pushing through

Homesickness…

Lately, I am not gonna lie, I have had a bit of a rough time living out here. I am sure it is for several reasons- one we have been living here for a little over a year now- so I may be having some culture strain that happens over time, I miss my family, no matter if I love everything about living here there is still always something missing- my family… We are in 3rd semester Arabic study, which one would think it would all “be clicking” by now, some days yes, but other days, not so much.. I still feel like a 3 year old child trying to communicate much of the time… the slow & steady win the race right? There could be several other reasons as well, but all this to say, it has been a tough few weeks…. I have just mainly wanted to lay on the couch and watch TV & not be around people- which for me is totally out of character!

Today I had tea with a sweet friend who has lived cross-culturally for much of her life, she was a breath of fresh air. She told me that it is totally normal to feel this way- that I need to just find some things for a little while that help me sustain life out here (since we don’t have plans to return to the states until Christmas… gosh that seems so far away!). She suggested I do things that make me feel like an American- go to the “bigger” cities and sit at a coffee shop without a long sleeve jacket on, walk around the mall, eat baskin robins, go swimming… plan “small trips” each weekend to get out of our small village like town to spread my wings, plan mid- week adventures to the desert or wadis, sit outside and read with my favorite cold drink & get vitamin D in my system, plant some flowers… gosh these things sounded like music to my ears! I think it is just what I need for a little bit to get my spirits back up. I know that I also need to be pressing into the Lord & looking to Him for strength & guidance in this time as well. And I want to do this. But so much of me just wants to be “American” for a bit! I am so glad to have heard this from my friend- that it is o.k. and normal! I will let you know how this season (hoping short) goes…

On a positive note…

Chase’s mom & dad are coming to visit us for a few weeks on Friday!! I am super excited to see them & show them where we live & I think seeing them will help me “feel more like home” as well. And we received such a fun package from my mom today! It had all sorts of things that I love in it- including green chile sauce & new delicious hot tea to drink! It came at perfect timing. Next week we have a few days off from school which will allow us to do some traveling around the country with Chase’s parents! I am excited for that.

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    3 Responses to pushing through

    1. Georgia says:

      Thanks for being honest. It helps not only you but others. I’m so glad you have someone there who you can talk to about your feelings and who can reassure you. I would completely agree with her- it is normal- as is still feeling like a three year old (I hate to say it) even five years down the road in language learning. Keep pressing forward for that prize.

    2. Carrie Overman says:

      Yes, love your honesty here! I’m sorry you are feeling homesick. Obviously not on the same scale, but I do know what it’s like to just long for the familiar. Love love love the thought that our true home is being prepared for us. 🙂

    3. Linda Johnson says:

      Brittany and Chase,

      I am excited for you to have some company especially since it is Chase’s parents. I know they will love on you a lot and it sounds like that is just what you need now. I think of you daily and breathe a little prayer that you are doing well. Thank you for being so faithful to post your pictures, how you are feeling, what you are doing, and news of friends. Your friend who told you to go outside, drink a cool drink and plant flowers is very wise. That is the exact advice I would give you! I would suggest you plant some mint to put in your iced tea!Lol