A Gentle Clash of Cultures

“A Gentle Clash of Cultures is a cogent look at the experience of travel, culture shock, and adventure in the Philippines during the late 1970s. The Claytons, as Americans abroad, share both their disappointments and triumphs. Each chapter is a revelation, from the first … to the last… . Be prepared to be informed, challenged, and entertained by what you read here.” -Terese Thonus, PhD, Applied Linguist and Professor, Director of the University Writing Program, Klein Family School of Communications Design, University of Baltimore

“Insightful, sensitive, and a great read! Anyone interested in travel or cultural anthropology will find perceptive insights into Philippine life astutely chronicled by an expat family who lived for three years on Luzon.” -Don H. Abbey, PhD, Retired Professor of Biology, Retired Field Director, Adventist Frontier Missions

“It was fun for me to be back in that world. It is no surprise that as an MK (missionary kid), I relate to the chapter on Jeff and Kimberly. ‘Mamaya Means By and By’ was my favorite chapter; the dialogue is great and does an excellent job of expressing culture through conversations. ‘The Farmer’s Daughter’ is a gem-the most missional part of the entire story; Jesus did after all spend significant time with prostitutes. I enjoyed the book. [The authors] capture the culture well.” -Luke Gray, Author of Three Ring Circus: Life as a Missionary Kid in a Family of 11

“A traditional American family plunges into the Philippines, creating an Asian fusion of cultures that surprises the palate and always satisfies. The authors take turns creating a striking portrait of a country few of us know. Dale works with an assortment of students from around Asia [and] explores stories, islands, jungles, and cities while pursuing science with a [hodgepodge] of tools and a cadre of colorful characters. Kay leaves campus to barter for goods, travel by Jeepney, participate in local fests, and find a job. This is a book of substance, well researched and honest. A gentle clash of people and places that results in finding home within oneself and the wider world for each of them. The work is terrific! [The authors] have really shown why [their] information is of use to readers in the 2020s.” -Ina Orme, BS, MA, Teacher, Writer of Children’s Literature, Member, Oak Harbor Writers’ Group

Karen is a sociologist and social worker who teaches in universities, presents to social service agencies, libraries, and bookstores, and works in hospitals, hospice, and for the American Cancer Society. She is the author of Demystifying Hospice: Inside the Stories of Patients and Caregivers and has presented to the American Academy of Religion and Society of Biblical Literature about Easter celebrations in the Philippines.

Dale is a professor of biology who has focused his research on circadian rhythms. He has been published in Science, Journal of Lepidoptera, and the Journal of Animal Behavior. He was awarded a grant for marine biology research while at the Walla Walla University Marine Biology Station. He has led field biology programs to Honduras, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Florida. Dale is also a skilled writer and wood-craftsman. His memoir, Killmaster Kids, is in its final draft.