I’ve been back in the States for a little over two weeks now. Coming back from Thailand, we first landed in L.A., after which we had a four-day debrief retreat and our internship officially ended. Since my alma mater, many friends, and old mentors are all in the area I extended my stay before finally going home to the Northwest. My time in L.A. was full, both schedule-wise and emotionally. Seeing so many people who love and support me was an incredible blessing, something I needed upon returning home. Still, it was a relief finally flying home, because I was finally able to catch my breath and let reality catch up to me. Although I enjoyed the past couple weeks and been incredibly present to where I am and who I’m with, I’ve needed some alone time to decompress and rest.
I acknowledge that much of this is probably due to the initial high of coming home, but there hasn’t been much reverse culture shock since coming back. Sure, there have been little things, like the impulse to take my shoes off at people’s doorsteps and getting irritated at people talking excessively loud in public, but for the most part it hasn’t been too bad. We’ll see how this changes as the weeks go on, but it also helped having some time to prepare myself for it and all I knew I’d be returning to.
As is the case in any transition, there’s that middle period between one thing ending and another beginning where everything’s up in the air – a sort of limbo, if you will. It is in that limbo where I currently find myself. Having only been Stateside for two weeks, I’ve rendered it a much-needed “grace period”, a time to develop new rhythms amidst constant change and instability. Truthfully, I’ve always been one to thrive in change, so it’s no wonder it’s been as pleasant as it’s been. Still, developing rhythms to keep me sane has been crucial to my transition home.
One thing that’s been incredibly helpful and much needed is regular exercise. Since coming back I’ve been doing quite a bit of yoga, tried running a couple times (though the cold spring air sets my lungs on fire, so I’m taking a break from that for a while), and even went hiking with a friend once. Physical and spiritual health are so inextricably connected that exercise is a non-negotiable for me. If you find yourself in transition, like having just moved abroad or returning home from your time overseas, find a physical activity you enjoy and make it a priority. The benefits are myriad and it’ll keep you sane while everything around you is changing. I promise.
Another goal I had in coming home – though truly this has been a goal of mine for a long time now – was being present, wherever I am, whomever I’m with. A big part of this has included being present to God – learning how to be aware of Him in every moment, from the big things to the little ones. Sometimes it’s lying in bed at night when I sense God’s presence; other times it’s in coffee with a friend through their warmth and presence. Wherever it may be, God is everywhere. God came before me, God came with me, and God came after me as I made the 20-hour trek back to America. I’ve felt nothing but incredible peace throughout this entire transition, trusting that God’s got every part of it in His hands. With that assurance I can stand firm and keep my eyes looking forward, knowing that He’s sovereign over it all and will work it all together for good.