We're living on campus at harding grad. and although the apartment is small it is so nice to have all our things in one place. While unpacking these boxes I'm reminded of our lives before. For one thing we have distinct personal boxes. The labels say "Kyle's books" or "Rebecca's stuff". This past year in China really meshed us together as one unit. I'm not sure if we packed our belongings again if we would need to specify whose stuff everything is because it's all OURS.
Another thing I've learned about myself is I'm shocked at how much stuff we have! Before we went to China we sold most of our things and we still have SO much more than we had in China. It's nice to have these things but it's hard, after seeing how the Chinese live, not to feel guilty for having nice things.
Although re-entry has been confusing and not so fun at times we're making it. It really helps to have friends who understand, family who loves us no matter how weird we are, and a God who loves, blesses and cares for us everyday.
You are probably experiencing reverse culture shock. But I have no doubt that you will use your "stuff" to the glory of God. Open your home as you did in China.....you have a much harder culture to work with, but they need you just as badly.
ReplyDeleteI love ya and look forward to reading your blogs.
Layna
Rebecca, I am thankful you and Kyle are settling into school, but not fitting in too easily. It testifies to some of the ways God shaped you through your time in China.
ReplyDeleteI believe that individualism is one of the primary ways that our culture here "conforms" us, which God wants to "transform." Your comment about your stuff reflects a lessening of your individualism.
Often people have to leave a culture to gain perspective on how it has shaped them. The more difficult re-entry is, the more your cultural-colored glasses have been removed.
You experienced culture-shock when you went to China. You and most everyone expected that to happen. Many assume you can return without having similar challenges, but that is only true if your experiences never point out the ways your home culture shapes you.
Having our citizenship in heaven enables us to go where God calls, make the cultural adaptations to be able to communicate and then re-enter with greater capacity to see "home" from a different angle. Stay open to the things the Holy Spirit will reveal to you about yourself, your nation and your future. He is in the transformation business.
Blessings!
Becca, good to see you in the bloggin' world again! John, your comment is longer than her blog... lol. They are both great.
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