My Home and Native Land

Yes - it's good to be home. Yes - it's weird to be home. But after missing Canada for so long, I'm determined to embrace it while I have the chance, 'cause who knows how long that'll be? So in true Eric Allan style, here's my Top Ten things I love about Canada:

10. out, about, house -- they all say it like me
9. indoor fireplaces
8. scarves. I can wear scarves here for purposes both practical AND stylish
7. CBC radio
6. iced capps - haven't had one yet, but it's nice to know that timmy's is just around the corner
5. toques
4. Rick Mercer Report
3. reliable, clean, punctual public transportation
2. being close to friends and family
1. it's home.

With that said - I'm seriously struggling with re-entry issues. When I first arrived, I compared EVERYTHING to South Africa. Food, driving, weather, people, social norms. Poor Mandy(best friend living in England) - I visited her just before I got home and she heard the worst of it. I wouldn't say I'm experiencing culture "shock" - I prefer to call it cultural "awareness."

I feel that comparing is okay, as long as you don't do it out loud ALL the time. People simply don't care that in South Africa you'd probably be eating rice and potatoes instead of just rice(honestly, I compare EVERYTHING). Now it's one thing to compare - but another to criticize. I went through a criticism phase a few years ago. My thoughts were filled with "How can he spend money on that? Doesn't he know how much food that could buy a hungry family?" I'm happy to report I haven't felt that way this time around. I learned my lesson from last time - it doesn't help. It just creates bitterness.

So besides comparing/not criticizing, there's the other re-entry stuff to deal with - namely, what now? Can I really go back to "normal" Canadian life after being in such crazy conditions for the last nine months? I guess it doesn't really help that I don't have a concrete plan. Or that the economy is up in the air and everyone and their dog is looking for work. Uh-oh. Looks like I'm going into a rant. Truth is, that's what I feel like doing. That's what I feel like re-entry is all about. I need to rant to someone.

And yet, my life is so simple, so easy, so comfortable. The things I want to rant about are so small when you look at the big picture. I actually need to thank God that I have these problems. They're pretty good problems to have. God, thank You that I'm home in a safe, beautiful, friendly country. Thank You that I don't know what the next step is, but You do, and no matter what, I'm gonna have food in my belly and a warm bed to sleep in. Thank You for amazing parents who care about me and are concerned about my future. Thank You that You're with me in Canada, South Africa, England, and everywhere in between. Baie Dankie Jesus.