This is the walking path up the hill to the campus centre and most of the academic buildings that we meet in. This little creek was overflowing its banks today after a brutal and quick rainstorm. We cross this creek by bridge to get to our accommodations - it's interesting to see its level each morning.
So I hit the saturation level today at about 10:15 a.m. this morning in the middle of a lecture on "Small Power Distance vs. Large Power Distance Cultures". Sounds kinda boring but it was quite fascinating actually...until I hit the moment my brain began to shout "That's enough!!! No more!!" Thankfully this afternoon we had a session just for dorm parents and it was interactive and full of great stories from our small group leaders who have been in dorm ministry for about 24 years. That perked me up some but I'm thankful, nonetheless, that tonight's activities have been postponed due to the rain.
FYI - small power distance cultures are Western societies like Canada and the US that are more egalitarian, value personal initiative and independence, spontaneity and respect for all people regardles of age and position. Large power distance cultures stress absolute authority, value conformity and harmony, tradition and respect for authority. This is Latin American and Asia.
Understanding the influence of power distance in the dorm parenting situation is crucial when working with different cultures all under one roof. Our Korean student may never question a rule or guideline because he believes it to be rude and insuborindate while the American kids will probably push the envelope in regard to rules. And the Korean student will think that the Americans are shameful and the Americans will think the Korean is a pushover. Oh the challenges that lie ahead of us!
We also learned all about being single in the international school culture and although we are married, it was helpful to see things from another's perspective. The woman who presented is in her fifties, single, and has served on four different fields. When asked why she never married, she curtly replies, "My husband's parents decided not to have kids." Isn't that hilarious??
Signing off for now - my brain is screaming at me again so I think I might veg out in front of a Corner Gas DVD!
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