Counting to 7 Billion by Ones

By , July 4, 2013 9:21 am

The orientation for my upcoming trip to India held many nuggets of wisdom. Dr. Tim Flood, professor at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, was our first guest lecturer and his honest and intuitive assessments of culture wove their way through all of our time in Raleigh. Do you harbor stereotypes? ‘Of course not! Well at least not prejudicial ones,’ I thought to myself. Dr. Flood quickly demonstrated that yes, we do and for most of us it is a necessity. With over 7 billion people in the world how else would you even begin to get to know and understand each other?

“Culture is behavior. The way we know culture is through behavior. The way we understand culture is through introspection.” Our behavior and the behavior of others combines and from my assessment that combination can be gentle or combustive. Our communication does not belong to us once we put it out there – others interpret, assess, and yes, judge what we do and say, receiving our words and actions as they are able. This entire concept helped put me into a new place of observer. This trip to India has untapped power. A transformative estuary of sorts that is sure to discomfort, delight, and at times disagree with me.

What are my goals? To be open and fluid to the people, places, and circumstances I encounter. To release my expectations, misconceptions, and stereotypes to allow this sojourn to mellow my soul and strengthen my connection to the citizens of this earth. To give. Yes, we are heading as delegates to learn from India in order to teach our students in NC how to be global partners with this burgeoning society, but what do I have to give in return? Delegates have been partnered to visit and teach in schools where there will be little English spoken. How will I, a teacher of literature, be able to instruct a 10th grader at The Bishops School in anything of value?  What can I share with the students at Nimgaon Bhogi Village High School that will give them the experience of learning something from an American teacher? Something that our contact there, Armene Modi, founder and chairperson of Ashta No Kai organization has stressed. Her words of advice: “…it might be best to plan on using body language, gestures etc., and avoid as far as possible translations so that the students’ self-confidence will also be boosted that they were able to actually communicate/understand American teachers.” American teachers. Wow, this value for educators before we even prove our worth humbles.

Suspending my disbelief I shore myself with the thought that by opening my mind and heart to the universal language of love, dignity and respect, I will have something to give. I know I have much to learn. Would you like to share that learning with me? We leave tomorrow.

Now as I ready

To travel to India

I open my arms

Thanks to Dr. Tim Flood for the inspirational quotes, title, and jumping off point. Thank you to the BBC news and Ghetty images for the young newspaper vendor from Bangalore. Thank you, Armene Modi. We haven’t even met yet but the stories of milk and bicycles for the women of Pune make you a hero in my eyes. To wings of possibility!

7 Responses to “Counting to 7 Billion by Ones”

  1. Erin Cadigan says:

    This is exciting! The opportunity to strengthen our cultural bonds and create a positive impression of the American people is priceless. Have faith that you always have something of value to offer, we all do! Know that these kids will have something to offer you. And have faith, you are an excellent teacher!

  2. Jay A says:

    So excited for you and very much looking forward to reading about your journey! XO….

  3. Paul says:

    Blessings of peace as you journey into the wide open. I miss you. Eagerly awaiting your posts.

  4. Jay and Paul, Thank you for taking the time to say hello. You both would love this – so much energy and LIFE! You are coming along for the ride.

  5. Nicole says:

    LORRAINE, How exciting! One of my dearest friends, and former students’ mother, is the founder of Made by Survivors. It us an rescue and empowerment for women and children of human trafficking. In fact, she just finished her book telling how it all began and how everyone can make a positive difference in the world, even without money or even a particular skill set. Perseverance and passion required. She travels there often, has many contacts in Calcutta, Mumbai, Darjeeling, as well as Nepal and Cambodia. Not sure how long you’ll be on this journey, but should you find yourself in need of American contact in the country, or have a chance to visit one if their jewelry centers, let me know. You would be humbled and overjoyed at the courage of the survivors. Let me know. Her book is on Amazon, This is No Ordinary Joy, Sarah Symons. Edited by yours truly. Love your pics and blog. Love, nicole

  6. Nicole says:

    p. S. Don’t you love all my typos, autocorrects, and grammatical errors. I’m not to savvy with my new phone yet.

  7. Gurpreet says:

    Welcome to India!

    Its festival time in India – Happy Diwali – the festival of lights – may the light within be lighted.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sri-sri-ravi-shankar/diwali_b_4172058.html

    Lorraine, Your post on India has been referenced at https://sites.google.com/site/ashtanokai/home/mediareports/the-teaching-journey-2013

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