I'm expecting this to be a reality when I get back to Canada in the next couple of weeks. Sorry Tim Horton's, I'm returning a bit of a coffee snob.
Aussies sure know how to make a great cup of coffee. I've been spoiled. I've grown accustomed to your flat whites, and one-of-a-kind cafes in every neighbourhood.
There's a lot I've grown accustomed to while living in the Land Down Under for the last four-and-a-half-years. It's become another home to me, even if I'm still Canadian born-and-bred. My sister reminded me of my Canadian roots in an email when I lamented recently that it was 20c in Brisbane and I needed to wear a jumper...err...sweater...oh blast!
When familiar is foreign
During a visit I took to Canada a few years ago, I got poked fun at for calling something a "car park" instead of a "parking lot." And I kept bumping into people in the grocery store because I was the one pushing my trolley...err cart...on the wrong side of the aisle.
I'm going to be returning to familiar places, with familiar faces and occurrences. Yet I'm aware that even though I'm going back to what is familiar, it's going to be really foreign... at least for a while.
Make the ordinary a priority
To get myself prepared for the inevitable uncertainty that is to come, I've asked around for advice from people (mostly former missionaries) who've done this transition thing many times. Here are a few of their tips:
- Make simple, ordinary plans.
Empty the dishwasher. Go for a walk each morning. Or visit my grandma.
By setting small, yet totally attainable goals, readjusting won't seem as daunting. - Get involved in what's already happening.
For me that's going to be jumping in to helping my sister with her son. Also chipping in at my parents' church. There's nothing I have to create. I just have to put my hand up and be ready to help. - Celebrate and enjoy the small things.
Maybe it's the accomplishment of that simple goal for the day, or the way the clouds look different in the Northern Hemisphere, or familiar accents when hearing people talk. It means choosing to notice those small things that in a few weeks time I'll likely take for granted again!
At home in many places
I count myself quite fortunate actually. Although I might not like transitions, moving again has reminded me that I feel partially "at home" in many places. With transition tips in hand I hope that this move to my "other home" will be a relatively smooth one.
The search for a good cuppa on the other hand...well let's just say I'm expecting to use my stove-top espresso maker quite often.
Lisa Goetze is a 30-something woman trying to love Jesus and love people. She's on a journey to find how to do this best through her love for turning ordinary spaces into welcoming ones, encouraging women of all ages to recognize their value and whenever possible including coffee and good food.
Lisa Goetze's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/lisa-goetze.html
