Culture Shock?

Athens is the most diverse city I have ever lived in, ever. Someone who lives in New York, Los Angeles, or even Atlanta would probably give a chuckle at that statement. Although I've traveled a bit, I've only lived in three other cities in Georgia during my life thus far. Athens is a melting pot of people drawn to the University. There's a huge turnover rate within the population since people are always moving in and out with their job and student status. Jon, me and the kids are a little more sheltered since we live in a quaint suburb just outside of Athens. We go into "town" for just about everything: job, school, shopping, etc.. Even as a college town, there are a ton of opportunities in Athens for families. You'll find museums, a small zoo, several parks, playgroups, unique playgrounds, local restaurants, farmer's markets and not to mention the University of Georgia and downtown area. I feel that taking Mae into Athens is a cultural experience. While at the playground we'll see a group of Hispanic moms chatting in their native tongue, a fully garbed Arabic mother pushing her toddler on the swing set, and another group of moms with t-shirts rallying for more women's rights. I love to see Mae's reaction when she hears someone speaking in another language. Even Nate has noticed when someone isn't speaking in English around him.

While downtown we'll be stopped on the street by someone asking if we would like to support gay rights. And while shopping, we have spotted these gay rights being taken advantage of by one couple. Mae isn't old enough to ask questions or do anything but stare and realize that this is not something she sees everyday. I want to protect her little eyes from certain things, but I realize this is a part of the world in which she is growing up. As she gets older I can use these situations as teachable moments, but I've already started thinking of how I'm going to articulate the truth to her in a loving way.

It's healthy for people to venture away from their comfort zones and try on new places and people. I do not mean that I immerse myself in the world, or try to become something I'm not. Simply stated, I try to venture away from time to time to do something or be a part of something where I don't exactly "fit in" but still be true to my faith, values and personal views. It's a challenge that might be accomplished with a simple trip to Athens Walmart or Broad Street. While searching for a parking space downtown you'll spot business men on a lunch break, tourists or prospective students filled with excitement, foreign students looking for a nearby sushi bar, homeless men walking their dogs, preschoolers playing on the church playground, mothers pushing strollers on the sidewalk, musicians playing for pennies and the list goes on. Athens is not only good for a football game in the fall, it's a place you'll find every walk of life and faith in a very short amount of time and space.