Learning to COPE

How does one learn to cope with a new culture and language and not only survive but thrive? Can one learn to effectively minister in this new environment. Why do missionaries leave the field early and how do we prevent it from happening?

These are just some of the topics we covered at Cultural Orientation for Personal Effectiveness (COPE). This training was two weeks long and hosted by Wycliffe Canada at Trinity Western University in Langley, British Columbia, Canada. The training focused on several different areas including Spiritual, Personal, Language, Interpersonal, and Cultural. Many of the reasons missionaries leave the field are because of problems in these aspects such as issues adjusting to culture, learning the language, or interpersonal conflict. These different aspects were taught through classroom instruction, discussion groups, presentations, group activities and an assignment in Chinatown in Vancouver.
 
But as they say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here are a few pictures...

Classroom Time

 

During our trip to Chinatown in Vancouver - I loved the juxtaposition of the Chinese temple in the foreground and the big building of Vancouver in the background.

Our small group's skit on a cultural taboo (showing anger)

Another group's skit on a cultural awkward moment (guys holding hands)

One-on-one time with leaders