BareFoot in Culture Shock

I haven´t written in several weeks because I haven´t been inspired to do so.  I made a pact with myself that each week I would go to a new place or do a new thing; whether it be a restaurant, an event or even a new block in Copiapó that I had never been to before.  And honestly, I´ve been able to uphold that pact; however, the downward slope of culture shock reared it´s ugly head again, or maybe it never even left; and  I´ve been in its grip for the past few weeks.

I thought that since I was able to settle in relatively easily during my first month, I had been able to accelerate the whole downward slope part of my culture shock to Copiapó.  I couldn´t have been more wrong.  I realize now that because I had been looking forward to certain events and visitors at work (and my job is seriously the best part about living in Copiapó - and the mountains and weather too!); I was able to maintain a positive attitude of hopefulness and newness.  Once those events passed, and the visitors came and went, the sparkle of being here definitely began to fade.

I recently and unexpectedly had the chance to go home for a few days for the Graduate School gradation of my younger sister (bien hecho Saberhagen!).  Being home was exhilarating.  And absence absolutely does make the heart grow fonder.  It was difficult to say good-bye to my loved-ones all over again, especially because I knew exactly the kind of life I was returning to in Copiapó.  However, after I stepped-foot back into my house after a relatively smooth 18 hour trek, I surprisingly felt a sense of familiarity and contentedness.  It was actually good to be back!  Who knew??!!

 

It looks like a dose of a quick visit home and lots of hugs from your favorite people can help remedy a case of the culture shock blues.  While at home, I had dinner with a friend, and I was telling her about my ¨life¨ here in Copiapó, its highs and lows; and she asked me if I would do it all over again...and indeed I would.

Blessings y Besos,

Jeder