Reverse Culture Shock

For those of you who don't know, I moved "home" to Nashville, TN from my "home" in Siliguri, India on June 13 (hence the blog's name change...India to Nashville).  Haven't been in Nashville much because of traveling but enjoying seeing my family on a regular basis and even some sweet friends.  Here are some reflections from the past few weeks...

*105 degrees feels awesome in a dress or shorts/tank top.  So I'm the only one sitting outside of Frothy Monkey.  But that's ok because sweating reminds me of India.  And I'm thankful I don't have to wear jeans and a sleeved shirt :)

*I've found myself bobbling my head when I really agree with someone...the Indian head bobble, oh my, it's in my blood.  Hilarious.  Especially when I'm with someone I don't know and can't just say "India."  see an informative video...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJ0SuD_ulVk

*I miss eating rice with my hands

*I've almost spoken Hindi to random people at the gas station...who are not Indian

*It's not fun living out of a suitcase.  I want to jump right into life here and make it my own, but it's not really possible right now because I'll be traveling til the end of August and living with my parents til I find a place.  I know God wants me to live in these moments of uncertainty but I just want them to be done.  I want to get an apartment or house and put all my mugs in a cabinet and drink from them on my jolly, garage-sale leather couch.  God is teaching me a lot about waiting.  It's good but hard.

*Learning about long-distance relationships...no, unfortunately not that kind.  Friendships.  I have felt a lot of guilt for not "maintaining" the intensity level of friendships I had with Indians when I lived there. But it's just not possible.  Even just thinking about it is exhausting.  So I'm trying to figure out where the balance is.  Facebook is great for dropping lines every once in awhile.  An Indian calling card is good, too, when Young Life Sila has YL club and I need to talk to them about it.



*Conclusion - I need grace.  I need to receive it wholeheartedly.  Recognize I am insufficient to figure all this out but God's grace is absolutely sufficient.  I must surrender to this overwhelming, unfailing love daily.  Because my sin nature says to do the opposite and work, work, work.

Pray for me to welcome His grace as I transition to life here.