In ancient times, being hospitable meant welcoming strangers and providing them with food, shelter, and safety. Some cultures still follow this tradition today, but in others, the meaning of hospitality has changed a bit. In direct cultures like the U.S., hospitality is less about survival and protection and more about manners and entertainment. Direct cultures Read more…
And we’re back with ✨PART 2✨! If you missed PART 1, click here for the scoop. If not, let’s get into ✨PART 2✨, baby! 😝 Identity Opinions Expressed for the Group 👨👩👧👦 In her book, Foreign to Familiar, Sarah A. Lanier gives an example of how individualistic or collectivistic ways of thinking can influence the Read more…
Have you ever heard phrases like: “Don’t worry about them, worry about yourself”, “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken”, or “You do you”? If you grew up in the U.S. (direct culture), you’re usually hearing things along these lines and are encouraged to think for yourself. However, if you grew up in Ghana (indirect Read more…
Riddle me this! What is something that ticks and has pointers? If you guessed a clock, you’re correct! 🕰️ Did you know that the clock is quite important in the U.S.? It’s also important in other cultures, like Germany, Norway, and Canada. Why? Because the clock provides structure, allowing communities to function more efficiently. These Read more…
Hello, friends! 👋 Welcome to our blog’s cross-cultural series, where we dive deeper into the cultural differences that might’ve shocked you as you moved homes. This first post will set the stage for the rest of our series, so make sure to pay attention 😉 The world contains a variety of cultures, and each is Read more…
It’s time to pursue your dream of moving to the U.S. for your studies– how exciting! However, some of you might think it’s rather nerve-wracking. There may be loads of things to resolve, such as figuring out what to pack and how to deal with the emotions of leaving your home. Speaking from experience, it’s Read more…
Hello, friends! I’m here today with another Biblical reflection. You ready? Before starting, I’ll give you an overview of how this reflection came about. Last November, my husband and I had our first child, precious Benjamin. Our lives completely changed with his arrival. We had to protect and care for him, making sure all his Read more…
Do you ever catch yourself wishing for the end of the semester, only to have it come and you just move on to the next thing without even taking a moment to enjoy it? Play and rest are important parts of life, even though many of us don’t take much time for them. Today, I Read more…
I enjoy spring because the seasons are not as distinct in Brazil as they are in the US. I’m amazed to see the transformation that takes place in the spring; it’s like nature is being reborn. The sun shines and the temperature rises, the trees start to release buds, plants bloom, the birds sing, and Read more…
Recently, I shared in an IFI Bible discussion group that my husband and I got a larger apartment and that we were moving in a week. I said I was happy because there was still time to organize the baby’s room for his arrival. Our friend said, “God has been good to you. Since the Read more…