You’ve heard of culture shock – going to a foreign country and responding to all the changes. After being out of our home country of America for four years, we are experiencing some of the same things here upon our return. For instance, counting out money to pay for purchases seems awkward and unfamiliar. I remember feeling that very same way about using Japanese money at one time. The kids are amazed that everyone speaks English all around them, and that the kids waiting for buses aren’t Asian. A funny one that shows how Japanese culture has been integrated into our children’s lives is Chloe in the fitting room. She was trying on new jeans, and when she called me in to look at how they fit, I found her standing on the bench seat in the fitting room. Puzzled, I looked to see if the mirror was too high up for her to see herself in, but, no, it was floor-length. Curious, I asked why she was standing up there. Her reason: “I don’t want to step on the floor in my socks where everyone walks in their dirty shoes.” (In Japanese fitting rooms, you remove your shoes before entering.)
Taking showers is another instance of change. In Japan, I roll up my pants, enter the completely-enclosed, tiled shower room, and using the hand-held shower head, I wash my younger children. That is pretty much impossible in American houses. To Melodie (age 5), the thought of leaning back to place her head under a roaring faucet of running water was as appealing as having a scary dog chase her down. (I had to use a cup to wet and rinse her hair instead.)
But, no matter what changes we face, we know that God is the same no matter where we live. We are so thankful that He is with us even in Wal-Mart, when we don’t know if we should pick up our bags on that carousel thing or wait till the clerk packs them fuller. And if you meet us and we give you a blank look when you say a newer phrase or lingo that has been coined in the last four years, please understand that we most likely simply haven’t heard it before!