Cultural Awareness

While on the race we lived with native families in the countries we were in. Instead of stepping into a country and doing things our way, we simply came along side of families who were already living and doing ministry in their home countries. This means that I was introduced to four different ways of living, four different life styles, four family morals, four different eating habits, and countless learning experiences. 

Not only was I experiencing life with different families, but also life in countries with many cultural differences than where I grew up in Texas. As we were living in these places, I learned how to be culturally polite and respect their customs and beliefs. We learned what gestures and actions are considered rude and which ones are highly valued in their culture. We experienced their local dishes and learned how to cook food that is important to their heritages. 

For nine whole months, my idea of “home” and “normal” was taken from me and shifted four different times, creating a sense of value and appreciation towards where people come from. I no longer see “my way” or the “American way” or the “Texas way” as the right way. Instead, now I have a deeper understanding that there truly is no right way, but thousands of different cultures and customs that all come together to make this beautiful world that we live in and they all deserve to be respected and valued.