Culture Shock and Self Care 

Usually, newly arrived Christian workers 'hit the wall' about 6-9 months into their stay in the country they've chosen to serve. Cultural stress includes everything from the language you speak, to the food you eat (or don't eat), the climate, to the customs and the ways to make friendships in your newly adopted country. Most people reach levels of frustration, embarrassment, tension and anxiety that cause them to question their sanity and their reason for going cross cultural in the first place! 

As we met with the Bethany interns who had just arrived  for a 16 month internship (and still in that honeymoon stage:), we encouraged them to be self aware. "Be in touch with your self and get the rest, renewal and relationships that you need for your physical, emotional and spiritual well being" we said. Our hope is that our sessions on self care with the newly arrived interns will prepare them for the inevitable hardships associated with cultural adjustment. When those shocks hit their system we instructed them to listen, observe and inquire rather than become critical and withdraw. Maintaining strong relationships is one of the best ways to be resilient when challenges hit us. Pray with us for the adjustments of these dedicated Bethany interns.

Praise: Our member care facilitator training just wrapped up and went well. We'll share more in our next update about that.

Prayer Requests: 

1. Alberta has been having some swelling in her knee which the orthopedic doctor has diagnosed is coming from a torn medial meniscus. She will be having arthroscopic surgery tomorrow (Nov. 2) so would ask you to pray for a swift healing. Our next trip is Dec. 1 to Hong Kong so she will have about 4 weeks recovery time. 

Serving Christ with You, Steve and Alberta