Our emotions are all over the map anticipating our return to the USA. We are excited and nervous at the same time. You may be asking yourself as you read this, “Why are we nervous?” and I’ll share why.
1. I’m nervous I’ll be a reckless driver in the USA. I’ve adapted to weaving in and out of traffic, going into the oncoming lane because that’s normal and you just swerve, two lane roads becoming six lanes of traffic, pulling out in front of others knowing they’ll yield to me, getting into arguments with other drivers about driving and laughing at the end.
2. I’m nervous I’ll be so different that I won’t be able to adjust back to the USA. It’s my passport country. I’m an American through and through, however, I’ve lived overseas for the last six years (one year in France and five in Cameroon), the lenses on my cultural sunglasses have changed.
3. I’m nervous that everyone’s lives have marched on and they won’t have room for me to be part of their lives.
4. I’m nervous for the boys to be in new schools.
5. I’m nervous for the boys making new friends.
6. I’m nervous about not knowing what’s next for us.
7. I’m nervous we won’t have enough money to live on.
8. I’m nervous I’ll appear stupid when people ask me questions and I have trouble articulating in English since French has taken over certain parts of my brain making it harder to recall all my English. Also appearing that way when people ask me questions about anything that’s happened in the USA in the past six years – I don’t know.
9. I’m nervous about what new technology or thing has taken over since 2012. In 2012 when we were in the USA it was very hard for me to “get” smart phones and people always being on their phones.
10. I’m nervous I’ll be judgmental of others or my comments will come across as being judgmental.
D squared + J squared = Anderson 
You are nervous and we are excited. Excited to have you on US soil. Excited to be able to visit without using our passports. Excited about being in the same time zone ( well almost). Excited to see you. Grateful that whether you are in. Cameroon or Missouri God’s protective hand is still on you. Grateful that you are returning to s family that loves you so much. And excited to put my arms around all of you and give you a big pop-pop hug. See you soon.
Praying for you all!! “Cast your cares on Him for He cares for you.” God will provide all your needs! Praying for his love and grace to surround you during this anxious time.
Look on the bright side!
1. If you appear to be a crazy driver, other drivers will assume you are from New York, New Jersey, or Florida.
2. Those cultural glasses are an asset. It allows you to be a divergent thinker. We all need more of that.
3. All of our lives have moved on, but that has never altered how loved all of you are. That will never change.
4 and 5. Children are the most adaptable people in the world. They make friends easily and school allows them to do it quickly. Our grandkids just moved from PA to Oregon and started making friends at the bus stop on their first day of school (in March). They were nervous about making friends during their move, but were very eager to tell us about their new friends as soon as they moved into their new home.
6 and 7. Give those concerns to God. We never know what’s next….that’s a good thing. Trust God!
8. Concerned about the language change over…..that could come in handy. Use it on the telemarketers who will undoubtedly call on Tuesday evenings at dinner time. 😉
9. Technology changes so quickly that you are in good company with the technologically challenged. Your children will have it figured out in a snap! They can be your tutors.
10. Trying to be non-judgmental is something we all work on. Being aware of those tendencies and praying to be changed is an ongoing process for me. You are not alone.
You are being prayed for by many loving friends and family members. We are all excited for your family to arrive home. Get ready for all the hugging and kissing. 😘
I can only imagine & those feelings, fears & anxieties sound completely understandable & normal. God’s got it & we’re all here for you! Love you!!!
During the past 6 years (especially the Cameroonian years) I’ve been nervous for the four of you! Nervous thinking about moot-moots hatching in your clothes and boring into your skin. Nervous wondering if those pesky mosquitos will chomp into you and spread malaria. Nervous knowing that a simple errand in your 1988 vehicular transport doesn’t have seat straps as you’re swerving through a maze of unruly drivers or traveling across rugged terrain when the wheels fall off. Yikes! The nerves have never stopped working overtime. The USA, even after living 6-years away from this blessed soil, would seem like a cake walk compared to the challenges you’ve endured, and indeed mastered, in myriad areas of cultural, health, absence of family & friends, personal protection issues, obstacles overcome through frequent and long electrical outages and lack of water, deaths of co-workers and friends (including the youngster who lost his life to cancer which broke our hearts in deep sadness) work and school issues, and on and on and on. The fact you’re enduring and keep running the race and keep your eyes on the prize, regardless the living environment or circumstances, exemplify that you’ll do fine and adapt beautifully back in the USA. As far as your concern over item 8, don’t worry if you have trouble articulating. I have trouble with that, too. Good thing Denise is nearby to help us out. Not to make light of your concerns–they’re valid for sure, I hope it gives you encouragement and comfort knowing that throughout your transition settling in at home you’ll be surrounded by people who love you so very much!