So I really didn't think that I would experience reverse culture shock upon returning to the US. But I was wrong. I guess it was not too drastic, but there are definitely some changes to be noted and it has led to some sort of embarrassment on my part. My brother Phil was talking to me in preparation for his wedding and he said some words where I just had no idea what they meant. I really did not want to admit that I did not know what he was talking about. This also happened in several other circumstances in talking about technology. I did not know what an iphone looked like and would have no clue what is on the market right now.
Sarah told me that she was nervous about coming back to the US due to her wardrobe possibly being out of style. Of course, we all know, at least I do, that fashion follows her. Sarah was clueless after her sister told her that she had bought a certain style of clothing for Evelyn. Anna replied that she would know soon enough cause "everyone had them."
I also found out that everything is not cool anymore. It is chill. And if you are really chill, you are mega chill. Well, I have had 4 weeks here so far and am trying to adjust. But the truth is that I probably won't fit in for a while. Basically that means that we will not fit in either place, which is kind of a weird feeling. I guess that is just part of life now. So for now I am just working on reaching the chill stage. I am not there yet, but maybe soon.
4 comments:
I was teaching a class among 18 to 24 year olds last week and I wanted to use something from video games as an example. I asked them how many have played video games (ever) and only 2 had.
I read a really good book a couple of years ago in preparation to returning to the US from 4 years in Mexico. It is called Re-Entry: Making the transition from missions to life at home.
The main thing about it that struck me was the concept that you will not be able to understand everything that went on back home while you were gone. Get over it! You also will not be able to adequately explain to people at home what you experienced on the field. Get over it!
Your friends won't be able to understand you, and you also have to realize that you don't completely understand them anymore. When we got home it was surprisingly hard for me to realize that my friends had lived 4 years without me. They had experiences that I was no longer a part of. Their life continued even though I was not there. It was hard to accept that they now have other friends that they have experienced 4 years with. I am not part of those experiences.
It was a good book to help me understand what was going on.
Re-Entry
Dude, you're always mega chili in my book. It was megalochill here in the Amazon this morning--only 70F degrees!!! Brrr! I actually wore my American church costume (suit jacket) through lunch and until afternoon. Didn't get unchilled until working out in the sun at 85 degrees. Nice cool day. I mean cheel. OK, so I'll learn Ticuna, you teach leadership training stuff and I'll translate for you, OK?
Michael
Isaiah and I will always be wierd enough to make you and Sarah feel "normal":)! I don't know when/if you will read this but could you message me your address? I wil be sending a package as soon as i get it!!
Praying for you!
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