Cultural Preparation

Being and living in another culture can offer many insights into your own culture, your own faith journey, and is an opportunity to hear the voice of God.  Even though it can be challenging and disorienting to be in another culture, an attitude of open eyes and an open heart can bring rich rewards.  Experiencing a different culture helps volunteers become global Christians who better understand the rest of the world. 

Culture exerts a powerful influence on our day-to-day living and wields most of its influence upon us unconsciously.  To encounter a culture different from our own requires careful preparation.

Here are some helpful things to know about Honduran culture:

³        Alcohol and Smoking Taboo:  In Honduras, both drinking alcohol and smoking—even in moderation—are behaviors that not compatible with being a Christian.  Yes, the Honduran perception of these acts is really this strong and negative!  For this reason, drinking and smoking by UMVIM team members reflects very poorly on the local Honduran Methodist Church.  Please do not smoke or drink alcohol at ANY time during your stay in Honduras.  If this is a problem for a team member, he or she should not participate in the mission trip to Honduras.

³        Greetings: When greeting people, hugging is acceptable and welcomed. The common greeting is a light hug while touching your check to theirs and making a kissing sound into the air or an actual light kiss on the cheek.  Men will greet each other with a handshake and sometimes a hug if it is a close friend.

³        Gestures: The “okay” sign of the U.S. is obscene in Honduras.  A thumbs-up sign is much more accepted. 

³        How to Dress: Shorts are not generally part of the culture in most of Honduras, even on a worksite.  Sleeveless shirts are fine, but no thin or spaghetti straps please.  Dress simply for worship: skirts for women, short-sleeve collar shirts (knit or otherwise) for men.  Leave all jewelry, or at least all but the most simple jewelry, at home. 

³        Conversation: North Americans are quick to “get to the point”, and are often perceived as being too direct and open.  Diplomacy and tact are useful to avoid giving offense.

³        Personal space:  In Honduras, people stand closer when conversing.  Honduran friends, both men and women, often walk arm in arm along the street. 

³        Sense of time:  Living by the clock is not as important in Honduras as in North America.  There is a general understanding that meeting and starting times are flexible.  See unexpected waiting times as opportunities to connect with others!

³        Attention from community:  The act of watching others (what North Americans might call “staring”) is acceptable in the Honduran culture, especially watching people who are interesting and different, like mission team members.  Try not to take offense.

³        Photography:  Try to ask permission before taking someone’s picture. (“Puedo?” while pointing to your camera usually works to communicate. It means: “May I?”)  Whenever possible, establish a relationship with people before asking to take their picture.  Even eye contact and smiles can warm your subjects to the idea of having their picture taken.  Be sensitive—private moments deserve to be kept private. 

³      Expect less than first-class accommodations.  There may be a water shortage, bugs, lack of privacy, cold showers, dusty car/bus rides, monotonous menus, a cracked toilet seat, etc.  Before you complain, think about how your complaints can sound to local folks who live in these conditions—or worse—all the time.  Please be a gracious guest in the spirit of Christ .

³      Expect differences in sanitation and personal hygiene.

³      Use the waste can next to the toilet for toilet tissue.  Paper will clog the toilet.

³      Pedestrians do NOT have the right-of-way.  Watch for cars and bikes—they won’t slow down for you!

³      Many in Honduras point with their lips to direct attention quickly and easily.  It’s not blowing kisses, but part of the culture in Honduras.

³      Hondurans are accustomed to using terms of respect.  Pastor/Pastora, Don / Doña, Maestro (foreman), hermano/hermana with first names.

³      Honduras has a culture of machismo, so gender issues sometimes surface.  The UM church of Honduras has a theology of equality, but there are sometimes cat-calls and whistles toward young North American women from men outside the congregation.  Best to ignore it.  If there is a time when a woman on the team feels strange about attention received, please let someone know.