My
Family Culture
In imagining a major catastrophe
has almost completely devastated the infrastructure of our country. The
emergency government has decided that the surviving citizens will be best
served if they are evacuated to other countries willing to take refugees. My immediate
family and I have survived this catastrophic event. However, we have absolutely no input into the
final destination or in any other evacuation details. We are told that our host
country’s culture is completely different from our own, and that we may have to
stay there permanently. We are further told that, in addition to one change of
clothes, we can only take 3 small items with us. We decide to take three items
that we hold dear and that represent our family culture.
The three items that I would choose
are my Bible, photo album, and a mobile device with language translator
application. My first choice is the
Bible which has been a constant source of inspiration and reassurance which has
been life altering for me in reading it.
The Bible is God speaking to me and building a more intimate and
personal relationship with Him as well as to others and has given instruction
and correction. Reading my Bible—the
Word of God encourages me to integrate this knowledge into my life helping to
keep my priorities and perspectives in focus and my eyes upon Him. The Bible allows for me to clearly see the
sacrifice that was made by Jesus on my behalf although I can’t understand His
love for a sinner such as I—I am now justified through this ransom. This single “BOOK” has provided hope and
purpose to my life.
Second the photo album which provides
an insight into the past and tells the story of my family’s history. We have all heard the old adage “a picture is
worth a thousand words” (Unknown). Having pictures of the people we love is a way
in which to honor them so we can remember them at varying stages of their
life. I love looking at pictures of my
mother and father when they were young and so vibrant. I cherish these pictures of my father, my
grandparents, my great-grandparents, friends, my nephew, my uncles and aunts
and loved ones that have now passed from this life. To be able to see my children when they were
babies and to share pictures with their children is life affirming. I have pictures that have been pasted down
from generation to generation and being the only granddaughter they were given
to me to preserve. Photos of family and
friends bring back so many memories of those that are to quickly gone. The photo album tells so much about my family
which I want to be pasted on to my grandchildren that will hopefully evoke feelings
of love and sweet memories.
Next, a mobile device with a language
translator application would be really helpful in this situation. We all know
the importance of being able to communicate and arriving in a new country not
knowing the language would be extremely difficult. “The language barrier has been described as
the personal mountain that the immigrant children and families must overcome”
(Keat, Strickland, & Marinak, 2009, p. 20).
Unable to speak the language would make even accomplishing simple tasks
a struggle, finding employment would be almost impossible and would isolate
your family from others in the community.
Having a device that would help you to communicate with others and overcome
language barriers would prove to be invaluable.
Language and communication are essential elements in adapting to any new
environment. In being forced to give up two of
these items after losing so much would be devastating. Yet, the most important thing would be having
your family. The one item that I would
keep is the Bible because it has been a source of continual strength throughout
the ordeals we have experienced and the loss of loved ones. God’s Word provides hope and restoration even
when our lives have been shattered and gives courage to face new realities even
in the darkest hour. Our Father is bigger than any tragedy.
The insights I have gained in
response to this assignment is priorities what I would be willing to give up in
my life and what I could not because they bring meaning to my existence—God and
family. The importance of being with
family in such a situation would be paramount it would provide connection and
consistency and a sense of belonging.
Christian (2006) “the family includes interconnected members, and each
member influences the others in predictable and reoccurring ways” (p. 2). It also made me think about being a refugee
in a country unable to speak the language and the hardships one would endure. Additionally, it brought to mind the young
children and families in our program that do not English and possible feelings
of isolation.
References
Christian, L. G. (2006).
Understanding families: Applying family systems theory to early childhood
practice. Young Children, 61(1),
12-20. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/printviewfile?accountid=14872
Keat, J. B., Strickland, M. J.,
& Marinak, B. A. (2009). Child voice: How immigrant children enlightened their teachers
with a camera. Early Childhood Education Journal,
37(1), 13–21. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/201360_02/MS_MECS/EDUC_6164/Week%202/Resources/Resources/embedded/KeatEtal2009.pdf
37(1), 13–21. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/bbcswebdav/institution/USW1/201360_02/MS_MECS/EDUC_6164/Week%202/Resources/Resources/embedded/KeatEtal2009.pdf
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