When you return to a hometown, especially in the South, it’s hard to meet new people that you aren’t somewhat connected with. While God has opened up doors for me to meet new people that are coming through Tuscaloosa, one thing I have loved is catching up with people that I haven’t seen or heard from in a while. Today, I was at one of my favorite local coffee shops, Heritage House, when I was called over to come sit at the computer. Over the ensuing 30 minutes or so, I was able to talk with a good friend of mine, Elizabeth, who has moved with her husband to Cambridge. Her husband, Adam, has committed to a few years as a JAG lawyer (I don’t know if that’s an official title for Adam, but it makes sense to me… remember the tv show?), and it was fun to hear their thoughts on life abroad.
One thing that is rare for my community out here is moving away. I would say more than 80% (I don’t know that, but I hear 75% of all statistics are made up anyway) of the people I graduated high school are still within 30 minutes of Tuscaloosa. I no longer see this as a bad thing because some people don’t need to go and see the world, they know where they’re headed. It’s just not for me I guess; sorry mom. Anyway, during our conversation, I was able to connect with Elizabeth in a way most people can’t here. We both know what it’s like to truly live in a culture outside of America. Not just a visit or a short trip, but really a life.
Probably the hardest thing in a new culture is developing a community. Not only do you have to reach outside of your comfort zone, but you have to adapt to a whole new way of life. It’s not always right or wrong, sometimes it’s just different. One big thing that Elizabeth pointed out was how most people in England don’t respond to random “hello”s or friendly waves. In the South, we would call them stuck up, but it’s normal in England. It’s more about the long term relationships than exchanging the random pleasantries. That’s hard to overcome, but it’s one obstacle Elizabeth is facing head on.
So, while Elizabeth isn’t raising money or have an official title as “missionary”, she is on a huge mission field that needs people like her. I’m encouraged by her willingness to pack up everything with just her husband and leave the rest of the family behind. and I just pray for the relationships she’s leaving behind. I hear that can be difficult…
It was a blessing to catch up with her today, and I’ll keep following their stories too. She and Adam have a blog here, but she also shows off some of her passions and photography skills on her professional site here. Feel free to follow these two as their lives unfold in England…
