Assignment #3

Mission Very Possible: Experience at a Baptist Church

On 9/22/2013, I embarked on a mission unlike no other, that was go to a Baptist church on Sunday. Many may be thinking, "Why is that such a wild mission"? Well, I am use to worshiping on the Seventh-day Sabbath, and have never gone to a Sunday church, but I do believe it was rewarding. When I walked into the doors of "First Baptist Church", located in Hyattsville , MD; I felt a warmth from the people around me.They were very friendly. The people were  full of life and very excited to praise God. During this field study, I desired greatly to have a one on one interview with the senior pastor, but I was unable. I enjoyed the service and the message from the speaker. I did noticed that the music was very lively (which I experience at my church every week). A lot of energy filled this place. I enjoyed seeing the different people and brightnesses in their faces. The building its self was very nice and the sanctuary was in order. This was a diverse attendance that was very energetic.
As the service was going on, I became more and more comfortable. I received many hugs and hand shacks.   After the service I did a quick interview with a elderly woman. She told of her experiences at this church and what it has meant to her and her family. She told me of the beliefs of this church and the leadership. I listened and wrote down a great deal of notes. She told me that this church believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and saviour (As I do as well). They believe in giving back to the community and showing the love of God in action (As I do as well). They also believed in the soon coming of Jesus (Same as me). After I listened to this kind woman, I had a fellowship meal with the people. As some may already know, Adventist are known as mostly Vegetarian and Vegan, believing that our bodies and minds are connected and both must be treated with great care. At fellowship meals, usually this plant-based diet is promoted. I see this is different in other circles (which I expected). But, what I was able to eat, I enjoyed and thanked the severs for their hospitality. Overall, great experience! I didn't know how I would handle this religious cultural shock, but things went pretty well! I enjoyed the people and the environment, I would do it again!

Intercultual Field Study: Brazian Culture

On 9/4/13 and 9/5/13, I conducted my field study research on the culture of Brazil. The place of my
observation was on campus at Washington Adventist University. I began to interview friends about
their culture, and took notes of their interaction with others and especially those of their very
culture.

At 5:12pm on 9/4/13, I noticed hugs and one kiss on the check by a young man to another
young lady of the same ethnicity. I first thought they were in a romantic relationship, found out this
was apart of the culture, which is very interesting. When I interviewed him at 3:23pm on 9/5/13 , he
told me that usually two kisses are given by the opposite sex, which is a friendly gesture. Men usually
shack hands and give one kiss, while two females give two. These people are very social in interaction with others. From what I observed, I saw them very close to one another, especially of those who looked like the same ethnicity. But, overall they seem warm and friendly to mostly
everyone.  I was told by a Brazilian young lady that they enjoy community.

So, it is not a shock that while I observed friends at 3:50 on 9/5/13, they were usually in a group. As I have also noticed many enjoy the sport of soccer. At 4:56 on 9/5/13 a Brazilian young lady I know, told me she loves soccer and was trying out for the team. I was told this is the countries favorite sport. I noticed many
were in good physical shape and enjoyed the sun and the outdoors. I noticed Brazilian apparel and
great pride for their country. I also noticed their exuberance and joy while playing. Of course there
were many other ethnicity's out on the field, but the Brazilians I knew were full of smiles and energy,
I  thought that was worth noting. Around 7:00pm of the same day. while outside, walking toward the
main building at school,  a Brazilian friend seemed very cold as the temperature went down, as night
began to fall. I was told that she did not enjoy the cool air, and began to cough. She told me all she
was use to was the warmer weather and her body could not handle the cool. She dressed very warm.
I see that many Brazilians love the warm climate, which makes sense. Lastly, a Brazilian
friend taught me a few phrases in Portuguese, which was amazing. I cannot remember all I have
learned, but speaking Portuguese for the first time was fun. She taught me the word for "hey" in
Portuguese, which is "Ei". Then taught me to say, "How are you" in Portuguese, which is "como voce
esta". She taught me more, but I cannot remember all that I was taught. I learned a great deal over a
spend of two days. I learned that Brazilians were very warm and friendly. They enjoyed the
sun, playing and interacting with others. They love their nation and had a great language, Great
experience!

Intercultural Communication