You’re
Back?
Returning home is usually not easy, particularly
for volunteers who served in a long-term assignment.
Whether your international experience was mostly good
or mostly bad, or somewhere in between, readapting to
home is a major transition. |
- Things at home are somewhat different.
- You are different.
- And, believe it or not, whether you loved or hated
the place you’ve been, you keep thinking of
what you left behind, and you miss it, and no one “back
home” understands.
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You may be experiencing “Reverse
Culture Shock.” Please download the items
below that may seem helpful to you.
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- You Made It Home – an
article by Pat Gustin, Director of the Institute
of World Mission at Andrews University, which may
help minimize the adverse impact a returning volunteer
experiences.
- Re-Entry Resources – a
bibliography of recommended books.
- Reflections – use
this guide to determine the lessons learned from
your mission experience, before you settle into the
next phase of your life.
- Position
Assessment – your perspective on the
place and people you served can be very valuable
for future volunteers. Complete this form and return
it to your home division volunteer coordinator.
- Ways to Stay Involved – we
encourage you to maintain an interest in
Missions. Check out these ways to stay involved.
- Tips for Telling Stories – be
a missionary at home. Tell your story.
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If you have not received a certificate
of appreciation, please contact
your home division volunteer coordinator with an updated
address so that a signed certificate can be yours. Your
service
through the Adventist Volunteer Service is greatly appreciated.
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We
always need more volunteers
– why not encourage your friends to apply –
and you may just want to consider volunteering again!
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