do I live? Ann Arbor, of course!

This is true! I know it sounds implausible, but it all happened the way I wrote. At times I marvel when people ask Dianne and me if we've ever thought about being "foreign missionaries." We always say, "we are, we moved to Ann Arbor!" Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and reflected on the many blessings in your life!