I think I can safely say I've milked the transition/re-entry/reverse culture shock thing long enough since I've been back in the States for three weeks now:). I did take a week of vacation in Florida (btw, I highly recommend taking a trip right after an international trip like what I had - no jet lag problems and plenty of time to relax!). I've been home in Pennsylvania for two weeks and I'm not sure how I did this, but I've been busy since coming home. Between seeing family members and going out to lunch with dear friends, each day has been full.
I've also been going through a lot of my stuff, all the while scratching my head and wondering why I have some things. Goodwill is definitely going to benefit:). Thankfully I am not the only one who has ever done this during the re-entry process. After living with just the basics in Thailand (hello hot water from the kitchen sink - I've missed you for the past year!), it seems a little weird and slightly materialistic to have so much. In fact I just stared at my bedroom when I first walked in to it, overwhelmed by the fact that it was my bedroom. I had a wonderful chat with my Pastor and wife who cautioned me not to go to the extreme of getting rid of everything, so I've taken that advice and sorted through the Goodwill pile again.
Overall my transition has been wonderful and I praise the Lord for that! I've been working through a Bible Study that was written by veteran missionaries who successfully made the transition to the States time and time again and this has been extremely helpful. I've also been writing down some of my thoughts from my time in Thailand and would like to eventually blog about some of it too. No worries ... I completely understand if you want to skip over those posts:).
Now the next step is to undertake some serious job hunting. Thankfully my bills are very minimal right now and I have money to cover them, so I don't have to rush out and get the first job that waves at me:). I know the Lord is going to provide - He is always faithful!!!!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Glad you're getting readjusted to life in the USA. Can't wait to read your retrospective thoughts on your time in Thailand. :)
So glad you're getting settled in. I'm so with you, when we go back for furlough I'm always amazed by the materialism in the states. Wow, are a country we are way rich.
anyhow, enjoy your time back and good luck with the job hunt!
Hey Anne!
I can't imagine how you feel - I know I felt a little of that with only being in China for one month - walking in a Toys-R-us about made me sick! I don't understand how Americans think we are suffering in our economy so much when we still have SO much compared to other countries!
What types of jobs are you hunting for?
Post a Comment