By now I'm sure that most of you have read part or all of the Kevin Winge book that Nate asked us to read prior to our next predeparture meeting. I am mostly through it. I find the book to be both educational and entertaining and I really enjoy it. There is one particular chapter title 'You've Got to Come in Right' that has stood out to me. In this chapter, Kevin discusses the importance of entering a new culture such as South Africa in the right frame. We cannot go in trying to 'fix' things... because they may not actually be broken. If we wish to help the people of South Africa, it is important to listen to them about what it is that they need from us. We can't assume that our way of doing things is the right way.
Kevin highlights some other key things to keep in mind when entering a new culture. He explains that 'You've got to come in right.' The ideas he expressed have really hit home with me.
However, I am afraid that I will not be able to 'come in right'. I do not want to enter this experience as an ignorant being who thinks she knows it all. I also do not want to end up one of those people with good intentions that went wrong. I want this experience to be something that I learn from and that those around me can learn from as well. I guess I'm just afraid that I will be a 'tourist'. This is not what I want.
If anybody has any advice or words of support on how I can 'come in right'... I would appreciate it! Thanks,
Courtney
I am afraid too. But being afraid is only because we don't know enough. That is why we are going, to learn. If you let the experience be ran by fear, that is what will consume your mind. Just by what you said...you are not an ignorant person so don't think that you will come off as one. Be open. Like Nate said, listen a lot more than you talk. You will feel it in your heart...I believe that.