Spreading the Wonderment of Peanut Butter (In More Ways Than One)

As I am sure most of you know one of the things that gets most of us through long periods away from home is comfort food. One of my favorite comfort foods is peanut butter and it is usually more readily available than chicken wings so I rely heavily on it during my homesick phases.

An interesting thing I have learned from my hosts is the tendency of Central America to hold close ties with the United States while South America prefers to maintain closer ties with Europe. This dynamic means that grocery stores in El Salvador look a lot like grocery stores in the US with a lot of the same brands. This, of course, includes peanut butter! Which I have to say was a great relief to me because in my semester in Ireland a few years ago I learned that peanut butter that isn’t from the States just isn’t the same. Even though peanut butter is easy enough to find, it is still not the cultural icon it is in the States (understandable) and I have encountered several people who have never tasted it. Well, OF COURSE I feel the need to offer a sample and most are willing to give it a try. So far I have converted 3 or 4 people to the wonderment of peanut butter. It is my way of thanking them for introducing me to pupusas.

Despite the occasional frustration that arises from intercultural encounters, I sincerely think they can be a positive thing. While sharing food is interesting and entertaining, I grant that it is hardly a life changing experience. I have, however, grown to envy the general culture of the work environment here. Unlike the seemly nonstop “nose to the grindstone” culture that predominates in the US, the professional culture here is far more relaxed and healthy (at least in my opinion). The tone in our office, in particular, is extremely laid back, friendly and social. Do not think for a moment, however, that this somehow means that less work is accomplished here than would be if the American work culture presided. The regular members of the team here have accomplished far more in the past year than I would ever have expected a staff of 6 to be able to do. At least partly due to this work culture, everyone in this office comes in with a smile and enthusiasm daily despite their hectic schedules, holding more than one job in some cases, and taking care of their family responsibilities in the evenings.

We have often spoken of the importance of maintaining our mental and emotional health while working in this challenging field. Conflict resolution work often has the potential to be mentally and emotionally draining but I now see the important role played by the dynamic of the setting of one’s work. I can only imagine how frustrating this project could have been for the team here if they did not take the time to laugh with each other and support each other. Work can be stressful enough so the office shouldn’t be. Yet another lesson learned.