The last three years I have lived on the Westside of Chicago. The Westside to me is beautiful, painful, stressful, peaceful, complex, simple... and home. I have learned a great deal from my African-American neighbors and community, and I miss it.
Although I have ventured outside of Chicago regularly in the past few years, it has always been just an afternoon or a few days. Today marks the beginning of my second week living in Elgin, IL. I am staying at the International Teams U.S. ministry center during my three weeks of training before officially joining the team in North Lawndale.
I am experiencing culture shock.
For the first time in a long time (since my Taylor U. days) I am exposed to not just white but white Christian culture. (Please know I have very little against white Christian culture, its just very different from my reality) Although I am learning a great deal, and being refreshed by my training, there is something painful about this process as well. Something I am not able to articulate. I long for my home, for my neighborhood, for what it teaches me...
Maybe some of you have experienced culture shock, maybe you can explain why this is a painful process. I haven't figured it out yet. Ill keep you posted
5 comments:
I'm going out on a limb here... maybe you're realizing where you've come from (in your thinking and behavior), where you are now, and what it took to get there. It can be a powerful experience to be able to look back and see what the Lord has done for you.
:)
(If I could go and hang out with people whose parents are just starting their divorce process, I wonder what I would feel now that I'm past that stage.... Sorry, that was rather introspective....)
Noel I have no idea what it is you are feeling, but I'll keep you in my prayers.
Noel what did it feel like when you first moved there?? I'm sure you were experiencing culture shock then too.
Just a thought:)
Thanks Corin,
Yeah, I definitely felt culture shock when I first moved into the city. And yes this is a natural process of adapting to a new place and culture. I am doing much better, and am enjoying my time at Elgin. I still miss my home though.
Hi Noel,
I just had a look into your blog and saw this post about culture shock.
I believe that every change has an impact in our lives, some more than others, especially if the difference between the "before" and the "after" is bigger.
Have you ever heard about "Third Culture Kids"? It's a term actually used for people who grew up in several cultures (until 18). I'd recommend you to google it... it deals with the question of culture shock, why, the influence on personality, etc... It might help you! :)
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