Relating To Mexican Culture  

 

We represent Casas, our country and Jesus Christ. Let us be positive examples to those who don’t yet follow him.

Relating to People in Another Culture

1. Be friendly! Many may assume that you are a proud American stooping to their level. This barrier must be broken down by love.  

2. Show an interest in their way of life. People like to talk about themselves. So ask and listen. Respect their customs even when you can't understand them.

3. Don't compare your country and their country. If people ask about our politics or divorce rate or discrimination., don’t make excuses. Agree that we have problems or say, “Our President doesn’t ask my advice; let’s talk about you and me.”

Yourself

1. Adapt to their ways as much as possible - do not ask them to adapt to yours – especially relating in modesty with people of the opposite sex or showing respect in how you dress (see “Dress” section).

2. Keep a high moral standard – good manners, modesty, and avoid extreme shows of affection among couples.

Preparing Yourself Before You Go

1. Practice whatever Spanish you have – this shows you are interested in relating to people where they are at.

2. Read about prayer walking at www.GoCasas.com/pw.htm

3. Pray for safety, protection from evil, a personal connection to share God’s love, spiritual growth through serving.

What to Bring

1. Please leave electronic devices like ipods, TVs or Walkmen at home. No tobacco or controlled substances.

2. Bring with you EITHER a passport OR BOTH of the following:  (1) government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license) AND (2) proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate).

 

Dress

Women:  When working outdoors wear pants and blouses with sleeves; midriff should be covered completely. No shorts. For events in church buildings, wear a skirt or dress (with the shoulders and knees always covered, even when seated). Light make-up or none at all, please. Do not wear multiple earrings or visible body piercing, please.

Men:  When working outdoors wear sports shirts or colored T-shirts and jeans or pants without holes. Traditionally Mexicans wear white T-shirts only as underclothing. Do not wear any earrings or visible body piercing. No shorts or tank tops please. For events in church buildings wear a shirt with a collar and slacks (not jeans).

 

Giving and Receiving

1. Accept hospital acts or gifts – food or their acts of hospitality. Share their fruit, etc., when it is offered.  

2. Do not take a lot of pictures without the people's permission. It makes you look like a tourist instead of a worker.  

3. Do not give money or other objects directly to people. If people have financial requests or needs they should to go directly to their neighborhood cell group or Roberto. That way there is culturally-relevant accountability. 

5. Be careful so you don't slip or bump your head. OSHA has have never governed construction in Mexico. 

Mexico Culture 

Attitudes: This culture is warm, friendly, and courteous. They are also suspicious of strangers and reserved in their response. Every Mexican deserves our respect as visiting guests in their country. Parents care what we teach their children. They are concerned about the attitudes and influences we will have upon them. Thus, they will watch everything we do to determine our true motives.

Discipline: Small children are not tightly controlled. Parents are strict with older youth, especially girls. They are heavily chaperoned when in mixed company. The girls are expected to maintain reserve in public.  

Boy/Girl: Teenage boys are relatively free; girls do not go places alone and don’t offer to shake hands with males.

Education: Although many older adults have not received opportunities for education, they have overcome odds to succeed in raising a family and dealing with normal adult issues. Youth have had more schooling.

Religion: Most people claim to be Roman Catholic even though they may not know its teachings. They do think they should do good works to gain merit. They think of the saints and the Virgin as part of their heritage. To condemn them stirs up dissension without advancing the gospel. Bible study is not common so no Bible truth can be assumed to be common knowledge.