Returning home (USA) has been a challenge as my mindset is different than when I left, it has been overwhelming with spending month 11 in the USA. A couple of little things that blow my mind after living in 3rd world countries the past 10 months-
People actually stop at a red light in America. In some places where they have traffic lights red means the same thing as green.
There are more than 2 brands of chips. I was in a grocery store looking for some pretzels. I finally found the chip aisle in this massive store. I grabbed a bag of pretzel and continued down that same aisle. I ended up putting that bag back to get a different brand 3 times. And the whole aisle was just all chips. I’m use to picking between 2 brands. The name brand we have at home or the local brand. I usually went local (gotta experience the culture, right?). Shopping was so easy this past year but now I’m overwhelmed with all the choices.
And did you know that people do a whites load of laundry and a dark load? I grew up putting my clothes in a whites and dark baskets, but this was something that I completely forgot and so when I get back I get asked which load I wanna do first. I’m thinking why would I do 2 loads??? Then I remembered this is what people do and again, was overwhelmed.
There is nothing wrong with any of these, just different. 
God has done a lot in my heart and as a result, I’ve changed. I’m still myself, but different and coming back to an old environment with a changed me has been a challenge. So here are a few things for you to know to help me out as I process. I’m stealing some of these (using my own words) from a friend’s blog who returned from the WR in July.
First- I ask for your patience in all of these areas.
Questions- I know there will be a lot of questions and I welcome them and would love to answer them! But it would help if you could have more specific questions. It’s hard to sum up a whole year of experiences and thoughts and simply asking general questions will be difficult to answer.
I am still processing a lot from the whole year and seeking God in what the next step is for me. I love you all and I can’t wait see and hang out with you all! But alone time will be needed, so don’t take offense when I retreat.
I have absolutely no idea what is trending in fashion, no idea what has been in the news this past year or what’s even going now, no idea what movies has been released or what is even showing now. With a few exceptions, I’m kinda ignorant of these things.
And finally, a lot has happened to you this past year. God has stretched and challenged you in many ways too. So don’t let me do all the talking. I really look forward to hearing from you about your life and how you have grown. Share your stories and those unforgettable moments that I missed.
Thanks for reading!! I have been so encourage all year by your comments and prayers!
I plan on continuing to post on here as I process more and I’m sure you all would like to know what’s next for me. Right now, I not exactly sure in regards to long term. I will start with getting a temporary job and go from there. I want to enjoy this next month with family and friends.
