Culture Shock?

We're back in the United States after a fantastic adventure in Italy with friends from L'Abri.

It's been a weird and sometimes difficult transition back to the former life we knew. First of all, the jet lag has reeked havoc on our sleep patterns, even this morning. Second, processed American foods have been an adventure (though certain restaraunts have been a welcomed treat!) for our digestion. And third, Pierre ended up pretty sick for a couple days immidiately after getting to Illinois (maybe too much recycled airplane air).

Sunday was our first experience in an American church again. Simply stated, it was a challenge.

Monday was our first experience in American consumerism again. It almost shut us down. After half an hour of being barraged with "buy, buy, buy!" everywhere we turned, we were ready to crawl under a rock and hide. (And I've hardly left the house again since then, maybe in subconscious fear) .

It seems pathetic to call it "culture shock" after only being away a little over four months. Yet, I do liken it to getting off something like caffeine. Americans are used to it everyday all day. But if you take 4 months and get it out of your system completely, the first drink (coffee, coke, etc) will do a number on your adrenaline, your sleep, your persperation, and your bowel movements. Maybe that's what we're dealing with when it comes to something as simple as going to the store (minus the bowel movement part).