The second time I traveled to Thailand, I went to attend a traditional wedding ceremony in the rural Thai village of Ubon, near the border with Laos. We traveled for most of the night by bus from Bangkok, arriving at 4 am and then passing out on pallets in the loft of the bride's family home, while her extended family partied and continued preparations below. After a two hour nap, I was advised that the shower was available. Now, I had traveled in Thailand before and considered myself pretty open minded, but if my friend hadn't stopped me on the way downstairs and said, "You do know it's a traditional shower, right," I would have been confused and probably embarrassed myself by returning unshowered to our hostess. "Shower" in my experience has always denoted an overhead faucet with water running down; never has it conjured pictures of a dripping mid-waist high pipe filling a large garbage can with a smaller bucket and pail beside it. A traditional shower means that you stand close to a hole in the bathroom floor, pour water over yourself with a pail, soap up, and then rinse off with another few pailfuls of water, all the while attempting to keep your dirty water from getting in the large garbage can. Incidentally, the same pail is used to pour water into the toilet for flushing--no handles.
Consider some experiences you have faced while traveling, either in the US or abroad, in which you found yourself forced to expand outside of your normal experience. How do such circumstances affect us, both short term and long term? Why are they valuable for both ourselves and the people that we meet along the way? What advice can you offer your classmates for how to enjoy, rather than feel intimidated by such experiences?
I believe these experiences humble us and bring about contentment for what we have. I went on a mission trip to Panama and during that trip my eyes were opened, wider than i would of liked. A member of the local church we were helping offered to house the guys in his house. There were seven of us and we were all put in this small room as our sleeping arrangements. We had to sleep on the floor - some had sleeping bags and others like me, were lucky enough to have air mattresses. I was lucky to get an air mattress because on the ground not six or seven inches from your head were these crimson-red ticks crawling everywhere on the ground. There were dozens. Short term - i was disgusted, long-term - i was really thankful that i lived where i did. I also am very thankful for my parents, who have the level of cleanliness that they do. It was a humbling experience. My advice? Deal with the problem, whatever it is. Grit your teeth and go through it. Because on the other side it will help you grow as a person and you will remember the lesson/ordeal/experience/observation more, making your stay in China that much more memorable.
ReplyDeleteBen, I agree (especially with your first sentence). I think that oftentimes experiences make us realize to be content no matter what our circumstances are. I've traveled a lot, and I've figured out that happiness is not equated at all by money, but by being happy in the circumstances we're in.
DeleteSound like quite the adventure! it's always to be thankful for an uncomfortable experience after it is over. I think a lot of life is not constantly focusing on the ending (such as graduation or retirement) but focusing on where your at in the present. Grass is greenest where you water it.
DeleteWow!! I can't believe people actually slept on the ground with the ticks crawling around, that sounds really scary! God has a way of humbling us doesn't he? Several times I've had to "rough it out" to see how blessed I truly am, lets not forget that. I really like your point of view Ben!
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ReplyDeleteI've had the shower thing happen to me both in India and Nicaragua. It's quite uncomfortable to be in situations like that, but it also gives us perspective on how useless our American toys are sometimes. Whether your shower is hot and high pressure or cold and dripping really makes no eternal difference on our lives.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in India a couple weeks ago we were on about an 8 hour train ride to the orphanage where we would be staying. The train ride costs a whopping $6. I was really tired from all the travel we had done in the past two days to get to India, so I lifted one leg and crossed it over my lap to relax a little. This made the Hindu lady in front of me very uncomfortable. I soon found out (with the help from my local friend) that I was being disrespectful to her because she is my elder and I need to show my respect. I quickly apologized, explained my American roots, and shifted back into the uncomfortable but "respectful" position for the remainder of the trip.
For me - I was getting comfortable. For her - I was getting on her nerves.
It's so interesting to me how gestures, facial expressions, and greetings are vastly different across the world. In the short term I learned how to not make a disrespectful fool of myself. In the long term I learned that life is about more than our words - it's about our actions.
