Tips for a successful re-entry

I’m no master at re-entry and this time I was far too preoccupied to read any books on it. So there have been a few shocks to the system… and I thought I should share from my experiences hoping someone might learn from them (even if I don’t!).

1. Leave well.

In 2007 when we last left Cambodia for home assignment, Steve worked until the day before we left and I was 7 months pregnant. Talk about stress!! This time, Steve had a couple of weeks off before we left and was a huge help in getting odd jobs done. Because of it, I was able to say goodbyes properly and leave with a sense that most things are in order (it didn’t stop me from forgetting my camera battery recharger though!).

2. Book in holidays and guard them jealously.

We should have learnt this last time, but again we have not had a break, hitting the ground running. While Steve has been attacking the house fix-it jobs, I have been out every day visiting my wonderful family and friends, dragging along the kids to visit people who are virtual strangers to them like “Mummo’s sister’s daughter … and her children” or “the lady who gave us the beautiful clothes” (she’s also one of Mummy’s cousins). While I have loved it, this week I hit the wall. There is still so much to do in setting up house, school is just around the corner and deputation looms ahead next month. There are so many more people I want to connect with, yet I need a break – a chance to just “be”. NOW!

3. Come as a learner.

Towards the end of last year, I was getting weary of being a learner within the Khmer culture (surely I should “get it” by the end of five and a half years!!), but I am discovering that I must also re-learn how to operate here in Australia. We all have our moments when we are stumped and need to ask for help. For me, it was the extreme range of milk of the supermarket. I got on the phone and was told to “just get the cheapest”. It got me through and hopefully one day I’ll work out a better decision making strategy.

4. Expect to haemorrhage money.

I was told this before heading back to Australia and it has reduced the shock considerably. I have even been pleasantly surprised when a swim at the local pool was only a third of the exorbitant entry fee I had been expecting. Besides, the income is so much greater than we have previously received while in Cambodia that it almost feels like we are swimming in money. Almost.

5. Enjoy.

There are so many aspects of life here to enjoy that don’t cost a lot of money – playing in grassy back-yards, running on the bike tracks along the creek, catching clean and reliable public transport, experiencing art galleries and museums, listening to the quietness of night. Soak it in… because the locals don’t seem to notice it.

6. Remember that not everyone may be enjoying it.

Yes. Our kids are missing Cambodia despite our seemingly idyllic existence. They are missing friends, foods and their beds… home. I think I need to give them more space to talk about it and grieve, rather than rushing them off to the next event.

7. Guard your heart.

Amongst the joys and wonders of being here, it is easy to get sucked into the consumer culture. My weakness is real estate and I have forbidden myself to read the local newspapers because of it. Nevertheless, this week I found myself reviewing the real estate section of the local rag and dreaming of purchasing an investment home where the rental income would go to missions (after I had magically paid it off, of course). The pull was strong, setting off warning bells within me. I need to tread carefully and guard my heart, committing my way to Jesus… not the way that seems good to me. Contentment is more precious than gold and needs to be guarded fiercely.

8. Love first.

My last tip comes from the cruel teacher of experience. Being loving is more important than being right. Don’t open your big mouth and discuss politics, impending environmental disaster or economics without an understanding of your “audience”. I blabbed on my way home from the airport and hurt someone I love most. I wish I’d humbly stepped down off my hobby horse and asked her more questions first. But it is a lesson I will carry throughout the year and hopefully be a far more effective advocate of the poor than I might otherwise have been.

Any list of tips this long should make it to 10. Anyone have any suggestions from their experience???