PROCESSING THE CHANGE

PROCESSING THE CHANGE

It’s been four days since my flight touched down in YVR. I’m realizing more and more that even though I thought I’d been away for one year and then another year, reality is that I’ve been away for two years. It might not seem like such a big difference, but it is. I’m grateful that I decided to delay my return date to Toronto by a few days, grateful, too, for my friend here who’s allowing me to crash at her house.

I’m a basketcase.

So far, here are some things that remind me that I’m not in East Asia anymore:
-clear sky! you know people have just come back from someplace polluted when they stand around in a group waiting for their hotel shuttle, all gawking at the fact that they can see every leaf on a tree 100m away.
-the garbage can at McDonalds was not only automated, it talked!!!!
-people are gracious in line-ups
-my boogers aren’t black (sorry, but it’s true!)
-i can flush my toilet paper
-even though people here are wearing tank tops and skirts, i find myself putting on a jacket over top of my sweater (clear 28 degree weather feels COLD compared to muggy 38 degree weather, ok?!)
-freedom to worship – I can sing to the LORD and read His word wherever and whenever. wow.
-things are made with real quality – even the coinage is heavier here!
-hot water is hot and cold water is cold
-everything is so spread out (maybe downtown will be better?)
-food here feels more acidic to my stomach
-i can read all the ads and signs

coming back second time around is harder in a lot of ways. i’ve gotten so used to the lifestyle and people overseas, readusting requires a deeper grieving. i need to remember thankfulness though. every step God leads me in is what He thinks is best for me. so I will thank Jesus, for bringing me back safely, for giving me “green pastures and quiet waters”, for resources and time to heal, for doing it all so that i don’t have to perform anymore.