Culture: Hot vs. Cold

Twenty-four Cross Cultural Interns with different personalities and backgrounds all going to different cultures around the world. The last few days we have been learning about the two main types of cultures: hot-climate cultures vs. cold-climate cultures. Growing up in Nairobi, Kenya I was surrounded by a hot-climate culture but living in Michigan has been a cold-climate culture experience. A hot-climate culture is very group centered, relational, indirect with their communication, inclusive of everyone around, spontaneous hospitality, high in manners and greetings, and are event conscience more than time conscience. Learning about these has been good and will help once I arrive in South Africa on the 20th of this month; however sitting in New York and hearing about it will be very different to experiencing it first hand and adjusting. 
Macy, Caleb, and I are the three interns starting in South Africa this year and we had the chance to talk to Abbie, an intern who has already spent a year in South Africa. Abbie shared about some of her struggles, ministry opportunities, and cultural experiences. I appreciated her honesty and advice and know she will be a big encouragement to the three of us when we arrive in country in less than two weeks. 
Thank you to all who are keeping me in your prayers throughout this time.

Many different cultures are represented in the U.S. How can you adjust your response to someone from a different culture?