Culture Shock

Let’s take a quick moment to talk about culture shock. I grew up hearing about “culture shock” but I never thought much about how it affected me. The word “shock” implies that it’s a SHOCKING experience, but that has not been the case for me. I always assumed that since I already knew the culture I was going into, the changes and the new experiences wouldn’t actually shock me at all. Culture shock, for me, has been something that sneaks up on me. When I moved to the United States, I already knew I would be facing new experiences, so I figured it wouldn’t come as a surprise when I was confused or different. I tried to try new things. I tried to meet new people. I tried to learn the new customs. The moment my belief about culture shock came crumbling down was when I had to put gas in my cousin’s car. I had borrowed the car to visit my grandparents, and even though it was snowing, even though it was a big, long, highway trip, even though I might get lost, I thought I’d give it a try. Never having put gasoline in my car before (in Mexico people who work at gas stations fill the tank for you), I ventured to the CircleK near my dorm. After 15 minutes of reading all three of the instructions on the sign by the pump and trying to pump the gas into my car, all my frustrations about the new things I’d had to brave came spilling out of my eyes. Why couldn’t I just do this simple task? How strange was this place I’d moved to? And why was it so darn cold? A kind elderly woman approached me, and, with an only slightly judgmental and worried look, she showed me my mistake in trying to pump the gas. Just because I knew living in a foreign culture would be different, didn’t mean those different situations weren’t daunting.

Well, now I have moved back to Mexico. I didn’t imagine that moving back would include some culture shock. I did expect difficulties in living on my own and leaving loved ones behind, but definitely not culture shock. I mean, this is where I grew up! I know this culture. And yet… The month of October is very cultural in Oaxaca. For one, we have Day of the Dead. Dia de los Muertos is very different here than people in the USA might think.

Here, it is a deeply ritualistic and dark thing. It is based on the Old Catholic and pagan beliefs put together. It often involves magic and mysticism. There is a struggle in the Christians here to not be involved, despite the “dishonor” against their families. For the last couple of years I have carved pumpkins, gone trick-or-treating, and gotten all dressed up for Halloween in the quaintly celebratory town of Prescott. Here, my idea for carving pumpkins was frowned upon. This is just a small example of how culture shock has crept up on me. I thought it wouldn’t affect me, but in the small moments of, “how do I pay for internet here?” or, “do I tip?” adulting in Oaxaca has been a bit confusing and surprising. Just because I knew living here as an adult would be different, doesn’t mean these new situations aren’t just a bit of a shock.

Oaxaca is a diverse and wonderful place to live. The culture is rich and historic, the people are kind and generous, and the weather and food are both the best in the world. I love living here, and I'm grateful for this opportunity to serve in a place I feel at home. Thank you for your encouragement and support!

Things that have happened this month:

-I took a weeklong course on counseling trauma victims. The workshop was really helpful, and I’m hoping to apply the tools we learned in all future counseling and interactions with people, as well as my own life.

-The Jr/Sr class (I am their class sponsor) had a huge bake sale fundraiser to help them save up for their end-of-the-year trip. Pray for opportunities for them to grow as leaders and wisdom as I guide them through their activities.

-The school’s youth group is in full swing. This year we are focusing on equipping the youth with the tools to develop their faith. We are tackling big issues and participating in service projects with them.

-Oaxaca Christian School had a teacher’s retreat in the mountains. We were able to bond and learn together about how to build a community of grace at our school. I am so blessed to be working with wonderful teachers who are here because of their call to ministry and their love for these Missionary Kids.

-Exactly one year ago I was in Uganda with the babies at Watoto. Pray for me as I look back on these memories with sadness and yet an unbelievable joy, that I may learn from my past experiences and be able to apply them here.

Gracias!

-Ruth