Culture Shock

It was time to move.  I know not everyone had this feeling but I do.  I tearfully said goodbye to my wonderful DC crew of teachers and students to move onto the next adventure in teaching.  Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that God would lead me to Texas.  Texas is exactly like everything I had picture and at the same time it is nothing I had expected. 
When people relocate to a foreign country for a work assignment, experts say that they will go through a culture shock.  Culture shock is the homesick feeling and frustration people feel when they experience a new culture.  They feel a sense if loss at what they are familiar with and what they left behind.  Often times this frustration stems from a language barrier, new foods, and learning the customs of a new country.  Although Texas is not a foregin country, I can somewhat relate to the feelings of culture shock.  I have spent my summer trying to get a feel for San Antonio.  I have to admit, I had no idea how frustrated I would become by not being able to speak Spanish.  Spanish is spoken everywhere and any idea that anyone is going to translate for you is a pipe dream.  I have decided to learn Spanish and even though I know it takes time, I am not very patient.  Aside from the language barrier, there are many other things new to me.  I have eaten tostadas the wrong way, tried a different Mexian dish nearly every day, and nearly fainted at seeing the sight of the Texas history book.  I've worn jeans and cowboy boots on a Friday night, a sight you would not see anywhere else in the world, without feeling embarrassed.  All of these new experiences are pushing me just a little farther.  It was time to move because I needed to be pushed out of my comfort zone.  If you stay in your comfort zone, you'll never be in position to do something great.  There have been several time where I have felt "uncomfortable" in a situation here in TX.  After experiencing being uncomforable though, you can now begin to relate and understand the people in your new surroundings.  You grow...again.  You are always growing.  The culture shock will wears off and compassion and understanding move in to take its place. 

I have relocated to San Antonio, TX where I will be teaching 4th grade in the inner city.  I am excited to begin this next adventure!