Today's picture is a community gathering place in one of the barrios in Columbia. This place had a cement floor and a tin roof. It was great to have this gathering place to teach True Love Waits because it allowed us to be out of the sun.
It’s not always easy to be a good guest. When you were little, your mother may have given you a few tips when you went to visit someone. It’s not natural to know what’s expected of you. Here is a list of practical tips on being a guest in a cross-cultural situation. Though you may never fully understand why, it’s a pretty sure bet that these ten social hints (in no particular order) are universally acceptable for acting with sensitivity and humility.
1 Show respect for your host by using the proper greetings and titles, especially to the eldest in the group.
2 Ask your new acquaintances about their families. You can show them pictures of your family, but leave out the ones of your U. S. standard house or car.
3 Be a good observer and listener, and ask polite questions. Try not to talk too much-usually not a problem when you don’t know the language.
4 Dress appropriately to show honor to the culture. Women should dress modestly and have their shoulders covered. Women shouldn’t wear shorts or pants unless given permission by the host organization. Men need to ask about wearing shorts also.
5 Act very discreetly with the opposite sex. Avoid public displays of affection. For singles, avoid being seen alone or talking alone with the opposite sex. You can pursue any new relationships that may interest you when you get home.
6 Always show gratitude for your accommodations and food, whatever they may be.
You are most likely receiving the best they have to offer. Don’t boast about what Americans have.
7 Never show your temper. Many cultures see a display of anger as the greatest of sins.
8 Be sure you get permission to photograph someone. Don’t offend your hosts by taking photos of what may be considered private space or what is considered a negative aspect of the country.
9 Show empathy and appreciation, not pity, for the surroundings. This is your new friends’ home. Show respect for it, and if there are beggars in the area, ask your host how to respond to them since local philosophies and practices vary from place to place.
10 Be flexible with your time. Go with the flow of the culture and the ministry you’re involved with. Go to learn and serve, not to keep track of the time. Remember what they say about Americans: “They have the watches, but we have the time.”
Read Romans 15:1-9. Why should we seek to please others?
In verse 5, what is the worthy goal for being unified with brothers and sisters in Christ from another culture?
In reviewing the ten hints, circle the number of the ones that will be the most challenging for you to follow. Pray about each one. You many want to discuss the difficult points with your teammates.
1 Show respect for your host by using the proper greetings and titles, especially to the eldest in the group.
2 Ask your new acquaintances about their families. You can show them pictures of your family, but leave out the ones of your U. S. standard house or car.
3 Be a good observer and listener, and ask polite questions. Try not to talk too much-usually not a problem when you don’t know the language.
4 Dress appropriately to show honor to the culture. Women should dress modestly and have their shoulders covered. Women shouldn’t wear shorts or pants unless given permission by the host organization. Men need to ask about wearing shorts also.
5 Act very discreetly with the opposite sex. Avoid public displays of affection. For singles, avoid being seen alone or talking alone with the opposite sex. You can pursue any new relationships that may interest you when you get home.
6 Always show gratitude for your accommodations and food, whatever they may be.
You are most likely receiving the best they have to offer. Don’t boast about what Americans have.
7 Never show your temper. Many cultures see a display of anger as the greatest of sins.
8 Be sure you get permission to photograph someone. Don’t offend your hosts by taking photos of what may be considered private space or what is considered a negative aspect of the country.
9 Show empathy and appreciation, not pity, for the surroundings. This is your new friends’ home. Show respect for it, and if there are beggars in the area, ask your host how to respond to them since local philosophies and practices vary from place to place.
10 Be flexible with your time. Go with the flow of the culture and the ministry you’re involved with. Go to learn and serve, not to keep track of the time. Remember what they say about Americans: “They have the watches, but we have the time.”
Read Romans 15:1-9. Why should we seek to please others?
In verse 5, what is the worthy goal for being unified with brothers and sisters in Christ from another culture?
In reviewing the ten hints, circle the number of the ones that will be the most challenging for you to follow. Pray about each one. You many want to discuss the difficult points with your teammates.
1 comment:
Very wise observations. You should make reading your blog a requirement for the people who go on the trips! Or do you do that already? :)
Post a Comment