Thankfully, the lady forgave me and ended up offering me her food later on our journey. She saw past my ignorance and our obvious cultural/religious differences and cared for me anyways. My advice to my classmates would be to appreciate the value of our actions and their effects on people around us. Treat people with respect, and the respect will become mutual.
It's good that you noticed you were making her uncomfortable and acted upon it. So many times I seen people traveling that were not aware at all and they were clearly causing a scene or making people uncomfortable. It's important to remember that while in somebody else's country that we should try and adapt to their ways because we are simply guests that are visiting and we need to show the proper respect.
DeleteDuring my travels, there have been a lot of experiences that were outside of my normal experience. Short-term, I was definitely impacted. I'd like to say I've been changed in the long-term because of the experiences, but sometimes it is easy to forget and just return to our normal routine. These experiences can really only be valuable to us if we really learn and grow from it. So my advice is try and be in the moment and learn from it.
ReplyDeleteI agree Jeffrey. It is easy to forget about an experience and just return to normal life as if it never happened. It is important to think through experiences, be opened minded, and let experiences change us. There is a lot to learn from other cultures and experiences.
DeleteTraveling is an eye opening experience. It puts you in situations that force you to change yourself and what you are comfortable with.
ReplyDeleteI have never considered myself a singer but I love to sing at summer camp and in the comfort of the pew at church. In Zambia, the SDA churches love to hear visitors talk or sing and give little warning about there intentions. In fact, it's so common that you want to keep a spare sermon or children's story in your back pocket. I was out visiting a church on sabbath close to where we stay. I was a little late and took a seat in the back. Almost immediately, one of the elders approach me and ask me to sing a special song during the service. The next thing I know, I am standing in front of this congregation singing a solo. It definitely was not the most comfortable thing for me but getting out of your comfort zone feels good. It means your growing as a person and for me, it is an experience I will never forget.
Everyday we have a choice to continue to grow our character or refuse opportunities and miss out on expanding our mindset. It's easy to play it safe, stay home, or waste time on the computer. God has given us the gift of choice. Let us choose Him and choose everyday to live our lives to grow as a person.
Hey amen to that! I agree! I think its cool that God has allowed us to see the impact of our choices and the effects of what we are actually doing. As for the advice, keeping that song or sermon in your back pocket is something i'll definitely remember. Ya its cool to step out of your comfort zone and do things on the fly but it also helps when you at least have some idea of what you could do, beforehand.
DeleteYes! I love this! God can do so much with a willing heart! In my experience overseas, I have been so inspired and blessed by seeing how ready and willing the people are to sing or preach at a moment's notice, and it's given me the courage to do the same when put on the spot like that also.
DeleteI feel like in the U.S. we are sometimes conditioned to do extensive planning and preparation in all we do which is often necessary and good, but sometimes I think it can limit us and limit God also.
Last school year when I first got to Peru as an SM I was confronted with a completely different environment than I was used to. The showers were cold and the stalls were made out of slats of woods that you could see through which made things a little uncomfortable. The house we lived in was also made out of the same sort of "see-through" wood walls which made it feel like everyone was living in one big communal room. Personal space and privacy definitely came to take on a whole new meaning.
ReplyDeleteI think it's these little "uncomfortable" details that make me feel like I've really had an experience. They stretch you and are challenging at times but more than anything they are what makes it an adventure. When I was in Peru, my mom sent me a card that said, "Attitude is the difference between an ordeal and an adventure" and then shared a couple texts that contrasted the reactions or Moses and the Israelites in the same situation. When things don't go the way I expect, I try to remember this and just think to myself, "Hey, we're having an adventure!!".
I like that attitude of optimism, the adventure attitude. I totally agree that the challenges that can sometimes come with being in a foreign place make it a lot more memorable trip. I'd much rather try to be a Moses than a complaining Israelite.
DeleteI love that quote! Im going to try to remember that next time I feel like complaining. I try to remember that when I'm old, Im not going to tell my grandkids stories of when I sat around at home and was comfortable. I'm going to remember the crazy, uncomfortable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences I've had.
