Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Reverse Culture Shock

I have held dying babies and seen abject poverty and now I'm back in the States and having to choose between 201 breakfast cereal choices.

I don't know how to process this.

8 comments:

Elisabeth said...

Yeah. I get you. I get you. On several levels.....
One day at a time. Take it one day at a time.
And maybe you're not SUPPOSSED to adjust. Just sayin......;)

Elisabeth said...

Yeah. I get you. I get you. On several levels.....
One day at a time. Take it one day at a time.
And maybe you're not SUPPOSSED to adjust.
Just sayin......;)

I'm praying for ya!

wakeupcowboys said...

The cold cereal and the food for pets aisles--both obscene.

Heather, Rick, and Tendai! said...

Hey girl... i understand. totally. walmart made me have a panic attack the first time. however, take a moment to enjoy what is available and try not to get to angry at first world luxurys- it only make us bitter against the blessings God has provided- even if they come in the form of Captain Crunch or ... even better... Lucky Charms and Chocolate Chips! :)
We miss you guys and hope to catch you for at least a meal when we are in Pretoria! Love ya!

Anonymous said...

Hi there!

I agree with Elizabeth...maybe the rest of us need to learn to adjust to what you have seen, not the other way around.

Elisabeth said...

Yep. We SHOULDN'T be comfortable & used to this culture. I think it's a GOOD, BEAUTIFUL thing that Annie has culture shock. Means she has the heart of Jesus. Looks at this world in the rare correct way;)

Andrea said...

Don't know you but through mention of our mutual friend Heather (Neufeld)but SO know what you are going through. We have been back from Mozambique since last September and I still find myself floundering...it won't be normal and Elisabeth said it well, maybe it's not supposed to be. We just learn to move in grace and function, enjoying the blessings but mindful of the drastic differences. Different is not always wrong just SO VERY different. Pray that you adjust enough. Blessings from a fellow foreigner in her own homeland.

Teacup said...

I know exactly what you mean. I've been a missionary in Africa for 11 years in Zim, Uganda and now South Africa. I think the best thing is that it puts you in touch with reality, you don't have to lose that. :)