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Intercultural Understanding
When we live in
isolation it is easy but also dangerous to see things
from only one point of view. Many of us never have the
opportunity to be introduced to other cultures. In 2000 I
had my opportunity to travel to another country. Our police
chaplain helped
 organize
an exchange program with the Vladimir, Russia Police
Department. A group of Marion Police Department officers,
Grant County Sheriff Department Deputies, a City of Marion
Councilman, and two police chaplains spent ten days in
Russia. We lived in the homes of the Russian officers, ate
their food, learned some of their language, and were
introduced to their culture. What made this trip even more
gratifying is that for so long the Russian people and
American people had lived as enemies. Now I was able to see
for myself what wonderful, intelligent, and loving people the
Russian people are. One of the most memorable parts of my
trip was sitting in the living room of my host family and
watching a video of their small daughter. I realized that
although we are different in some ways, we are all humans
who share the same emotions -- love, pain, caring,
compassion, and a desire to provide for our families.
I have now been to Russia a total of seven times and with
each trip I gain a new sense of respect and love for the
people I no longer call enemy, but now call family.
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