The Alien Game
In my high school sociology class we were given an assignment I call, "The Alien Game". We were to pick a normal, everyday activity and write an essay on it, describing it from the point of view of an alien that has just landed on earth and is completely clueless about earthling behavior. I observed a paintball game and wrote an alien analysis of "the ritual of the boom-sticks".
Blow that concept up to life-size about ten years later and throw some magical real-life dust on it: After fourteen months in Europe, I came home for the first time about 2 months ago. And I was that alien.
Home was like a dream I once had- everything looked familiar, but I didn't know what anything meant anymore. I didn't know what behavior to expect from people. Though I used to feel like a good communicator, I now couldn't remember how best to communicate with my own people. How long to hold eye contact. How to make an appointment with a friend. How to make a joke Americans find funny. And the cardinal rule of midwestern America- HOW NOT TO BE AWKWARD. =P
For about 2 weeks, I was utterly discombobulated. Intercultural classes in college call this "reverse culture-shock".
Luckily, with time and some intentional effort, things come back to you. I began to adjust, and as I did, MAN have I loved- even Relished- being home! I was so nervous to come back, but being here has been- though sometimes still awkward and confusing- WONDERFUL. Soothing, restful, and like a healing balm on my heart after an emotional, difficult year abroad.
I still feel like I currently have a clearer idea of how to be Norwegian-me than I do of how to be American-me, but nonetheless I'm loving it here.
My old job took me back and I've been able to work full-time to start paying off my debt to YWAM Norway. I have reconnected with some dearly loved old friends that have stuck with me for years and I've made some absolutely delightful new ones. I've been able to enjoy some good quality time with my family, including the much-anticipated chance to meet my adorable new neice and nephew, who were born while I was still unable to leave Norway. I celebrated Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years home with friends and family.
It's been a wonderful time of respite and healing from the battles and difficult lessons of the past fourteen months. It's been a time to reflect. A time for God to test what I've learned and do some heart surgery, preparing me for the adventures and battles to come. A fresh excitement is building in my chest. I'm beginning to feel ready again- ready to jump back into the fray and chase down the beautiful new thing God has in store for that lovely continent across the sea.
PRACTICAL UPDATE: I was originally supposed to fly back to Europe just one week from now on January 22nd. Due to circumstances- mostly financial- there is the great possibility that my return will be postponed until late February or early March. You can be a part of continuing to make this mission to Europe possible, however. I am raising support for the monthly needs of living in Vienna, which is where my team and I have been building the new YWAM Austria. My goal is to raise $1,000/month, which will cover housing, living, transportation, and my German language course. See my "contact and give" page to investigate how you can help and pray specifically. =)
