So we officially made it to Capetown late last night. We are all safe and sound, and except for the occasional muscle cramp from being confined to a plane for 16 hours and the relative lack of sleep I experienced for the same reasons I would say that I arrived in one piece. However, being in a new place even for just one day I have come to notice some major differences between here and Minnesota. Furthermore, I have already faced some struggles. I find that I am really struggling with the concept of money here. I cannot quickly convert my U.S. dollars to rands, and therefore cannot figure out how much things cost. I've noticed that my first reaction to this frustration is to simply spend the money and then take count later of what I've spent. This is an unhealthy approach because I think I will wind up spending way more than I had anticipated. I have also noticed how much I devalue the American coin. When purchasing a cup of coffee in the United States, out of habit I usually toss all the coins that I am given back right into the tip jar. I did this in the airport in Joburg and received a song of gratitude from the guys behind the counter followed by the statement "You must be from America". I realized later that the coins I dropped in were likely equivelant to 2 to 3 US dollars... a rather high tip for a 3 to 4 dollar cup of coffee. I haven't even been here for a full 24 hours and my Americanisms are already showing. My goal is to take this lesson and to figure out ways that I can become more aware of my Americanisms and counter the ways in which they alter my experiences both here and back in the United States.
Courtney Lovelace: December 2011 Archives
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
