ROCKY RE-ENTRY

the realities of life after living cross culturally

Thoughts, encouragement, and resources for those transitioning off the field from those who’ve been there.

This blog is composed of archived articles and as of 3/20/19 is no longer being updated.

What apples can teach us about the seasons...

My transition back from living overseas landed me in an apple orchard. At the time, I found it to be a necessary evil. Returning to the family business for a job that would pay the bills. I assumed that season would be brief, but 12+ years...

Before you return: thoughts on preparing...

The last couple months I’ve chatted with a half a dozen friends who are preparing for their reentry or are just beginning to find themselves navigating the unfamiliar familiar of the USA.  Every time I talk to someone about to make...

Is there life after fear?

This past year has been one of transition for me {and one of busyness and chaos…thus the lack of writing}.  While different from my move back to the states, this season has the same themes….  transition, moving, grief, changing...

I didn’t sign up for this…

“I didn’t sign up for this.” I’ve said that a lot this last year…a season that I was hurled into without my choosing and without much warning.  A season that turned my life upside down…and I find myself...

Thoughts on Being a Single Adult in December

One for my single friends….or really for anyone who has ever felt like their world is telling them who they are is not quite enough.   I’m not someone who typically spends a lot of time talking or thinking about being...

Friendship in the midst of transition.

I remember when I was knee deep in reentry; still in the place where I kept forgetting to flush the toilet paper and was overwhelmed by too many options in Walmart.  In the midst of that season, I found myself trying to figure out this thing...

Losing the Celebrity Status

When you live overseas sometimes people treat you like a celebrity. “You must be super spiritual to be able to put up with the difficulties of living in that strange place.” “You must have it all together if you can pick up...

Poem: Back in the States

Today we have another great description of re-entry by Craig….I’d also encourage you to check out some of Craig’s other writings about reentry on his own blog. Back in the States after being gone for a long time, I’m...

Re-Entry: An Internal Monologue

This week we’re welcoming Rachel to Rocky Re-entry as she shares her re-entry story… It took six months for the honeymoon to be over.  By that point, I’d figured out where to grocery shop and where to buy clothing cheaply. ...

Share Your Story

Have your own reentry experience? Sometimes hearing others’ experiences helps to normalize our own. If you’ve written a blog post or article about your reentry story, please post the link in the comments below so others can click and read...