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Christian Home & School
|
High School Ed.
|
www.csionline.org
I
've traveled to or lived in several parts of the world, includ-
ing the Caribbean, South America, and Africa. I first traveled
overseas when I was fourteen. I was encouraged to keep
a journal on the trip. On bus rides, between activities, and
before bed, I scrawled bits and pieces about the adventures
we had each day. But I received no guidance in using my
journal as I returned home. I had no idea how valuable a tool
it could be.
If you want to make the most of your cross-cultural trip, you
need to do three things: prepare before you go, observe
while you're there, and reflect after you return. A journal can
help with all three stages.
Prepare: Record Your Research
You could prepare for ten years and probably not reach the
end of things to learn and questions to research about your
destination. The point of preparing is not to know everything
but to give yourself a foundation for learning more. If you
know a few basic things about yourself, your team, and
your host culture, you'll have greater understanding of the
people you'll encounter. You'll also set yourself up as a
learner early on.
Try to start a journal one month before you leave and answer
one question each day. Here are a few prompts to guide your
research. Should you have other ideas or questions, include
those in your journal.
Three Steps to
MAXIMIZE
Your Cross-Cultural
Experience
B
y
R
achelle
D
awson
1.
How and when did I first suspect God wanted me to
go on this trip? Since then, how has he confirmed the
decision to go?
2.
Why do I want to go on this trip?
3.
How did my parents or friends react when they found
out I wanted to go?
4.
What is the main goal of this trip?
5.
What personal goals do I have for this trip?
6.
How will I know if we've/I've been successful? How do I
think God defines success?
7.
What must I do to prepare for the trip?
8.
How well do I get along with other team members? Are
there any wrongs I need to make right?
9.
Today I learned _____ about the people I'll be serving.
10.
The big social issues among the people I'll be serving
are _____.
11.
The main religion(s) among the people is/are _____.
12.
How are my life and culture different from those of the
people I'll meet on this trip?
13.
What do I have in common with the people I'll meet on
this trip?