A-SQUAD IS COMING HOME!
Well here we are! I have made it to the eleventh and final month of the World Race. I still can’t believe it! I am truly ecstatic to finish the race in Africa, a continent that has captured my heart! From my many adventures in Ethiopia, to my adopted family in Rwanda, to the hard but rewarding days of work here in Uganda. I don’t want to leave! I am leaving a part of my heart behind in Africa, and I will most definitely be back!
The World Race is ending…WHAT?!
I am incredibly excited to be back with all of you in America, and to share all the amazing stories from this past year. Although, in all reality I am nervous about coming home. I don’t know how all of you are feeling about having me home. Maybe you are like me and feel excited while also nervous. I want to help you understand what myself and your Racer might experience during our reentry and how to be there for us:
-
Reverse culture shock is REAL. Have patience and grace, and give them freedom to feel how they feel. Your Racer has been gone for 11 months and has had to continually adjust to new cultures and environments. They’ve been constantly surrounded by 6+ teammates, living in uncomfortable environments, and living on $5/day for food skillfully even. They’re use to being surrounded by people who don’t speak English and who gawk at them wherever they go. We’ve commonly heard stories of past racers having break downs in the grocery store because of the many options. It’s a real thing. Don’t make them feel ridiculous for feeling overwhelmed, even if you don’t understand why. Reentry home is month 12 for your racer and it will take time to readjust to the norms of America.
-
Ask Specific Questions. Please do ask about your Racer’s year, but try to ask more specific questions than “How was your trip?” It’s difficult and overwhelming to try and summarize a whole year of experiences in one sentence or with one question. Ask questions like, “What did you learn when you were in Serbia or in month 5?”, “How have you grown from month 1 to month 11?”, “Did you have a favorite ministry?”, or “Where was the craziest place you slept?” Specific questions will help your Racer share their experiences with you more in depth.
-
Welcome them Home! Meet your Racer at the airport with a sign, maybe even flowers (Ask your Racer what they want!) GO, BIG! It may be the only time you have to welcome them home from an experience like this. When you see your Racer tell them how much you missed them and give them a big hug! They’ve missed you and are excited to see you and I’m sure you’re feeling the same way! LET THEM KNOW.
-
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.
-
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. It is normal. 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 a mission trip. It was a trans-formative 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 them the time and space to mourn and please don’t tell them to just “get over it” or “move on”.
-
Invite your Racer. Your Racer has been out of their social circle and community 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. Also, even though you have been in communication with your Racer all year, they may not know all details your life so be prepared when telling stories to give background to them and same goes for us as Racers. Reach out to them and include them in your community. Community was very important on the race and they will be missing it coming home.
-
Go on Adventures with your Racer. Your Racer has learned to seek and enjoy both big and small adventures. Maybe you’re planning a road trip, a trip to a concert, or even a beach day; invite your Racer! Maybe you want to make a late night run to a Taco Bell, or Menchies; 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.
-
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 way than they did before the Race. When you see a good difference or good change in behavior, say something! Let your Racer know how they’ve grown and that you’ve noticed. Often time it’s hard to see how a person has changed, so vocalize it! It will mean so much to your Racer that you notice!
-
Encourage Rest. It has been 11 months of growth, challenge, and being uncomfortable. Your Racer has been pushed physically, spiritually, and mentally. They need 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. Quality time is important. Ask about and listen to them when they share their experiences. Follow-up with your Racer and ask how they are doing; try and go beyond surface level conversation.
-
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, dont 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 have been out of the loop for a year.
-
Don’t Rush your Racer. It has been a year chalked full of experiences and opportunities, they will need time to process and remember their year. Don’t tell them, “Hurry up and process! Why is it taking so long?” “Aren’t you over processing yet?” Give your Racer the time and space they need to reenter well.
I hope you have a better understanding of what I or your Racer may experience when returning home and a better understanding on how to help them upon their re-entry. Please pray for my squad mates and me as we return home and begin the reentry process. Thank you for your continued support. It means so much!
I will be landing in the States on August 28th and will be spending a couple days in Boston with my squadmates to process and be with them before saying good-bye. If you would like to donate toward re-entry, you can do so through….THANK YOU!
VENMO @Jenny-Kordelski
PAY PAL [email protected]
