What an amazing past few weeks it has been. These last few weeks have been a break in the cycle of my everyday life here. It all started two weekends ago when a few friends visited Poland from the States. Having them spend time with me here was so surreal, and though time had past our friendship bounced right back to where we had left off. God is so good in blessing us with fantastic friends. As friends were here the whole weekend felt different. Spending Sabbath with a group of people form back home was so special.
Last week was the ultimate change in pace and environment. We have been going strong here since the beginning of February, as there have been zero breaks. This changed with the Easter holiday. My vacation lasted from the April 2-7. Though it was short it was so rejuvenating. As I will be coming home in less than a few months, I knew that my time to travel is coming to an end. With this in mind, a few months ago I tried to find some affordable plane tickets. Of course I had to get a few friends in on the adventure, as traveling alone is never the same as traveling in a group.
Little did I know that this small trip would have such a huge impact on my perspective. Don’t get me wrong, I love Poland, but it was so wonderful to experience another place and people. I think that it is so important for all of us to take a step away from our daily lives and visit another place. It seriously changes the lenses in which we view our world.
Although in many ways England is different than the U.S. compared to Poland it was like a little piece of home. It was also as if I was experiencing a piece of reverse culture shock. During my time in Poland I have struggled a lot with communication barriers, however I also have learned how to deal and cope with them, as well as learn a few bits and pieces of the language. Going to London from the English made me realize yet again how important communication is. Simple things such as being able to read the label on a package of food to knowing what exactly I am ordering at a restaurant are things that I value so much now as I have not been able to do them for months.
The people are also different in their interacting with one another. Polish people are very warm, friendly and hospitable. However, from first glance it may seem that this is not the case. Unlike in many parts of the U.S. the people are not walking around with smiles on their faces. London was a little more like what I am used to. It should be noted that I am not saying that one way is better than the other, as their is merit to both. One of the things I greatly appreciate in the people I have met here in Poland is that they are very genuine and intentional.
On our first trip to the grocery store in London, I had to be held back from purchasing the entire shop. Though Poland does have a few familiar brands from the States, London has so many more. It was comforting to see foods that I had forgotten about but somehow missed.
Being able to leave my Polish environment and then come back was very rejuvenating. I was able to see how far I have come in being able to adapt to somewhere totally new. It took going to London to realize how far I have come. Leaving ones comfort zone, and giving up control in their lives is a huge deal and something that I have been able to accomplish. Learning to grow and embrace in a culture different than your own can be so challenging and rewarding at the same time. I love being able to communicate on my own and be with people who understand my (not only in verbal but also nonverbal communication) is wonderful, but so is learning to adapt to something and some place new.
It is so important that we accept the opportunities in life that we get to adventure and leave what we find comfortable. Poland has become a place that, although not totally, is comfortable for me. Going to England was leaving the new comfort zone I created. However, I learned that though it may be so different from my home in the U.S. it also can be very similar. I realized how special Poland is to me and that my adventure here has been such a blessing. I have always enjoyed the time that I have been able to spend with my students, but during my short break I realized that the number of lessons I have left with them are running out and that time is so precious. Many of these students I will never see again, yet they have had a huge impact on my life as I hope I have had on theirs.
When I returned back to Poland I felt a great sense of peace. There is only a month and a few weeks left, but I can get through them. With God on my side I will use the time I have left to continue to glorify and serve Him to the best of my ability.
Last week was the ultimate change in pace and environment. We have been going strong here since the beginning of February, as there have been zero breaks. This changed with the Easter holiday. My vacation lasted from the April 2-7. Though it was short it was so rejuvenating. As I will be coming home in less than a few months, I knew that my time to travel is coming to an end. With this in mind, a few months ago I tried to find some affordable plane tickets. Of course I had to get a few friends in on the adventure, as traveling alone is never the same as traveling in a group.
Little did I know that this small trip would have such a huge impact on my perspective. Don’t get me wrong, I love Poland, but it was so wonderful to experience another place and people. I think that it is so important for all of us to take a step away from our daily lives and visit another place. It seriously changes the lenses in which we view our world.
Although in many ways England is different than the U.S. compared to Poland it was like a little piece of home. It was also as if I was experiencing a piece of reverse culture shock. During my time in Poland I have struggled a lot with communication barriers, however I also have learned how to deal and cope with them, as well as learn a few bits and pieces of the language. Going to London from the English made me realize yet again how important communication is. Simple things such as being able to read the label on a package of food to knowing what exactly I am ordering at a restaurant are things that I value so much now as I have not been able to do them for months.
The people are also different in their interacting with one another. Polish people are very warm, friendly and hospitable. However, from first glance it may seem that this is not the case. Unlike in many parts of the U.S. the people are not walking around with smiles on their faces. London was a little more like what I am used to. It should be noted that I am not saying that one way is better than the other, as their is merit to both. One of the things I greatly appreciate in the people I have met here in Poland is that they are very genuine and intentional.
On our first trip to the grocery store in London, I had to be held back from purchasing the entire shop. Though Poland does have a few familiar brands from the States, London has so many more. It was comforting to see foods that I had forgotten about but somehow missed.
Being able to leave my Polish environment and then come back was very rejuvenating. I was able to see how far I have come in being able to adapt to somewhere totally new. It took going to London to realize how far I have come. Leaving ones comfort zone, and giving up control in their lives is a huge deal and something that I have been able to accomplish. Learning to grow and embrace in a culture different than your own can be so challenging and rewarding at the same time. I love being able to communicate on my own and be with people who understand my (not only in verbal but also nonverbal communication) is wonderful, but so is learning to adapt to something and some place new.
It is so important that we accept the opportunities in life that we get to adventure and leave what we find comfortable. Poland has become a place that, although not totally, is comfortable for me. Going to England was leaving the new comfort zone I created. However, I learned that though it may be so different from my home in the U.S. it also can be very similar. I realized how special Poland is to me and that my adventure here has been such a blessing. I have always enjoyed the time that I have been able to spend with my students, but during my short break I realized that the number of lessons I have left with them are running out and that time is so precious. Many of these students I will never see again, yet they have had a huge impact on my life as I hope I have had on theirs.
When I returned back to Poland I felt a great sense of peace. There is only a month and a few weeks left, but I can get through them. With God on my side I will use the time I have left to continue to glorify and serve Him to the best of my ability.