Reverse Culture Shock 101

I think I would be remiss in not writing a bit about my re-entry experience. Often a large part of re-entry is reverse culture shock. For those unfamiliar with it, reverse culture shock basically refers to the stressful difficulties people experience in getting used to their own culture upon returning from living in another place. The classic case of reverse culture shock is the seemingly unlimited options in a U.S. grocery store – people living in other countries in areas with limited grocery store choices often become overwhelmed by the rows and rows of choices – sometimes having to leave on the spot because the 'shock' becomes so intense.

Culture shock for me has been more subtle than one huge moment, it's more like lots of little moments that pile up if I'm not careful to deal with them. Think about your daily routine from waking up to going to bed, and then imagine having to stop and decide what to do before you do each one - where to put toilet paper, how much water to use in the shower, how to answer a telephone, driving instead of walking, meal times, brushing your teeth with tap water, not checking your bed for scorpions. These sound like small things, but when you add them all together, you realize that putting thought into changing each of these habits sure can become tiring and overwhelming (and I wasn't even in a culture that hugely different than my own - or so I thought :).

Culture shock for me has also been not being able to tell if it's going to rain, having people in stores apologize for being in 'my space', seeing squirrels again, driving through neighborhoods with no one outside their houses, getting to flush the toilet before a shower and not have to worry about how much water is in our tank, and even unlocking and opening a door with a doorknob! (we just had keys and a handle in Oaxaca). My most major moment was helping set up for Sunday School here. Being in the supply room and knowing that whatever we used could be easily replaced just about did me in - I really did have to try to keep myself from leaving the room.

I guess my best advice for dealing with reverse culture shock is to expect it, and to process it as soon as you get a chance by yourself to think it through. I've been around very considerate and understanding people, and I'm thankful for that. I'm certain I'll grow re-accustomed in time, though it may take a while. It's sad to say goodbye to some of the things I learned in Oaxaca, but I'll give them up to the Lord as I trust His paths.

~~~~~~~~

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."

Isaiah 30:21

Homeward Bound

It hit me when I boarded my plane to Denver...

It was the end of July when I started the long line of goodbyes, and I began packing around the same time. I found that I had a LOT to pack and even more to get rid of. After several rounds of cuts, repacking at least 5 times, and mailing 3 packages, I finally got everything to fit just before leaving for my flight. I was off on my new adventure with two checked bags barely under the weight limit, and a carry-on and personal item both over the weight limits...

All the way up to my departure date, it still hadn't really hit me that I was actually leaving life in Oaxaca. It didn't hit me when I hugged my friends goodbye at the airport, and still hadn't hit me when I took a last look out my window at the Oaxaca mountains. Even after 1 1/2 hours slugging through the customs line, it still wasn't quite sinking in that I had actually returned to the U.S.

As I hefted my overweight carry-on into the overhead of my Denver bound flight, a steward was kind enough to come and help me get it in. However, he took me by surprise when he pounded my bag into place, made the comment that I must've been too cheap to pay for a checked bag, and informed me he'd help me get it in but not get it out. I understand he must deal with people doing that a lot - but he said it to the wrong person that day - and it was nearly the last straw on my worn out emotions.

I slid into my seat rather deflated and explained to the people beside me that I was actually moving after 2 years in Mexico, hoping at least they'd understand. I quickly realized that my plastic bag was wet, and I looked down to find it bloody from a deep gash in my finger. As I wrapped my throbbing finger in my sweatshirt to try to stop the bleeding, the steward's flippant remark sunk in a little deeper and my numbness in leaving finally crumbled.

I had expected that there would be plenty of tears as I processed my goodbyes, I just wouldn't have minded if I hadn't been on an airplane at the time :). At the end of the flight, some gentlemen in the back of the plane who had witnessed the earlier struggle were kind enough to help me get my bag back down, and I was eager to find my parents awaiting me and get into a nice bed at home.

I'm pretty sure there'll be more tears as I further process all the goodbyes I've said - but I am encouraged by the hope that there'll be some pretty good hellos coming as well :).

