myopic pilgrim

Here’s a fun visual aid to understanding the differences between Eastern and Western cultures (specifically China and Germany). These icons were designed by Liu Young, a graphic designer born in China and living in Germany. I don’t know if it’ll help with your understanding of Jesus, but I find the ones titled The Boss, Me, and Way of Life useful.

This one’s called Punctuality. No deep spiritual meaning for me. It just makes me feel a little better about my own tardiness.

You can see most of the East Meets West icons here with some commentary by a Canadian ex-pat in Taiwan. There are few more that are easily found via Google.

Susan and I haven’t picked a name for the baby yet. I don’t think there are any Filipino names left on the table. And by Filipino, I mean Spanish names, of course (goodbye and paalom, Emilio). We have biblical names that sound too biblical for a pastor’s son (Josiah, Jeremiah, etc.), at least to my ears. We also have a few ideas that aren’t already taken by the children of friends (my cousin’s newborn is apparently named Jackson).

This much we know. Our son’s last name is Skinner and his middle name is Robert.

Our conversation turned to easier decisions. Susan is White with a mixture of German, Irish and other stuff. I’m mostly Filipino and basically a quarter Black. So, what do our sons mark as their nationality—Caucasian, Asian, Slovenian? Read the rest of this entry »