In Preparation Of Exploration

I'm starting this blog as a form of communication, self-expression, and documentation for my coming adventures. I hope for blogging to be an effective means of keeping in contact with family and friends when other forms of communication are scarce. Additionally, I want to immerse myself fully into the culture that I am visiting. I desire to be fully present wherever I am. That being said, may phone calls be few and photographs be much.

I decided my word of the year is "explore" and that is exactly what I plan on doing. In 2011, I will explore Germany and Italy. I will explore diverse cultures. Most importantly, I will explore myself. How do I define myself within my community? In what ways am I comfortable treading water and in what ways do I need to challenge myself? Have I made my home in Columbus or have I made my home in the Lord? Am I able to be apart from loved ones and find contentment where God has taken me and in Him?

I want to learn about how people live in other parts of the world. What makes them different? What makes their culture work? What defines relationships? How are families formed? What is expected of people during different stages of life? What do they value? Ultimately, what makes them who they are?  I recognize that all societies operate differently and I want to appreciate that in a new way.

Another thing I am excited to discover firsthand is how we are all the same. No, I may not speak German or Italian but I am certain that I can relate to the people I will encounter in some way. We may not speak the same language, have the same goals and futures, or even have our faith in the same place. However, each individual shares at least one thing in common- we are all human. We were all created by the same Maker and regardless of nationality, gender, race, or religion we are deeply loved in the eyes of that Maker. So while I do hope to learn the differences between one culture and the next, my hope even more is to recognize the similarities. In those similarities I hope to grow to love and appreciate each culture and person for who they are.

xoK