For
someone who thrives on living life abroad and the continuous challenges
that come with the territory, transitioning back to America has most
definitely been the hardest thing I've had to do in a long time. Moving
to Korea in 2016 had its own challenges, but it was a change I sought.
And somehow it was a change that allowed me to regain some semblance of
control. (Yeah right). When I made the decision to move back to
Oregon, it was purposeful, but I knew, I knew, control was not in
my grasp. I knew I was giving up independence. I knew I was giving up
space. I knew I was giving up financial security. And I knew I was
giving up a community that had become my safety net.
I also knew that I would be entering the phase of reverse culture shock. I tried preparing myself by reading what others wrote on the subject. But in the same way reading a travel book is nothing like experiencing that travel destination, knowing about the challenges of re-entry didn't lessen the blow. However, this is not a post about reverse culture shock. I know, it really looked like I was finally getting into the subject I've been hedging for several posts now. One day I'll get around to writing about it -- the good, the bad, the ugly.
For now, let's take a look back at 2018...
I took not one, but two trips to Guam within about 5 weeks of each other. This island holds a lot of special memories from childhood, but is also breathtaking in its own right. Although I was young when I used to live there, none of those memories were diminished by returning as an adult, (as is often the case). Actually, I believe the nostalgia intensified my joy at being back in a place I first called home. It was wonderful experiencing it with first my brother, and then with some friends.
I was thrilled to be able to attend the Winter Olympics held in South Korea in February. It was incredible, although entirely too cold for me. The events I focused on were ice hockey and ice skating; both indoor sports of course. Sharing it with these folks made it all the better!
The end of March brought me and a small YISS team to Bangkok for our short-term mission trip. I went last year, but this year I had the privilege of leading the team back to my old stomping grounds. It was both fulfilling and stressful. We had a lot of last minute challenges pop up, including losing team members, but through it all, God was faithful. The girls were safe and had a great time. It was beautiful seeing them step up as leaders and minister to both children and women. (It took a lot of scrounging for pictures; somehow I deleted all of mine! Yes, I'm devastated.)
I've mentioned my Seoul community before, but now I want to show you them, because they helped keep me sane, grow in my faith, and support me through my self-discovery. Everything from after church lunches and hangouts, to beach trips, to potlucks, to weddings - my heart was filled to overflowing with this bunch!
But then the arduous task of goodbyes came, and I eased some of the pain by visiting SE Asia before returning to America. I spent my birthday in Chiang Mai with friends, visiting the children's home I had become attached to, and eating my way through the city. With a brief stop in Bangkok visiting with my old church family, I was on my way to Manila for a whirlwind visit!
August/September brought me to Greece for two reasons: volunteer with Lighthouse Relief again, and conduct a vision trip to gain a greater understanding of what lay in store for me with GEM as I raised support. This trip was so incredibly crucial! Not only was I able to gain first-hand experience with refugees and learn more about the situation in Greece, but it helped me figure out where I want to serve once my support is raised. I thought I'd be heading back to Lesvos, but God showed me the need in Athens was much greater and where I could serve to the best of my abilities.
And finally, learning how to live life in rural Oregon again. Eight years in giant metropolitan areas conditioned me for a different lifestyle, but returning to Oregon where everyone speaks English and engages in small talk on a regular basis made me feel like a fish out of water. It's not the thriving one might expect returning to one's hometown. It's not the ease, the relief, of slipping back into the intimately familiar. But, that's for another post. Instead, it is reacquainting myself with childhood friends. It is remembering how to socialize with Oregonians exclusively. It is readjusting to a slower pace of life with nature at one's fingertips. And it is ultimately a time to thank God in all things -- even when I do not feel thankful. Because how can I be who God wants me to be without being sharpened by the people He brings into my life?
I also knew that I would be entering the phase of reverse culture shock. I tried preparing myself by reading what others wrote on the subject. But in the same way reading a travel book is nothing like experiencing that travel destination, knowing about the challenges of re-entry didn't lessen the blow. However, this is not a post about reverse culture shock. I know, it really looked like I was finally getting into the subject I've been hedging for several posts now. One day I'll get around to writing about it -- the good, the bad, the ugly.
For now, let's take a look back at 2018...
I took not one, but two trips to Guam within about 5 weeks of each other. This island holds a lot of special memories from childhood, but is also breathtaking in its own right. Although I was young when I used to live there, none of those memories were diminished by returning as an adult, (as is often the case). Actually, I believe the nostalgia intensified my joy at being back in a place I first called home. It was wonderful experiencing it with first my brother, and then with some friends.
I was thrilled to be able to attend the Winter Olympics held in South Korea in February. It was incredible, although entirely too cold for me. The events I focused on were ice hockey and ice skating; both indoor sports of course. Sharing it with these folks made it all the better!
The end of March brought me and a small YISS team to Bangkok for our short-term mission trip. I went last year, but this year I had the privilege of leading the team back to my old stomping grounds. It was both fulfilling and stressful. We had a lot of last minute challenges pop up, including losing team members, but through it all, God was faithful. The girls were safe and had a great time. It was beautiful seeing them step up as leaders and minister to both children and women. (It took a lot of scrounging for pictures; somehow I deleted all of mine! Yes, I'm devastated.)
I've mentioned my Seoul community before, but now I want to show you them, because they helped keep me sane, grow in my faith, and support me through my self-discovery. Everything from after church lunches and hangouts, to beach trips, to potlucks, to weddings - my heart was filled to overflowing with this bunch!
But then the arduous task of goodbyes came, and I eased some of the pain by visiting SE Asia before returning to America. I spent my birthday in Chiang Mai with friends, visiting the children's home I had become attached to, and eating my way through the city. With a brief stop in Bangkok visiting with my old church family, I was on my way to Manila for a whirlwind visit!
August/September brought me to Greece for two reasons: volunteer with Lighthouse Relief again, and conduct a vision trip to gain a greater understanding of what lay in store for me with GEM as I raised support. This trip was so incredibly crucial! Not only was I able to gain first-hand experience with refugees and learn more about the situation in Greece, but it helped me figure out where I want to serve once my support is raised. I thought I'd be heading back to Lesvos, but God showed me the need in Athens was much greater and where I could serve to the best of my abilities.
And finally, learning how to live life in rural Oregon again. Eight years in giant metropolitan areas conditioned me for a different lifestyle, but returning to Oregon where everyone speaks English and engages in small talk on a regular basis made me feel like a fish out of water. It's not the thriving one might expect returning to one's hometown. It's not the ease, the relief, of slipping back into the intimately familiar. But, that's for another post. Instead, it is reacquainting myself with childhood friends. It is remembering how to socialize with Oregonians exclusively. It is readjusting to a slower pace of life with nature at one's fingertips. And it is ultimately a time to thank God in all things -- even when I do not feel thankful. Because how can I be who God wants me to be without being sharpened by the people He brings into my life?
As
I look forward to what 2019 holds, I am confident that God will carry
me through the challenges and bring me out the other side more resilient
than ever.
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