*This blog was adapted from a blog my squad mate, Britney wrote earlier this month. You can view the original blog here!
Have you heard the news?!?!?!
A-squad is coming home at the END OF THIS WEEK!! What?!
We’re really excited to come home and to share our stories, but we’re also a little nervous about the re-entry process. Maybe you’re feeling both excited and nervous for your Racer to return home too.
Have no fear, this blog will help you understand what your Racer may experience during re-entry and how to help them.
1. Welcome them Home! Meet your Racer at the airport with a sign! When you see your Racer give them a big hug and tell them how much you’ve missed them. They’ve missed you and are excited to see you and I’m sure you’re feeling the same way. Let them know!
2. Reverse Culture Shock is Real. Have patience and grace. You’re racer has been gone for 11 months and has had to continually adjust to new cultures and environments. They’ve been constantly surrounded by 5-7 other teammates, lived in uncomfortable living environments and mastered living on $5/day for food. They’re used to being surrounded by people who don’t speak English and who constantly gawk at them wherever they go. They’ve heard re-entry stories about people who have broken down crying in the salad dressing aisle at the grocery store because there were so many options (your Racer probably hasn’t had many salad dressing options let alone a good salad in months). Don’t make them feel ridiculous for feeling overwhelmed. Re-entry home is month 12 for your Racer and it will require time to re-adjust to the norms of their native environment.
3. Ask Specific Questions. Don’t be afraid to ask about your Racer’s year, but try to ask more specific questions than “How was your trip?” It’s hard and overwhelming to try and summarize a whole year’s experience in one sentence or with one question. Ask questions like “What did you learn when you were in Thailand or month 6?”, “How have you grown from month 1 to month 11?”, “Did you have a favorite ministry?” or “What was the craziest thing you ate?” Specific questions will help your Racer share their experiences with you in more depth.
4. Your Racer Wants to Know About You. Your Racer wants to hear about your life! They’re not the only ones who have grown over the last year and experienced new things. Tell them what has gone on and how you’ve changed and grown. How has the Lord been working in you? Your Racer truly cares about your life back in the States and they will work hard to ask specific questions too.
5. Don’t Panic if Your Racer is Struggling Being in America. Your Racer may struggle being back in America for a while, but don’t take it personally or be offended. Your Racer has grown a lot over the year and wants to be that person back at home, but they will be returning to an old environment. It’s going to take time to adjust and a lot of grace. Your Racer will need to grieve losing the World Race and the life that has become their norm. The World Race was more than a fun vacation or mission trip. It was a transformative year and one that will be a big part of your Racer’s life. Your Racer’s squad has become a close family over the year and when they arrive home they will be losing that. Losing that community will be hard because it’s very different from the community back home. Allow the time and space for your Racer to mourn and don’t tell them to just “get over it” or “move on”.
6. Invite your Racer. You’re Racer has been out of their social circle and neighborhood for almost a year. They’ve been able to keep up to an extent, but there is a lot that they haven’t been able to stay up to date with. Invite them to things because more than likely they want to be a part of it. Even if you don’t know if they can make it, invite them. Reach out to them and include them in your community. Community was very important on the race and they will be missing it upon return.
7. Go on Spontaneous Adventures with your Racer. Your Racer has learned to seek and enjoy both big and small adventures. Maybe you’re planning a camping trip or a road trip, invite your Racer. Maybe you want to make a late night run to the local ice cream shop or Taco Bell, invite your Racer. Most likely your Racer will be up for the adventure and spontaneity. That’s been their life for the last 11 months.
8. Encourage the Change You See. Your racer has grown and matured throughout the year, just as you have. You may notice that your Racer is more confident or handles situations in a different manner than they did before the Race. When you see a good difference or a good change in behavior, say something! Let your Racer know how they’ve grown and that you’ve noticed. Often times it’s hard to see how one has changed, so vocalize it! It’ll mean a lot to your Racer.
9. Encourage Rest. It’s been 11 months of growth, challenge and being uncomfortable. Your Racer has been pushed physically, spiritually and mentally and needs time to rest and process the year. Help your Racer process by encouraging them to spend time reflecting on the year. Pray with and for your Racer. They have spent the last 11 months giving 100% to serving and meeting the needs of others, and they will need physical and spiritual rest to be filled back up. Quality time is important. Ask about and listen to them when they share their experiences. Follow-up with your Racer and ask how they’re doing, try to go beyond surface level conversation.
10. Don’t put Pressure on Future Plans. Some Racers have plans for after the race, while others don’t. If your Racer doesn’t have a long term plan, don’t think that they haven’t been thinking and praying about it. Many Racers are entering a season of rest and a time of processing the year, which in the American society may be perceived as laziness. It’s not. Don’t be afraid to ask about your Racer’s future plans and don’t be afraid to share different opportunities with them. Remember they’ve been out of the loop for almost a year. (I know my next steps – just ask me!)
I hope you have a better understanding of what your Racer may experience when returning home and a better understanding of how to help them upon their re-entry.
I will be returning to California on Sunday, November 20th! I will be in OC for 24 hours!! If you are around I want to see you!! Then I’ll fly on to Florida on a redeye Monday night, November 21st to be reunited with my family (and TEDDY!!) to celebrate Thanksgiving.
I’m VERY excited to see you, share my experiences and hear about your year!
Please pray for me and my squad mates as we return home and begin the re-entry process.
Thank you for your continual support. It truly means a lot!
We’re coming HOME!!
Sarah and I have been on a team together the whole year!! My WR BFF 🙂
