Another cross-cultural experience

Did I mention in my last post that the Korean people are friendly? It wasn't just in the hotel but everywhere on the streets. They always smiled, acknowledged the children, even wanted to take pictures with our daughter. If Korea is super-friendly, Russia is the antithesis. No one smiles at us (unless they know us). Hardly anyone greets us on the street except in a situation that follows. Instead of cute looks at the children, we get stares and then without fail the question comes. "Are these ALL yours?" "U vas detski sad!" (You have a kindergarten!) Yesterday I was with the kids eating an ice cream on the street. This lady approached me and asked me from where we came. She then proceeded to look at each of the children and ask "Are they all yours?" Then more looks. Then "You have four?!" Then she walked away talking to her friend.

Today we all went to the Wal-mart size grocery store to stock up on food supplies for the week. Hubby was waiting outside with 3 of the kids, and I was in line with C4. First, I should say that Russia is mainly a cash society. We have used cash almost exclusively since arriving until last week. Hubby was given an ATM card last week and has just begun using it. I do not have one, and have never used his. Since I did not have enough cash, he gave me the card and quickly told me the pin. Of course, by the time I got to the checkout, the pin had slipped my mind. So when I handed the lady the card, she handed me the pin code pad and asked me to plug the pin in. I replied that it was my husband's card, and I forgot the code. Couldn't I just sign it? (like you can do in the States - either use it like a credit card or ATM card) She replied that no, I had to sign it. I then told her again that I forgot the pin and needed to find my husband who was outside. I told her I would quickly go find him. She replied why can't you just call him? To which I replied that I do not have a phone with me. At this point the checkout lady and the lady behind me became very impatient and rude with me. They were both yelling at me in Russian and told me to hurry up. There was absolutely no grace extended to me whatsoever. The lady behind the checkout acted like she was there for me to serve her own needs. Customer service? A novel concept. What was I to do? I ran off to find hubby and did not return. I took 2 of the children and ran off in tears. At this point I was visibly upset and in front of the children as well. The children were wondering why Mommy was crying, and there was nothing I could do. It is really a helpless feeling. I was immediately reminded of the foreigners in our own country and how we treat them. Do they receive similar treatment, especially those that don't speak English well who don't know all the customs and cultural rules? It was a good opportunity to remind the children of how we should treat foreigners in America. I sincerely hope that this lesson will not be forgotten by me for one. It is really a horrible feeling. And unfortunately in Russia it has been one of several times when I have been treated this way. Americans are not perfect of course. But I do think, that at least in the South, generally we are more hospitable to outsiders. I know it was the case in South Korea.

"Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be a foreigner, because you were foreigners in Egypt." Exodus 23:8-10

"The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 19:33-35