We arrived in Pennsylvania in the “dead of winter.” It was December, and it was snowing from the minute we landed on American soil. It was a “winter wonderland.”
We loved the beauty of the snow . . . for about two hours, before realizing that it was here to stay. We were in it for the long-haul, so we thought that we better find a way to enjoy it.
During our first week here, Vincent, Robert, and David were introduced to snow mobiles by a family at church.
Everyone was excited—especially David—only 12-years-old at the time. Unfortunately, his snow mobile experience didn’t last long. He pushed full throttle into a giant barrel and fractured his wrist.
The orthopedic surgeon gave him a choice of colors and styles for his cast. What happened to the simple, heavy, white plaster that they used when I was growing up?!
Culture Shock!
One of the choices was camouflage, or “camo” as the locals say. If I recall correctly, there were even “camo” color choices! Being a luxury and limited item, this cast color was also more expensive.
It wasn’t just the cost that deterred us. Rather, it was more than David could handle for the next four weeks as a fashion statement on his forearm. “Camo” simply wasn’t his style. He opted for a simple, dark blue cast.
That was our first introduction to “camo.” We didn’t know it until then, but we had just landed smack in the middle of “hunting culture.” As a result, we had also landed smack in the middle of “camo culture.”
Welcome to “Camo Country”!
We were living in “Camo Country.” It was truly a foreign country for our family. We were in for some adventure in our family’s “Land Between”!
Our eyes were suddenly opened to the world around us, and we quickly became “culturally aware.” We noticed camouflage everywhere we turned—shirts, pants, shoes, socks, hats, coats, trucks, backpacks, etc. It was everywhere and in every color of the rainbow!
When Timothee joined us from Germany for the Christmas holidays, he was quite bored. He was used to the big city, walking everywhere, taking public transportation, having access to everything, etc. Our small rural town in Pennsylvania was quite different. The only stores in town were Walmart, Good Will, Salvation Army, and a few grocery stories.
Creative Entertainment
I am convinced that boredom can lead to great doses of creativity. Timothee came up with a fascinating cultural learning game that our family quickly adopted.
We call it “Counting Camo.”
The best place to play “Counting Camo” is at our local Walmart. Timothee began counting the number of people wearing camouflage from the time he stepped foot out of the car until he returned to the car. It was amazing—the high number that he could reach in a matter of 15 minutes!
Our entire family began playing this game . . . at soccer games, at the grocery store, at the bowling alley, etc. We even told locals about our game, and I believe that some of them now play it too. If you live in “Camo Country,” you should give it a try!
Cultural Chameleons
We became cultural observers—opening our eyes to the world—and cultural learners. We also tried to see how we could integrate and adopt some of the local ways. How could we become “Cultural Chameleons”?
Wearing camouflage, however, was not on our priority list!
One day, however, I was at the Salvation Army—one of my favorite places—especially on Wednesday’s discount Family Day. It’s a great place to “Count Camo” . . . on the customers and on the racks.
While browsing that day, I found the cutest, long-sleeved, camouflage t-shirt for Pierre. I surprised myself and bought it! He loved it.
Camouflage Hits Europe
Shortly after, I was looking online at one of our boys’ favorite European stores, Pull & Bear. I was shocked to find a cool, canvas “camo” jacket. What?! Had camouflage hit the European fashion market?
I sent the link to Timothee and Robert who were both back in Europe studying at the university. Jokingly, I asked them if they would like a “camo” jacket for Christmas.
Would you believe that they both said, “YES!”? What a shock!
It just goes to show that our family wasn’t mocking the hunting and “camo culture” of Pennsylvania. We secretly liked it and were attracted to it.
Eventually, we decided to blend in and integrate in the local culture . . . following the famous words of “When in Rome do as the Romans do.”
Our family became “Cultural Chameleons.”
One day, if you are walking on the streets of Europe or browsing in the thrift stores of Pennsylvania, you may very well see a family of six all wearing camouflage. Don’t be surprised if it’s our French family who absolutely loves living in “Camo Country”!
—The Cultural Story-Weaver
Let’s Weave Cultures!
Have you experienced a similar situation when you were trying to adapt to a new culture and be a “cultural learner”—leading you to create a cultural learning game or other form of entertainment, etc.?
How have you learned to adapt and become a “Cultural Chameleon” where you live?
We invite you to tell us your own cultural stories and global adventures . . . as you engage with the world, breaking down barriers, building bridges, and “weaving cultures”! Write about them in the comment box below.
Counting Camo is truly an imaginative way to see some of our local “hunting culture.” VERY AMUSING too.
You should try it sometime. 🙂 Let me know how it goes!
One of the hair stylists where I get my hair cut is getting a couch and loveseat in camo! Can you imagine living with that? She is a very classy lady, but I have to admit that I was shocked and thought at first that she was joking. No! It was true! So I guess camo is everywhere !
Wow! You gotta love camo! I have to say that it’s starting to really grow on me, but I’m not sure if I’d be ready for a camo living room set . . . unless I had an “open roof” house and wanted to hide from the wild animals.