Efficiency vs. Relationship

As I am sure many of you know, different cultures also mean different ways of communicating. Miscommunication happens often enough in America. Now, imagine living in a different culture, with completely different backgrounds, different education, different language, different everything. Unfortunately, I usually assume that all is well and that because I said it, they understood it. And, I have learned that is not actually the case. Things are interpereted very different here. Not only that, but also indirect communication is the method of choice. In case you are not sure, I am very type A, direct, and task oriented. As an engineer, I value efficiency above all else. Anybody else see some potential for disasters!

Recently, I finished a book called "Cross Cultural Conflict." It is excellent and I highly recommend it and I plan to read it again. The author offers valuable insight on cultures that value indirect communication and he points out again and again how common it is in the Bible. Jesus often used indirect communication especially through parables. So, I have to eat some humble pie and realize that is me that needs to change. Since I definitely struggle with speaking first and talking later, learning to change how I communicate is difficult. I prefer for life to be one big calculus problem that I can solve, but life is much more like art. I was never all that good at art, can't even draw good stick figures.

God's call for me to be in Tanzania is very likely about growing and refining me. I have a lot to learn...