despedidas

****again, this is long overdue****

My last week in Mozambique was filled with despedidas, which is a type of going away party. It was such a sweet time to bring closure and get to say good bye to people I lived among. We had one on Thursday at the prayer meeting in my house. Then on Sunday, during church I was wrapped in capulanas and given enough hugs for a lifetime. They were a gift that the congregation came together to give me as a parting gift. The hearts of these people are so huge. 

This is Mama Lydia, one of the few people in the church over the age of thirty. She was a friend to me since my first few months. She is full of wisdom and has an extremely gentle spirit. She "presented" me in capulanas my last sunday, even though they look much better on Mozambicans than us malungo, white folk.

After church each sunday we have a large meal with the Schmidts, Blanks and all 11 of the interns. As I've said before it was a highlight of each week for me. We would not only eat together, but also shared lots of laughter. The guys got together and had a little gift for me. I then thanked them and said a mini speech, which is only culturally appropriate, all in Portuguese. A first for me. As tears came I was grateful for laughter, cause it was the only way I could keep talking. These people became my family that I love and cherish deeply!

 

reverse culture shock

**Warning** This is long overdue. Sorry for neglecting my blog. ****

When I left Mozambique I had to say good bye to many things. Culture, languages, dancing (in church), chappas, mosquito nets, dirty feet, a school, students, friends and family. Each of these are very special things to me that I learned to love. It wasn't easy. My time in Africa was precious. I watched God move in ways that I never experienced before. I caught new glimpses of His faithfulness and grace day after day.

According to wikipedia culture shock is "the anxiety and feelings felt when people have to operate within a different and unknown culture such as one may encounter in a foreign country." We have all heard of culture shock. On the opposite end of that is reverse culture shock. Entering into ones own culture after living in and adapting to a host culture.

I would self-diagnose myself to be in a stage of reverse culture shock now that I am adjusting and learning new things about America each day. I have been back for almost an entire month now, but I'm still discovering new things, what feels like every day.

I'd like to share with you some of my initial thoughts as I landed in the US:

In the airport:

• Wow! These chairs are bigger and roomier than I remember.
• I can actually understand (and overhear) every conversation going on around me.

The first night stateside:

• Why are we eating dinner while it's still so bright outside? (coming from winter where the sun sets at five to summer where it sets after 9)
• Remember, in America we drive on the "right" side of the road. 

The first week:

• Americans like to have options: crackers, shampoo, bbq sauces, tv, drinks, restaurants, etc.
• Why aren't there people walking around everywhere I go?
• perfectly cut lawns and side walks = no sand

While there are many things (and people) that I am missing from Mozambique, I am also learning how to appreciate and be grateful for America. To be surrounded by family and friends after such a long time apart, conveniences of dinner not having to take an hour to make, and the ability to go ultimately anywhere at anytime. I must say it's an interesting thing to be in a place so familiar, yet so strange.