~~~~~~~~~~~

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God,

and his righteousness"

~Matthew 6:33a

To Do:

Since most of my ministries ended at the beginning of the month

and most of my goodbyes have been said,

my biggest "to do" this week has been packing.
-

-
And repacking...
- -
And packing again.
-
-
But, I took several breaks to do some of the things I enjoy in Oaxaca a final time. Hamburgers at the local hamburger stand.
--
Got my shoes shined! A little before and after action:
-
-
Breakfast with my landlords and the Dockters.
-
-
Did some final shopping at the markets and then stopped for some hot chocolate at the Italian Coffee Company.
-
-
Sushi Itto! I have only eaten sushi in Mexico, but I enjoy it!
- -
Disclaimer: I know hamburgers and sushi don't really shout Mexico, but, because of my chili allergies, about all I can order off regular menus are quesadillas or the club sandwich - so that's my excuse for my lack of mexican-ness... :)

Photos from the beach

As the title suggests, these are some pictures Jo Ellen

and I took at the beach :).
~~~

The beautiful Zicatela beach is known for its great surfing. Our last day there, we watched as people seemed to pour in for a international surfing competition taking place that weekend.

~~~ My sister and I discovered this restaurant, Grekos, when we visited in May. It immediately became a favorite, and this second visit wasn't much different. It is a very nice place, with an obviously great view. By the way, this picture was taken from our hotel - not a bad view either :).
~~~
And that, ladies and gentleman, is our Grekos waiter. This was just after dawn, so don't think him too lazy :). It did seem that he often took the time to sit down or go take a dip whenever things were slow - but I don't blame him, since he seemed to be on duty from dawn to dusk every day I was there.
~~~
Caps for sale! I think whoever came up with the stereotype that Mexicans are lazy, never actually came to Mexico - or maybe if they did, they kept their eyes closed. I can't imagine walking up and down the hot beach all day trying to sell souvenirs to tanning tourists.
~~~
Gotta love Mexico :)
~~~
Cutie!
~~~

And last but not least, sunset on our last day.
Sometimes God spoils us ;).

Sunny Days

Though I expect I'll spend a lot of time this next week inside packing and working on videos, I was able to take advantage of another beautiful sunny day in Oaxaca, and enjoyed a nice walk around the neighborhood.

.

A nearby pedestrian walkway lined with trees - and covering the sewer... :).

I said hello to a few people I usually greet. Passed by the men with machine guns that guard some sort of government building around the block. It looks like one of the more run down buildings in the area, so I really don't know what they're guarding...

Glancing up later on, I noticed a man in a suit, carrying a briefcase, with his head down concentrating on his phone. What made me notice him was the full clown makeup on his face. I really don't know about that one either - other than here it is not odd to see a clown on a bus or something. Oh Mexico :).

A young man from the other side of the street was yelling, and I finally realized he was yelling in English and at me (something about isn't it better in the U.S. than here). That's one thing I don't mind leaving behind in Oaxaca - I seem to stand out like a sore thumb here. Apparently I haven't done a great job blending in - but being a blond in a Mexican state known for its indigenous roots, it's not particulary easy.

I've become accustomed to answering to 'white girl' or, in Spanish, guera (g-where-ah). I can't really think of an equivalent situation in English, since there's nothing really derogatory about it. Hi guera. What can I get for you guera? Bye guera.

I had one bus assistant call me guera at least 4 times - that got really tiring. Another time I was walking down the street and was surprised to overhear two vegetable vendors say something about the guera from Zaachila (where I attend church) - I had a feeling they may have been talking about me...

So, anyhow - all that to say, I had a nice walk through the neighborhood that has been my home for the past 2 years. I will miss it, but there are somethings I won't be missing quite so much :).

Dancing in the streets

Alrighty, though I'm still not getting along with Windows Movie Maker, I was able to put this aforementioned video together for ya'll. We had gone out to dinner with someone who was visiting Oaxaca, and we arrived to this scene - not uncommon to find people parading
around the zocalo, by the way :).

There were 3 or 4 groups in this parade altogether - the women are wearing traditional clothing from the isthmus region (there are 7 regions in Oaxaca). I think this is a great display of how Oaxaca is so
rich in culture and celebrations.

If you'd like to see the Dockters' blog about the evening,
they wrote about it in their blog post Spontaneous Fun.

Beach Trip

So, I was going to post a video of festive dancers we saw downtown last night, but my computer apparently is experiencing technical difficulties. Some other day I guess... coming soon to a blogsite near you.

In a few hours I will be getting on a bus that will be headed for the beach. When I went with my sister in May, it seemed like it'd be a perfect way to finally relax just before returning to the U.S. Jo Ellen Reaves was keen to go, so we're taking this opportunity for some much needed rest. We would much appreciate prayers for travel and safety while we're there. Thank you!