Coughing in Paradise: Cultures clash and compliment each other (Teresa)

This past week has been a particularly challenging one for two related reasons:  we four are still sick with coughs and a variety of other cold symptoms; and we have had some conflicts with our host family regarding how to treat our sicknesses.  We are growing weary of both of these challenges!  But we can also embrace new opportunities for learning... And we appreciate prayers and perspectives that you all provide.

On Monday we reached the crisis point.  Luisa's cough had worsened, and we parents had committed two major cultural offenses: we not only took Luisa to the beach on Sunday, but we let her get in the water; and we all continued to drink cold water and eat cold foods.  Our girls were scolded for filling their cups with cold water, and we parents were taken to task about what we need to do to get our family healthy again.  When we attempt to discuss our differences, we tend to focus on germ theory, and we are not surprised to struggle with new viruses in this new environment and climate.  For many locals folks, the critical issues for health are all related to "hot and cold" in terms of food, drink, air, clothing, etc.

Clearly, our hosts care about us and they feel some responsibility for our well being.  They are perplexed by why we don't follow their rules for treating illness, and we are perplexed by the many, varied, and (some) strange sounding remedies which are suggested to us by every local aquaintance.  Certainly we have different cultural lenses through which we view illness and treatment!  We know our bodies, but they know this place and climate.

One friend from the U.S. who also has a good understanding of S. American cultures suggested that we don't need to take an "either/or approach" to this conflict of cultures.  Maybe both of our cultures have helpful insights for treating illness.  A very good reminder!  I also recognize that I get pretty defensive when several mothers and grandmothers are watching and criticizing my parenting choices.  Once I can let go of the defensiveness, then I might even be open to trying a new, strange sounding remedy.  This evening, we'll continue a three night stretch of drinking hot coca cola and lime juice.  Then we'll slather on the vapor rub, bundle ourselves and head to bed to sweat it out.  (It's not like we're being asked to drink the blood of a dog...that's for tuberculosis.)

Prayers for health and discernment are welcome!!  And I'll be praying the same for you  :)