The Challenges of Servanthood

"We are not called to help people.  We are called to follow Jesus, in whose service we learn who we are and how we are to help and be helped."                                    

--Stanley Haurwas and William Willimon

As I've talked about a whole lot, I'm going to China soon.  In 26 days to be exact!  Before we go, we are supposed to read a book called Cross-Cultural Servanthood.  I started a few days ago and, wow... talk about impactful.  And convicting.  Basically, the whole book is about better understanding what sevanthood involves and how to practically apply it in other cultures.  The author talks about the fact that missionaries overseas are so often viewed as having attitudes of superiority, usually as a result of simple ignorance about the new culture they have been immersed in.  He tells a humorous, yet sad story about a monkey and a fish to illustrate his point.
"A typhoon had temporarily stranded a monkey on an island.  In a secure, protected place on the shore, while waiting for the raging waters to recede, he spotted a fish swimming against the current.  It seemed obvious to the monkey that the fish was struggling and in need of assistance.  Being of kind heart, the monkey resolved to help the fish.  A tree precariously dangled over the very spot where the fish seemed to be struggling.  At considerable risk to himself, the monkey moved far out on a limb, reached down and snatched the fish from the threatening waters.  Immdiately scurrying back to the safety of his shelter, he carefully laid the fish on dry ground.  For a few moments the fish showed excitement, but soon settled into a peaceful rest. Joy and satisfction swelled inside the monkey.  He had successfully helped another creature."
I loved this story because, although I've never left the country, it seemed to me a perfect analogy of those of us who are quick to call ourselves "servants" when we really have no understanding of the need.
As I prepare to leave for China, I feel like I'm becoming more and more aware of those things about the Chinese culture that I will have a hard time understanding. Why do people in other cultures have such a loose sense of time?  I love and respect punctuality.  I know it will be a challenge for me to have the attitude of a servant when people are late/don't show up/aren't concerned about timelines.  One aspect of Chinese culture that I think  will enjoy is that the Chinese aren't big on touching.  Neither am I, so this might work out perfectly!
 I'm sure I will learn many more cultural differences once I actually get to China :)
Anyway, I'm only about half way through the book, but so far I would highly recommend it to anyone, whether or not you have plans of leaving America.