As I was driving around Hudsonville and Jenison yesterday and today, I wondered how many of our team members are experiencing some reverse culture shock.
Who was in awe of being able to put our toothbrush or our drinking glass under the running water from the faucet instead of having to use filtered water? Or did you take it for granted?
Who noticed the smooth roads with gradual hills? Who was amazed at being able to go over 35 mph on the roads? Did you appreciate our wide roads where there are obvious rules in place for safety? Or did you just go about your business as if it were no big deal?
How many of you were missing the chance to go and cuddle a baby or small child whenever they had the desire to? I know I was!
Who was thankful for our families and for our own individual situations no matter what they are? How many of us thanked God that we never had to make the decision to bring a family member to an orphanage or 'home' because we couldn't feed them? Or haven't you stopped to think about all of the kids who are waiting for their forever families?
How many of us came home and are thankful for our jobs when we have just returned from a country with a 60% unemployment rate? Or did you complain about having to get up early and go to work?
How many of us are thankful for our schools and educational system that 'works' the majority of the time? Or are we dreading the start of another school year?
How many of us came home grateful that we have a family doctor we can call when we don't feel well? Or are thankful we have modern medical facilities and hospitals we can trust when we are seriously ill? Or did we come home thinking we deserved what our health care system has to offer?
How many of us returned to our air-conditioned homes and vehicles without another thought about how the people elsewhere manage without this luxury?
These are just some of the things I have been thankful for since returning home early Tuesday morning. I am interested to hear what else you have noticed 'more' of since being home.
Cheryl
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