East Meets West: A Cultural Exchange
by Kazarian
In today’s society, where travel is expensive and potentially dangerous, how can we expand our awareness of global culture and increase our personal understanding of our fellow citizens of the world? By opening our doors to other cultures.
I recently had the opportunity to meet with two women from Japan who were visiting the United States through the World Youth Visit Exchange Association. We had some very nice conversations, and we all learned a little more about each other’s cultures. By building even the smallest bridges of understanding, we can cross the torrent rivers of hate and ignorance without getting wet. Even within your culture, seeking understanding can only make you stronger.
I love people. I am fascinated by different traditions, stories, be-liefs, and cultures. What makes the diversity of our world even more curious and unique is that you can take all those differences away and find similarities. Let us unite through discovering the things we have in common while celebrating the beautiful variety that our global populace displays; strive for unity without uniformity. (The URANTIA Book, p. 1732:02 and 1965:02)