Culture Shock 101

I'm not sure what characteristics are trying to be developed in me - but I've been on a wild ride lately! They say the first 3 months in a new culture is the "honeymoon" phase - no problem. They say the second 3 months is the downhill slide. As you all know a lot of interesting things have happened to me in the past three months. So I decided to do some research on "culture shock". Here is what I found out below!

Outlined below is an example of the stages people go through with culture shock:

Stage 1 - Excitement

The individual experiences a holiday or 'honeymoon' period with their new surroundings.

They:
. Feel very positive about the culture
. Are overwhelmed with impressions
. Find the new culture exotic and are fascinated
. Are passive, meaning they have little experience of the culture

Stage 2 - Withdrawal

The individual now has some more face to face experience of the culture and starts to find things different, strange and frustrating.

They:
. Find the behaviour of the people unusual and unpredictable
. Begin to dislike the culture and react negatively to the behaviour
. Feel anxious
. Start to withdraw
. Begin to criticize, mock or show animosity to the people

Stage 3 - Adjustment

The individual now has a routine, feels more settled and is more confident in dealing with the new culture.

They:
. Understand and accept the behaviour of the people
. Feel less isolated
. Regains their sense of humour

Stage 4 - Enthusiasm

The individual now feels 'at home'.

They:
. Enjoy being in the culture
. Functions well in the culture
. Prefer certain cultural traits of the new culture rather than their own
. Adopt certain behaviours from the new culture



Well, the latest info. is that I've had another moto accident. I'm ok - but I will have a souvenir from the Congo - a circular scar on my right leg. I always said that I would never get a tattoo, but now I've been branded! Oh well! Maybe I'll reconsider the tattoo?

Don't worry - I'll keep you posted on the latest! School's out for summer - I just finished my church history class - 2000 years in 8 days! It was crazy and I'm tired now. This next week we are going to rest as a sabbath from the school year!

All my love - you guys prayers have been working!