DeleteWhen I was a lot younger, (like 1st grade), my family went on a mission trip to Fiji. What really made the trip special was the people there, and how kind they were to us, and how much fun I had playing with the kids. I walked into the gym at the school where we were at, and older kids I had never met before picked me up on their shoulders and paraded me around the gym, just to make sure I was having a fun time and was comfortable. Another time I thought I lost my mom in a store, (she knew where I was but I didn't know where she was), and a native lady came and comforted me until my mom came back over. Ever since then if I go on a trip, I try to interact with the people as much as a can. For me, its the people that make the trip. If your nice to them, they'll most likely be even nicer back to you. So I guess my advice is, try not to shy away from the new cultures and people wherever you may be traveling, because often times those experiences can make the best memories.
ReplyDeleteI like how you state just how important it is to interact with people. Often times that can seem to be very uncomfortable, but by mingling with the locals of wherever you decide to go can really change the whole trip for the better!
DeleteOne experience I can recall in which I found myself forced to expand outside of my normal experience also has to do with showering. When I was in Kenya in 2005 I was attending a wedding and while I was there, I noticed that the showering situation was very similar to Professor Wurstle's experience in Thailand. We had one bucket filled with warm water and a separate bucket where we would stand in an pour water upon ourselves. This of course was far out of the norm for myself. Not only did it feel like this "showering" method took far longer than just a traditional shower as we perceive it, but "showering" in Kenya also did not make me feel any more clean afterwards.
ReplyDeleteWhat I would suggest when facing new experiences that are might make us feel uncomfortable would be to know that yourself and everyone around you are all in the same situation. Everyone at that wedding also showered using two buckets, so it wasn't as if I was using an odd way to shower. Once you realize that everyone around you are all in the same situation, the experience seems to have a positive reinforcement and not so much that of a negative.
I like the idea you gave of remembering that everyone is in the same boat with you when traveling. If only more people would step out of their comfort zone more often. If this did happen, I believe that society would be less selfish and more humble and sympathetic towards one another. To learn and see people from different cultures, places and environments, it's really quite amazing the amount of knowledge we can learn for other people even if they're different. God created us all to love and take care of one another. I can't wait to learn from others on the China trip.
DeleteI definitely like how you pointed out that everyone is in the same situation. Sometimes uncomfortable situations like that can be embarrassing. I have also had to shower with buckets at times when I've been in mexico and the boiler isn't working, with cold water too. It has been quite the experience, I'm glad i'm not the only one that has gone through this.
DeleteI have learned a lot while traveling. Personally there have been many times where I had to keep a very open mind and try things I wouldn't have usually tried. I want to share a story that my parents told me from their experience in Ghana. My parents had gone on a mission trip to Ghana with a group to build a church. After the church was built, the group and the locals who they had built the church for, had a celebratory vespers ceremony in the new church. The American's got up and sang several slow, solemn, quite reverent hymns. My father said it was really nice but not very cheerful. After the American's got done singing the locals got up to sing some songs. Their songs were the complete opposite though, they were very upbeat and loud. The songs were very joyful and celebratory. This is one instance in which worshiping can be very different. I think it is important to remember that even though people do things differently that doesn't mean that it is wrong. This story has impacted me in the short term by helping me be more open to people here at Southern and their worship style and respecting their culture. I also think it has effected me in the long term because I will be more open to other people's cultural differences. I think it is important to remember that as we travel we are guests and we are there to learn from them, not try to show or tell them how great America is. It is important to remain humble while traveling and to ask questions and to learn.
ReplyDeleteYour parent's worship experience in Ghana is a great example of cultural differences. I have also seen the vast worship style differentiations between cultures. It is most stark when comparing traditional American Christian services and African Christian services. Personally, I prefer African Christian worship services over the traditional American ones as I find them more passionate, and expressive. I feel more comfortable in this atmosphere.
DeleteI also like your comment about respecting other people's culture and traditions. I agree that it is very important to remember this as we travel to Asia, a culture that is deeply rooted in traditional family roles governed by a patriarchal society.
I will take it a step further and say it is not only important to remember and apply the concept of acceptance of others as we travel, but also as we are living in our own country interacting with others who are different from us. I will narrow it further by saying this concept travels back in our value systems to how we treat our family and friends, the people who can bring us the greatest joy and the greatest pain. Do we treat them respectfully?
