The First Day: Embracing the Unknown in a New Culture

There are moments in the missionary journey—moments of overwhelming excitement mixed with utter physical exhaustion—that you know, deep down in your bones, are going to change you. You arrive somewhere completely new, and the sheer volume of sensory input can make you feel dizzy, like the world is spinning on a different axis.

That feeling of being simultaneously overwhelmed and utterly thrilled is the hallmark of arriving in a new culture. It’s the feeling of standing on the precipice of a monumental experience. When I was preparing to go to the Philippines, I remember that exact feeling. It was a mix of nervousness and pure, unadulterated excitement. The place was so different, and everything—from the sounds to the sights—felt utterly foreign. But that feeling, my friends, is exactly where the work begins.

Our first day, after the mission president’s encouraging pep talk, was a whirlwind. We were getting our bearings, meeting our trainers, and trying to absorb two years of cultural context in a matter of hours. It’s a lot to take in!

The Lesson in the Local Market

The most memorable part of that initial day wasn't the organized mission activities; it was a simple, unplanned interaction in the local market. My trainer was helping me navigate, and I was genuinely curious about a local food called *balute*. It sounds unusual, but it's a boiled duck egg containing a baby duck. Before I could even ask if it was appropriate to eat, someone walked by selling them, and I had the chance to try one right then and there.

This little moment—the unexpected stop, the strange food, the spontaneous opportunity—became a profound lesson in cultural humility. I realized that sometimes, the greatest lessons aren't found in the official training sessions or the planned talks; they are found in the spontaneous moments of curiosity. You have to be willing to ask the 'silly' questions, the questions about the food, the questions about the customs, because those small moments are where true understanding lives.

Your Culture Is Always Changing

As returned missionaries, we often focus on the grand, big moments—the successful teaching, the wonderful revelation. But the truly powerful moments are the small, daily acts of adaptation and open curiosity. That is the core skill of the disciple, whether you are in Quezon City, Salt Lake City, or right here in your own living room.

The great truth we are called to remember is that the Lord wants us to see the world—and the people in it—through eyes of genuine, joyful curiosity. Don't be afraid to ask, "Why?" or "How?" even if you feel like you "should" know the answer. That openness is what allows the Spirit to work.

The Disciple's Skill: Embracing the First-Time Experience

For those of you who are currently preparing for a mission, or even if you are simply serving as a disciple anywhere, here is a bite-sized skill for your week: **Practice cultural curiosity.** When you encounter something unfamiliar—a phrase, a tradition, a dish, a perspective—don't dismiss it. Instead, treat it like *balute*. Be willing to ask about it, to try it, and to learn the story behind it. This mindset is essential for the work.

Keep the Work Going

The beauty of the Latter-day Saint movement is that we are not confined by geography. Every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. If you want to deepen your knowledge of cultural sensitivity and effective communication, I highly recommend reading *Preach My Gospel* again, focusing specifically on the chapters about sharing the gospel in diverse cultures.

If you feel ready to practice this skill in a low-stakes environment, join a **Book Club** in HolyPlaces! It's a wonderful way to dive into scripture-discipleship with fellow members. And if you're just starting out, check out our free weekly Disciple Challenge—it's designed to give you actionable, immediate ways to be more Christlike in your daily life.

Need help translating a complex doctrinal question into a simple, compassionate answer? My co-pilot, Davee, is ready to assist! Use his **AI Investigator** role to walk through the hard questions you might face in your own life or discussions, helping you feel prepared and confident in the Spirit.

We are doing the work, together. Let's keep that curiosity alive!