Introduction

For this cultural immersion the student went to a monastery in Conyers. The student has
grown up Christian, however she was very interested to see how the monks lived and what their
life was like in the monastery. Before going on the cultural immersion her idea of monks was
somewhat limited. She thought that the monks would be very serious, with bald heads and
humming all day! The movies have tended to make monks to be like that, and even though some
may live their lives that way, not all are like that.
She decided to do this immersion because she was interested in seeing how the monks
conducted life day to day. She and a small group from her church went at the beginning of
September, and they learned about the culture of the monks!
Monastery of the Holy Spirit
The social work student went to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit, which is about an hour
from where she lives. The student was taking a tour of the campus that the monks both lived and
worked. She got to see and talk with some of the monks, as well as view their chapel and
different rooms filled with history about them. She watched a short video clip that helped explain
and discuss how the monks had gotten to this point, and what they were about.
Internal Questioning/After the Activity
After the visit at the monastery, and reading about history of the monks as well as talking
with some, the social work student felt very inspired. She thought it was great encouragement in
her own faith to witness monks who dedicate their whole life to honoring God in everything they
do. Some of the monks even took the vow of silence. She was moved by the experience, and
hopes to one day go back to the monastery.
Research/Summary of Interest
The social work student would like to research the difference between the monks who
took the vow of silence, and those who did not. She would like to see if there are monks who
have taken the vow of silence for only a few years, which they are allowed to do, and talk with
them about what life was like before and after taking the vow of silence. She is interested to see
if their relationship with God, their lifestyle, and their work ethic changed during the years they
were silent, and if so how.
Continued Cultural Work
To continue searching for cultural competency within the group of monks, the social
work student would like to go back and visit the monastery. She would like to sit down with a
monk and really get to talk to them in depth about their life and how they got to the place that
they are in.
Introduction
This interview with a Messianic Jewish female who is a friend of the social work student.
Before interview her friend, Brittany, as well as some others who attended temple, the social
work had the idea that messianic Jews were the same as regular Jewish beliefs. She did not know
much about the beliefs and cultures of the messianic Jews, and was excited to be talking with her
friend about it.