I have traveled several times to Mexico with my family. I've been going since I was born, but It wasn't until this trip we took in December for Christmas, to visit our family there, that I realized how much my country is in need. I guess I never really paid attention. I have been so used to it, that it was just normal. The little town my parents grew up in, isn't very cute, but since I've been there so many times, I have so much love for that place, and to me, it is beautiful. In my time there in December i realized how mostly all the walls in the town were full of graffiti and how the streets weren't very well cemented. They were more like rocky or dirt roads. When I wanted to take a shower in my aunts house, I would have to tell her about an hour in advance so that the boiler could heat the water. Also it wasn't advisable for people to shower right after each other because the water would turn cold really fast. Warm water, clean, smooth streets, and untainted walls are all things I have taken for granted here in the states. That trip made me realize a lot. My advice for future travelers is to be open minded when in other countries, take it as an opportunity to see the many blessings in your life. I think situations like this humble us and open our eyes to the world around us.
ReplyDeleteHow this affects us long term: we can be more thankful and grateful for the abundance in our lives. Short term: we get through it and over-come the obstacles at hand.
DeleteI feel bad because I'm realizing that I haven't gone on any trips like yours described. I wish I went out of my comfort zone more often to have experiences like yours Ms. Wurstle. The few mission trips and vacations that I have been on outside of the country I have always stayed in a nice hotel and eaten Americanized food. I realize how spoiled I was. I hope to learn more about others and step outside of my Americanized world. This is one of the reasons I signed up for the China trip. I'm ready for something new. New experiences, memories, and learning. We are all so blessed to have this opportunity.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was 12 years old I traveled with my mother and sister to Togo, Africa to conduct ShareHim meetings for the locals. I experienced many cultural differences in my 3 weeks in Africa which I will carry with me the rest of my life.
ReplyDeleteThe one experience that stands out to me the most regarding the African culture is the way the entire society treats time- in a very laid back manner. An example of this: The meetings were scheduled to take place every evening at 7pm. My family and I would be ready for the taxi at 6pm for the 30 minute drive to the meeting site. A taxi would pick us up and preform the 30 minute drive in 50 minutes due to a very laid back driver (no exceptions, they were all very laid back and unconcerned individuals). When we arrived to the site only a few locals would be milling around. The local pastor would inform us that the meeting wouldn't take place for a while and it would begin an hour or so later- after other key African officials arrival.
My family background is steeped in the cult of German time management, an appointment missed is grounds for mental distress, wailing, nashing of teeth, and a reassessment of your success as a human being.
With these two aspects in mind, my subjection to African time management caused me much frustration in the short term. I felt helpless and vulnerable as I could not control the situation or fix it.
In the long term, it taught me patience, and the importance of accepting a different, more relaxed way of viewing life. I believe our society is steeped in the negative effects of a culture that is controlled by deadlines and tasks- with success based on time efficiency. We have an increased amount of stress and diseases such as stress related heart attacks.
An experience such as this is valuable as it can open people's minds to a different way of life. I recommend you allow your new cultural experiences to positively open your mind- consider them invaluable to your world view. The people you meet along the way will be able to feel your positivity or negativity towards them. Let us leave only positivity and love behind us. This is the greatest witness for Christ and will indefinitely effect those we come in contact with.
Be an observer, don't let your culture get in the way of your enjoyment and learning of a new one.
Jennifer,
DeleteThis has given me so much respect for you! You experienced SUCH a contrast in cultures because I think different attitudes towards time management speak a lot to other aspects of their cultures as well. I know I would be just as frustrated, so I respect that you see it as a learning experience.
Also, that last paragraph and sentence is so meaningful and pertinent to so many aspects of life! The world is already so full of negativity and discrimination. We should be light, just as Christ called us to be.
