Roses and Thorns

This past month has gone by slowly. I hate to admit that I've been irritable, homesick, cynical, and out of focus. The good news is that I'll be home for Christmas, and that God still hasn't given up on me.

Rumor has it that one may experience several different levels of culture shock over the course of living abroad. I think this must be true, as lately I’ve had to adjust to things that go beyond the practical routines of daily living. I’ve been getting really frustrated over a lot of miscommunications and differing expectations – with work, friends, social events, transportation, services – pretty much every part of life. While I understand that bizarre behavioral patterns observed by me, a foreigner, are typically no more than cultural differences, I still find myself stuck in a world of wondering what to say, how to act, and what to think in response to everything around me. I’ve found myself saying things like, “I am in complete shock that…!” and “I cannot believe that…!” Maybe that’s why some genius came along and labeled these feelings “culture shock”.


Despite these frustrations, I’m quite convinced that I am living out some of my wildest dreams of adventure, beauty, and the pursuit of God and life to the full. Every day amazing things happen that I had not expected upon waking that morning. Every day I get to spew off thoughts about some books, hang out with teenagers, and call it “teaching”. Every day I am surrounded by close friends at work and at home – friends to laugh with and cry with – making what would otherwise be a lonely journey one full of shared memories and experiences. And for the past 2 weeks, my good friend from ORU, Callie, has been visiting with us from Colorado to be here for our friend's wedding. This has been so wonderful!


Time after time, people here have offered their help and support, taken us out of the 4 walls of our house, and demonstrated the true meaning of hospitality. Sometimes a hug is all I need. Sometimes it's just a word of encouragement, telling me that I am welcome in this country, that I am making a difference. However, nothing comforts the pain of being away from my own country more than the simple act of someone opening up their home and inviting me to be a part of their family, to just sit at their table over a warm meal and watch them interact with and love each other. This has blessed me so much, that one time I broke down and cried right there in front of them all!

It may be difficult here, but did I mention that I’m living in a tropical paradise – that this winter I won’t have to scrape the snow off my car while wearing 6 layers of clothing and still feeling cold?! And what about the nights I’ve spent falling asleep to the sound of the ocean’s waves – and how every day I get to soak in the hot sun…Speaking of heat – I’m surrounded by volcanoes, and I got to swim in the lake of one yesterday!


Whenever we feel irritated at life - fed up with the things we hadn’t planned on happening - angry at whatever it was that ruined the picture we were trying to paint…we need to remember the good…we need to remember God. He is in control and not ourselves (which is a really, really good thing!).
So if you’re one of those who does have to scrape the snow off your car this season – be grateful that you have a car – cuz I don’t, and the loss of freedom hurts! We weren't designed to stare and glare at the thorns, though they may indeed cut deep - but we all know that the rose can't grow without a stem.