Just knowing that the process of acculturation is normal and that Culture Shock will naturally pass on its own is an encouragement! But how do you walk “through the glass” without getting hurt? Having a strategy will not only get you through the dark time of culture shock, it will enable you to live a healthy, balanced life in your new home and have a successful ministry for years to come.
May I share the strategies that helped me? These strategies have to do with relationships. Let’s start with the most important one, the one that brought you to this place.
Nurture Your Relationship with God
You would never have left your homeland had it not been your Father’s idea in the first place. So, nurture your relationship with Him. “Double up” on your time alone with God. Nurture the intimacy between you and Him. Spend a lot of time in thankful prayers, pondering over God’s grace and blessings. Why? Because you are God’s child and your relationship with Him is long term. You may have come to this country to serve a “long term” but it is a relatively short time compared to the “forever” commitment God has with you! Pray prayers of blessing and protection for your children as you tuck them into bed each night. They will feel all safe in your love and in the arms of Jesus. You need that, too, and you’ll find a sense of security and shelter as you linger in the Word and in prayer as God’s child each evening yourself.
