How wonderful it obviously was to experience "family" in a new environment. Love is so evident in your photos --and communication clearly takes on the face of communicaring.
Thanks, too, for sharing earlier the deepening meaning of Christmas and the birth of a peaceable kingdom --in spite of warring madness.
This afternoon I found myself thinking of you again as I was reading in my International Journal of Spiritual Direction (December 2009 issue of Presence)about spiritual direction in a new culture. Regarding "culture shock" the writer states "According to the literature, there are bound to be events and situations that leave you vulnerable to self-doubt, frustration, or even in some cases despair. Many people refer to this as culture shock, which has a variety of stages, namely, honeymoon, hostility, adjustment, and biculturalism." I found myself wondering if you have been aware of these stages. My guess is that they are not so neatly divided, but like most other life experiences they overlap.
I also loved your piece on marriage. Just wonderful. As one who has been married over 55 years, I especially liked your comment about thinking on your wedding day that it was impossible to love anyone more. Love does offer some lovely surprises doesn't it?
Thanks, Jenny, for sharing so beautifully of yourself and your experience.
oh, that picture of mom and andy cuddling was almost too much. i just feel like i'm so close to knowing just what each of them felt in that moment.
ReplyDeletelove you.
I can only imagine how wonderful this trip was. And how difficult for it to end. Love to you all.
ReplyDelete: )
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful it obviously was to experience "family" in a new environment. Love is so evident in your photos --and communication clearly takes on the face of communicaring.
ReplyDeleteThanks, too, for sharing earlier the deepening meaning of Christmas and the birth of a peaceable kingdom --in spite of warring madness.
This afternoon I found myself thinking of you again as I was reading in my International Journal of Spiritual Direction (December 2009 issue of Presence)about spiritual direction in a new culture. Regarding "culture shock" the writer states "According to the literature, there are bound to be events and situations that leave you vulnerable to self-doubt, frustration, or even in some cases despair. Many people refer to this as culture shock, which has a variety of stages, namely, honeymoon, hostility, adjustment, and biculturalism." I found myself wondering if you have been aware of these stages. My guess is that they are not so neatly divided, but like most other life experiences they overlap.
I also loved your piece on marriage. Just wonderful. As one who has been married over 55 years, I especially liked your comment about thinking on your wedding day that it was impossible to love anyone more. Love does offer some lovely surprises doesn't it?
Thanks, Jenny, for sharing so beautifully of yourself and your experience.
Continued blessings,
Ruth Naylor