Blizzards in Wisconsin
For the last several days I have lived as a hermit, barely venturing out into the snow covered and freezing world of Wisconsin. I have sat in our home slightly numbed, yet relaxed. Every time I come home it seems natural for me to just slip right back in to where I was before. The problem is that I never want to do that. Doing that means abandoning the past experience: the challenges, the moments of exultation, the change and the growth. And so, every time I come back, I try to fight that initial impulse to slide back in. Sometimes it works, and sometimes I could use a bit more practice. Either way it really helps me when I have a venue to express these ideas to the world. Sometimes that venue is friends, sometimes it is family, and sometimes it becomes a journal or blog entry. But, I find at least, that the process of turning these thoughts and feelings into something external is just as much part of my experience as the events themselves. And much more fulfilling as more and more time passes! Its an interesting feeling now, to look back over old journals and see in what ways I have changed.
As for the here and now, my mind does still not fully comprehend that we are no longer together, nor in India. I wake up, at times, expecting to experience the familiar cacophony of sights, sounds, and smells that were constant Indian companions as much as the group. And in realizing again that I am now in Wisconsin, can't escape a small feeling of loneliness. But as such, I try to fill my days with as much activity as possible--there are too many things to do here (and in one's mind), and precious little time. So, as we have said before: go and live! Take advantage of all these offerings and opportunities that your lives are rich with. You are all at an amazing point in your lives where you have the freedom to experience as much of life as you want. Do it!
And let us know how you are doing! We would love it. If you ever want to chat, feel free to shoot me an email or give me a call (608-784-9760). As of right now, the only things I'm busy with are watching a few movies and reading a few books--interruptions are highly appreciated.
One more thing. I did a quick search online for reentry material, and these are several of the best ones that came up. Perhaps they can help shed some light on a new world:
http://www.worldlearning.org/OurWorld_documents/SITStudyAbroadReentryToolkit.pdf
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0507/coming_home_from_study_abroad.shtml
http://international.missouri.edu/studyabroad/after/cominghome.shtml
http://www.travelabroad.com/alumni/reentry.html
http://www.middlebury.edu/academics/ump/sap/reentry/cominghome.htm
And if anyone is thinking about writing about their experience, there are quite a few opportunities for publication and to win small awards through competitions. This is just one of them:
http://www.abroadview.org/webzine/index.htm
Phir Milenge
Kai