Home... with Culture Shock

In my opinion, these two don’t belong together. Home is a place that is comfortable and routine; where as culture shock is experiencing something completely new and foreign.





I left Venezuela for a short while to come home and rest, as well as raise my support for the next year of ministry. I’ve been back in the States for about 4 days and here are just a few things that I find myself surprised by…

- toilet paper in public restrooms (along with soap and paper towels)
- driving my car and wondering how I ever survived without this freedom and luxury
- an entire isle of toothpaste and deodorant options (often times we didn’t even have bread and/or milk in our grocery stores)
- paying over $5 for a coffee, when I’m used to paying maybe 50 cents (I must add that the price also speaks for the quality of taste)
- kissing cheeks as I greet people (them questioning my intentions…)
- putting toilet paper down the toilet, instead of in the garbage next to the toilet
- enjoying foods that aren’t breaded and fried (praise the LORD for healthier options)
- seeing many dogs... but here each one has an owner
- understanding every conversation going on around me (and being distracted by it)
- not being gawked and stared at all day because of how much I stand out
- seeing that gas costs $3.49 per gallon versus 7 cents

I feel like I could go on and on about the differences between my home in Washington State and my home in Merida, Venezuela. My heart will forever be split between the two. Why? Because of the people that I love in each country.
The Lord has truly blessed me in both places and He will continue to show His faithfulness as I walk through this unfamiliar season of transition. He is the pillar that I lean on, the strength that I seek, and my reason to sing.