You traveled to Kenya (insert any developing country) and back. You learned to not only understand, but also appreciate a new culture; or at least, pieces of that culture.
You met people with spirits full of joy, love and contentment; despite their difficult circumstances, tough living standards and lack of material possessions.
You connected with people just like you; mothers, fathers, daughters, sons, and students.
You made friends, you laughed, you cried, you hugged goodbye. Your heart was full with joy and happiness. You hoped someday you would return again.
Yet, back in America you're feeling a bit confused, disconnected, or perhaps even disgusted.
Feeling confused to think that these two worlds can co-exist on the same planet which God created; prosperous, opportunity-filled America and poverty-ridden, rural Kenya.
Feeling disconnected with family and friends who haven't traveled to a similar place and who can't comprehend why you're so moved about a place you visited for 2 short weeks, or even 3 months.
Feeling annoyed that people don't realize Africa is not a country, but a continent made up of 54 very different countries.
Feeling disgusted with the overconsumption, wastefulness and materialistic ways of the West; especially America.
Feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of food varieties in the grocery store or the options on a restaurant menu.
These are all normal feelings after traveling to an underdeveloped country, spending time building relationships with the local people and allowing your heart to gain an appreciation for their culture and lifestyle; even amidst visible poverty.
You've gained a new perspective for life, for humanity, for love, and for God's people and His Kingdom.
Something has been stirred-up inside of you and now when you look at the ways of our American and Western world, you see more faults and problems, than benefits and opportunity.
This is a normal initial response. However, it's not a comfortable (or a healthy) place to rest or live. There's more to discover. The journey continues.
You're now looking through the world, even your own life perhaps, through a new set of eyes. You have a new worldview. You have a new perspective.
Ways to Embrace American Reverse Culture Shock
- Recognize that we are not of this world. God created us to live for His Glory and with Him in Eternity. Our lives on this earth are temporary. We were not created to live in a specific culture; only in God's culture. After traveling to a foreign land for any form of missions or humanitarian reason (not simply at a vacation resort), you've possibly seen the world through new eyes; hopefully through God's eyes. You've gained a glimpse into God's Kingdom here on Earth. Because of this, you feel a bit uncomfortable in your own culture. Embrace this and focus on God's Kingdom culture and not the things of this world.
- America is an amazing place filled with beautiful qualities. Don’t dwell on the negatives, but instead search for the things you love about the good ole USA; bountiful career and business opportunities, availability and access to nearly every type of food year-round, well designed and quality built infrastructure, a stable government with appropriate checks-and-balances, quality free education for all, easy access to clean water with a never-ending supply, and fast internet- everywhere! The list is endless! Embrace these things.
- Share with family and friends about your experience. Show pictures and video and share your favorite stories. Be cautioned: not everyone (even close family or friends) will truly be ready to hear everything you have to say. This is often a shock to most returned sojourners and very hurtful. Some family/friends often just do not have a way to relate to this new incredible experience you’ve had. They can’t wrap their minds around where you have been and what you have experienced. Sometimes they really want to understand, but don’t even know what questions to ask. Because of all of that, at times it is easier for them to just tune-out or not even try to understand. Give them grace and keep searching for those individuals who will sit down and really listen!
- Educate others. Give a presentation in your church, small group, work, or local school. Teachers are often interested in guest speakers to talk about a geographical region of the world they are studying (in elementary/middle school). Some high school Geography, Sociology or Civics classes incorporate culture-related topics.
- Get connected with like-minded people. Whether it’s the people you went on the trip with or others in your area who’ve also had similar experiences. Get together regularly (or email) and share stories to keep-alive the feelings you had during your trip.
- Stay connected to the organization, ministry or people you visited. Receive the organization’s email newsletter updates, follow their blog, “Like” them on Facebook. Send emails or letters in the mail. Pray for them regularly. Stay connected.
- Keep learning. Read books, articles and blogs on related topics. Read about long-term missions or international development. Read BBC news articles from the region. Check our book suggestions.
- Volunteer or Fundraise. Hold a local fundraiser for the organization you visited. Offer to volunteer, if it’s applicable where you live. Find a local organization or ministry involved with similar type of work and volunteer. Consider organizations working with refugee resettlement or foreign exchange students!
- Plan another trip. Maybe not back overseas due to the cost and travel time. Explore something new in your own area or state. Take your family to a new place and discover something in “your own back yard” together!
- Make a Change. This is not for everyone, but for a small percentage, you might return from a life changing trip and be ready to make a drastic change in your life. Maybe it’s a career change, additional education, downsizing your “stuff”, or taking your family on a missions trip together. Explore the possibilities and discover how God might be leading you and your family!
At Christ’s Gift Academy in Mbita, Kenya we have a prayer for each of our visitors:
We hope you are ruined for the ordinary.
The normal or ordinary things of this world and your personal life may no longer seem ideal or desirable to you. Use the ideas above to move forward from this current place. Do not rest where you are.
Move forward. Do something. Continue the journey!
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2
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We are not experts on this subject. Only people who have walked through reverse culture shock and are still on the journey! For those of you who’ve also experienced this, please COMMENT below with your insights, ways of coping or additional resources.
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