True character is deeply held inside one’s person, that is, it is not simply
the product of external rewards and consequences. Rather, character transcends
various environments. As is often put, character is who you are when no one is
looking.
When traveling cross-culturally one finds that people are people, but not
all people think alike, that is, not all people value the same things the same
way. For example, while westerners often value tasks and achievement to the
point that we multitask to the point of exhaustion, many other cultures value
relationship more. What is right is not an either/or answer, but a balance of
the both/and. It is in the balance that one understands his or her character. In
shifting cultural contexts character remains consistent; it is just expressed
in different ways.
Today we were welcomed by the community of CCLS Uganda. Dancing, singing,
conversation, and games are just some ways we shared life together today. I
really enjoyed the time to learn names and hang out with the students at CCLS
Uganda. I’m looking forward to the dedication of the dormitory and celebration
tomorrow.
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