Cross Cultural Travel Resources: Re-entry

Just like a space shuttle struggles and strains to re-enter the earth's atmosphere, so those returning from living overseas can find themselves confused and in a state of panic at coming home. While people anticipate that going overseas will require major changes in their lifestyles and thinking, few anticipate the difficulties they will face upon return. Intended to aid the re-entry process, this encouraging and insightful book deals with these important subjects: adapting to the passport culture, identifying areas of potential struggle, dealing with the emotional challenges, finding a new job, a new place to live, learning the social mores, returning is not coming home it is leaving home. Expatriates, missionaries, mission executives, mission pastors, mission communities, and supporters interested in easing the re-entry experience will benefit greatly from this book.

Peter Jordan's vital, insightful teaching on the challenges and opportunities that await returning missionaries makes this essential reading for every short- and long-term out-reach participant and every local church and mission agency that sends out workers.

Returning from extended periods abroad can be stressful and disorienting. Storti offers a guide for reentry that addresses possible issues associated with returning home for the traveler, as well as his or her spouse and children. This expanded and updated edition is destined to continue the tradition with solid advice on what it takes to reduce the pain and stress of transitioning home.

Whether at home or abroad, communicating with people of other cultures is difficult. It requires new ways of thinking and interpreting the world. When conflict arises, as it often does, the issues become even more confusing. Without a good understanding of how different cultures handle conflict, our best intentions may only make matters worse. Duane Elmer walks readers through various types of conflict and shows how they can be handled effectively and appropriately. Elmer gives numerous stories and examples to show how handling conflict well builds solid relationships. With an eye out for biblical principles, he looks at a variety of sticky questions in Scripture. This is a book not just of theory but of practical models of conflict resolution. Pastors, evangelists, business people, missionaries, students will find this book immensely helpful.

Marilyn Gardner was raised in Pakistan and went on to raise her own five children in Pakistan and Egypt before moving to small town New England. Between Worlds will resonate with those who have lived outside of their passport country, as well as those who have not. These essays explore the rootlessness and grief as well as the unexpected moments of humor and joy that are a part of living between two worlds. Between Worlds charts a journey between the cultures of East and West, the comfort of being surrounded by loved ones and familiar places, and the loneliness of not belonging.

This resource provides tools to help one think through, plan for, and live through the transition of repatriation.