WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance

134 WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES
measures could have been taken. Learning to recognise stress symptoms early
is especially important for the cross-cultural worker. Working at the prevention
of stress is always best.
CROSS-CULTURAL STRESS
For those living in a different cultural context, stress is inevitable. All
cross-cultural workers will face it. Because cross-cultural stress is caused by
many factors, it is often difficult to diagnose. One must, however, guard against
making dogmatic conclusions about missionary behaviour, such that we
attribute every problem to stress. The illustrations given below are to help us
understand that cultural stresses are normal and they can be dealt with.
Cultural stress is unavoidable. All workers will face the stresses of
adjusting to a new culture. Recognising this fact - that “cultural stress” is normal
and unavoidable - prepares the worker to be alert to stress symptoms and to
learn to deal with them adequately. The intensity of the stress experienced
will vary from individual to individual as personalities and temperaments are
different. The nature of cross-cultural assignments also may differ widely. Some
are in situations where amenities are easily available and others in more remote
areas.
Case Study for Discussion
A Singaporean couple had been on their Asian field for about six months.
They were primarily engaged in language study and had also made some
friends. When their supervisor visited them, they had a lot to share about their
initial experiences. After talking about some positive experiences with their
new friendships, they spoke of their cultural stresses.
The dusty environment caused constant discomfort. Closing doors and
windows did little to prevent fine dust from settling everywhere. Tables were
dusty. The floor was dusty. Beds, curtains, furniture were all covered by dust.
The house had to be cleaned daily. The floors were mopped every morning.
But by evening, there was more dust.
The traffic flowed continuously by day and by night, with car horns
tooting. The couple had to leave early in the morning to catch their bus to
attend language school. If they left a little later, the traffic jams would be too
severe.