Almost every Thursday for the past 7 months I have been meeting with my cohort for what we call "Track Days." This is a day that we gather and discuss and learn about different topics that are important for our life in Berlin. The tracks that we have are Cultural Intelligence, Urban Theology, Spiritual Disciplines, and a day to talk about our ministry placements.
I am sad to say that we finished with our track days last week. This time the subject was cultural intelligence. I have really enjoyed this track because it allows me to think about the different cultural interactions that I have had and to see them in a new light. Instead of just shrugging things off or not thinking about how culture is effecting me, I can join in with others and learn about how to process these things.
I am by no means an expert at Cultural Intelligence, but I do believe that I have grown in this area since stepping off the plane nearly 8 months ago. I have learned to think widely- or to have an open mind about how people do things differntly than me. I have learned to observe and mimic. I have learned that I need to educate myself in certain subjects. And maybe a big lesson: I have learned not to feel shamed because I don't know this culture perfectly.
There are days when I wish I knew it all. Some days it is hard and I feel out of place. But I know that I have learned so much here, and it is good to see progress.
Back to learning culture- there is so much to know. I live in a "sub-culture" of Berlin that is highly Turkish. So not only am I learning about Berlin culture, (I didn't say German for a reason!) I am also learning about Turkish culture- which is something I did not expect.
Also, I am learning about the Christian culture here in Berlin. It has been interesting to observe this as well, as I didnt think about it before coming. From the music, the structure of services, greetings, and even the times of the services, I have had my fair share of being exposed to culture.
And that's good. I shouldnt expect people to do things I do, say the things I say, or talk the way I talk- even in America.
Maybe you are interested in learning more about cultural intelligence? I would recommend it- especially if you are planning on traveling or staying in a different country for a while. Here is the link to the book that we went through. Interested in more than a book? Check out this website for more resources.
Here's to more learning.
-Kelsey