There are so many things I missed about Vancouver. So many wonderful things I forgot about or didn’t realize how wonderful they were until I got to experience them again after three weeks away.
I forgot how comfortable my bed is.
I forgot how wonderful it is to brush your teeth with tap water.
I forgot about having a beer in the sunshine with people you love.
I forgot how clean you feel after a hot shower.
I forgot that people don’t look you in the eye here, or stop to say hello to a stranger.
I forgot that people care deeply, too much, about their image and wear it all over.
I forgot that we take better care of our trees and beaches than we do other people.
I forgot that we are more aware of the death of a celebrity than the needs of our friends.
People warned me about post-trip depression. But they didn’t warn me about culture shock. Nobody told me that I would look around at my city and feel sick about how completely self absorbed it is. I don’t know what to do with this perspective I’ve gained. I don’t think selling all my possessions and moving to the African bush is the answer. I still love this beautiful, lost city and know without a doubt that this is where God wants me. I came back and I’m the same, but not. What does it really look like to be in the world but not of the world?
After my first missions trip (I was 14 then) my first reaction was hatred towards the church in North America. It took me years to recover, but God is faithful and has taught me a lot. That experience has really made me see the importance of being prepared for that culture shock coming back.
Love you and so excited to talk about your trip later! 🙂
I don’t feel hatred, just more frustration with our culture in general. Longing for it to be redeemed. But I’m glad I did a trip like this when I was a little older because I don’t think I could have handled it at 14!!
Excited to chat too!
I think in so many ways it is a beautiful thing to see the world through different eyes. It’s a great gift you have received – one I think Jesus desires our hearts to experience. New perspective brings new vision, hope, and life – I’m so proud of you for stepping out and experiencing what you did. You are brave – and brave now for stepping back into the life you know – and working through what God has placed in your heart! I trust you will make it through this time of questions and adjustment – and that through that you will continue to change your world in the way Christ intended!