Dancing Missionaries??

One of the perks of being a missionary is that we get to experience a culture different from our home culture.  Yesterday, in school, we celebrated Costa Rica’s Independence Day.  Our teachers explained the history behind the day with pictures and music, including the national anthem.  The little MKs (missionary kids) played a part in the program with their teacher and we witnessed a flag processional.  The staff graciously served arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) and we even got to be a part of a traditional Costa Rican dance.

As part of the event, Daniel and I were chosen along with another couple, to demonstrate the dance for the students.  It was fun to wear the beautiful clothing and flip the gigantic skirt around during the dance.  The skirt actually weighs about 10 pounds and has multiple layers and ruffles, all in different colors, so I could pull the sides of it up to my ears without anyone seeing anything inappropriate.  In fact, the skirt is made so that the wearer can flip and spin it as a part of the visual beauty of the dances in Costa Rica.

Our dance included a broom and the idea was that during a part of the dance, the couples paired off to dance together and the one remaining single person was to pick up the broom and dance with it in the middle.  It was a game and a dance combined together.  We also got to select “volunteers” from the audience to teach them the dance.

Learning the history and culture of a people group is essential in order to minister to them effectively.  While it is interesting and enjoyable to learn about the food, holidays, dances, etc., it is also vitally important because it is WHO the people are.  Paul explained that he became what others needed him to be, so that by all possible means some might be saved.  (I Corinthians 9:22)  He did not change the Truth of the Gospel, but he made it culturally relevant to the people.  Learning the customs of the people here in Costa Rica and also in Mexico will help Daniel and I proclaim the message of Jesus in a culturally relevant way.  

It’s also really fun!!

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done, and proclaim that His name is exalted.”   

Isaiah 12:4