I went on a mission trip to Panama for a few weeks a couple years ago and it was my first experience really "roughing" it. At first it was really hard. I knew we were there for a good cause, but the work was really hard, the food tasted really strange, and i had to sleep on a hard bed with bats flying around my head. The only thing I could do to stay positive was remind myself that I was doing the Lord's work, and while for me this was temporary, this is how Panamanians lived all the time. By realizing the world doesn't revolve me and my comfort, I was able to stay positive. And in the long-run, it was a great experience. We built a much-needed school for the Panamanians, and I was extremely thankful for American privileges when I returned home. So my advice would be to just realize that all this discomfort is temporary, and to try to make the most of it. Not many people get to travel halfway around the world, so we have a lot to be thankful for.
ReplyDeleteI honestly can say that I've never had to experience a true culture shock like the one in you did, Professor Wurstle. If I returned to where I lived the first few years of my life (Ghana) now, with my current mindsets and lifestyle, that would definitely be an adjustment. Moving to America was an upgrade to me, and I was young enough to be incredibly flexible and not really deal with culture shock.
ReplyDeleteI do know that as I get older, I realize more and more that we are above no one. The sociology course I took during Smart Start helped me understand it's only our worldview that makes us see a hierarchy, and since our worldview skews our reality, we should attempt to see things without our often unconscious sense of arrogance. The human race shares too much in common, especially in our universal need for love and belonging.
With that in mind, and with God's help, I can cultivate an outlook that allows me to see people as Christ sees us: all with something good to offer. Humility will also enhance the way I interact with people, and a humble spirit will go a long way for all of us in our trip to China.
I have to agree with Kayla and Joelle, I have not gone out of my comfort zone half as much as I would have liked to. Everyone has such interesting stories and locations! One instance I can remember was from about ten years ago. My family was on a trip to Europe and we were in Paris, France. We weren't very adventurous food-wise and ended up eating lunch at a McDonalds (much more expensive, completely different menu). After our meal, my mom and I went to the bathroom and I was in for a shock. When I walked into the stall, there was no toilet. There was a hole in the ground with designated foot rests where you could squat and use the restroom. To make matters worse, the stalls were not solid. Instead they looked like mirrors from the outside, but were actually windows once inside the stall. So while you're trying to use the bathroom, you can see everyone washing their hands and walking about the bathroom. It was the weirdest thing! I did not answer my adventurous calling and use the bathroom at that McDonalds that day. Instead, I waited until we reached more normal public bathrooms.
ReplyDeleteNow I look back and laugh at myself, that really wouldn't have been that big of a deal. If I'd done it, I could look back and tell a funny story about my most interesting bathroom experience. Today, I would tell my classmates, and myself, that if we run into awkward situations while in China, to just go ahead and forgo the safe route. Experiences like those cause you to grow and look at other people and cultures from a more personal perspective.
My biggest culture shocks have come from food. I have been to China a couples times now and every time it seems like there is some new type of food that they try and either me or the people in our group with. The first time we went there were two occasions that i remember well. The first was when we were all sitting around the tables and they were bringing food in waves since you obviously cannot have a simple 3 course meal. While we were eating and trying new things someone decided to ask what one of the dishes was, the waitress told them it was frog which ended up being really funny since there were a few people that had already tried it and thought it to be chicken, mind you this was an Adventist tour there were a few people that regretted not asking before trying. On another occasion I was eating some chips that were on the table and someone more experienced then I asked me if I knew what they were made of and I said I thought they were probably rice chips and they said I should probably ask, so I did and they ended up telling me that they were shrimp chips. So lesson learned if you do not know what it is that is sitting in front of you on a plate ask.
ReplyDeleteI want to try different kinds of food in China. My only condition is that they be clean animals, but besides that, I’m looking forward to trying whatever comes my way.
DeleteActually my first experience with culture shock was when I moved to the USA. My first week here, when I was introduced to new people I would kiss them on the cheek (those of the opposite gender), which is the polite greeting in my country (Peru). A fellow Peruvian friend explained nicely to me that this is not standard here. I felt awkward about those I had met, and it was strange to adapt to something that felt rude to me at first. The thing that I recommend to other people when they visit new places is to learn and ask others about their experience. That will keep you from kissing too much.
ReplyDelete