I stepped out of the subway tunnel and into a new world. It felt much like one of those transitional shots in a movie where the sun is shining brightly and you know everything is about to change for the character.
Well in that moment, everything did change for me. I was greeted by swarming crowds of busy people, giant adds telling about all the products I ‘need’, designer stores as far as the eye could see, and all the sounds of a booming metropolis. All I could do was to look up and stare in awe of the buildings that towered over me.
I was in the middle if downtown Hong Kong.
To go from three months of dirt roads, mud huts, mosquito nets, and half naked babies to the center of one of the fashion and business capitals of the world was a bit of a drastic transition. I felt overwhelmed, lost, and way under dressed. (No joke, even the garbage men were dressed nicer than us)
Over the next few days as I delt with some of the affects of culture shock; I couldn’t help but think about what the transition to the states will look like. My time out on the field is briskly coming to a close and I can hardly believe that I am about to head home. Though I like to think that I will just slip back into some sort of routine, I know that will not happen with out a lot of reliance on God.
I have learned to adapt to all kinds of living situations that were completely foreign to me. But over time, they have become completely normal common place. At first this made me apprehensive to face the transition back to the states, but God has been absolutely amazing. I don’t know why I ever doubt him; he knows me oh so well and has placed things and people in my life that are helping me to readjust slowly.
There will still quite a lot to handle in returning to the states, but I am so much more confident about the transitions because I know that I am not facing any of it alone.
For the spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.
2 Timothy 1:7
