"This is essential reading by everyone with a heart for missions; those who send, those who are sent and especailly those on the welcome committee when they return".........Garaham Kerr. This description may be from another edition of this product.
Some friends recommended this book to me after I returned from a year in East Africa. My only regret is that I didn't know about this book earlier! It is a very useful and practical guide for people who have spent time overseas, have experienced changes during the time away and are now returning to a "home" that has also changed during their absence. It provides specific questions for reflection and introspection BEFORE someone leaves the field, helps the person anticipate common reactions once s/he gets home, and suggests ways for the person to reintegrate back into life and community. The book actually suggests that a person who is returning start the reflection portion BEFORE they leave the field, and I concur. The language and style of the writing is very simple and direct. This is not a book about the theory of reentry; it's a practical guide. The book was written a while ago so some of the analogies are rather outdated, but that was the only negative.
Not just for missionaries
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
We received this book before we returned from the mission field 10 years ago and found it very helpful. We are re-reading it now to be ready to welcome our daughter's boyfriend home from the war. We haven't found anything else as helpful.
Chessy but good
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
I lead short term mission trips and this is one of the most helpful resources I have found to help folks prepare and transition to life back home. This book goes beyond "it will be hard when you go back home", but offers practical reflection points to help you think about the time and what you learned from your time abroad while you are preparing to leave. I love that he focuses on the preparation before you leave the field rather than only on what to expect after you return.
Essential!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
I always keep many copies of this book and give it out to everyone! It is perfect for both short-term missionaries and career missionaries who are returning home to the US. Returning home is such a challenge, and most of the issues one faces unfortunately are all to common. It is wonderful to read this book and realize you aren't alone, that people have the same experiences. Believe me, you aren't the only one!
Great Book for People Returning Home
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
We just returned from Russia when my father gave me this book, and said, 'read it'. That was good advice.Returning from an extended period in a foreign country can be a difficult experience. This book describes problems you can fall into, and how to avoid them.It talks about how people fail to notice you've even been gone. Or don't seem to care that much what you did. When you understand these are common experiences, it helps those problems become a lot less personal.Overall, we've applied the principles of this book, and haven't experienced most of the 'reverse culture shock' that many do. And we've been home nearly a year now, so we'll probably do okay.Good book to give a returning, or retiring missionary, as a gift.
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