I’ve been home a little over a month, but I’m still processing my time in Africa. One person told me that I won’t know how it really changed me until about six months from now. I believe her. I felt stretched in all aspects – body, mind and spirit – and putting all of the experiences, lessons learned, emotions, observations and new understandings into some kind of structure is quite daunting. But that’s what I aim to do.
Friends, family and colleagues have already asked what I took away from the trip. I find myself tripping over my words and just shaking my head, stating that it was all truly amazing. While those individuals have put up with my ramblings, I also realize the importance as a communication practitioner to come up with some talking points so that my audience can understand and possibly learn from the experiences I share.
Talking point number one (body): There are physical differences that an American must pay attention to before trying to conduct business in either of these countries. This was the whole point of my research – to explore these differences. I mentioned the story about the feet, and how one should be aware to not use the feet to touch anything and to not show the soles on the feet as these actions are seen as disrespectful. People in South Africa use a different handshake than we do in the States. Knowing this and giving the proper handshake would show that one was considerate and well-researched. These are just a couple of takeaways from my research.
Talking point number two (mind): I say this with a patriotic heart – I promise – but this travel showed me how frustrating Americans can be. Visiting these two countries helped me reach “world traveler” status as I’ve now been to sixteen different countries. Every time I travel aboard I see how we Americans can so easily be picked out of a crowd – I’m including myself here! The Americans I ran into were often times complaining, loud, demanding and impatient. However, people in both countries declared their love for Americans, so we must come off as quite charming! One professor I spoke with in South Africa explained that the students who visit from Europe seem to adjust quickly and are more culturally aware. He said they seem to be more observant and slow to speak. Where American students, he explained, take quite a bit of time adjusting to the culture. I think there is something to be said about thinking globally and not just changing ones actions when dealing with another culture, but being more open minded as well. I came home and promised myself that I would learn French. I cannot speak a second language, and I feel this is one step I can take to be a little less ethnocentric.
Talking point number three (spirit): I’ve left my worldview out of this blog to date, but… it is a blog with the purpose of some personal reflection. My pastor often uses the phrase: “blessed to be a blessing.” I left Africa realizing how blessed I am and wanting to bless others. Seeing the poverty in the two countries broke me and made me want to do something. I also thought of Bloomington and the poverty here. I realize how blessed I am, and it makes me want to bless others. I came home promising to volunteer with kids who come from homes who are struggling financially.
Perhaps this reflection would look much different six months from now as I would better realize what this travel taught me and how I grew and changed. Classes start in about a week and a half, and I a thrilled to share my stories with my business students! I know I will continue processing as I discuss with them.
