Mennonite
Central
Committee

What is "Home"?

"Home" is where we know the language, the vocabulary, we know how to be polite, we know where to get groceries and so on. Home is where we fit, where we feel secure. Now home may not be what it used to be; coming "home" may not be what is expected.

'What is expected' is a big part of this. Returned workers have many expectations of "home", of themselves, of family, friends and church. Be aware of your expectations; double check them. Others have expectations of returned workers. Flexibility and patience are important in such times.

For some people the time of re-entry can be more difficult than leaving, it may be more difficult than going to the assignment. This may be the first time that we consciously enter, see, our own society.

It seems that reconnecting with family and church, and questions of spirituality and meaning and purpose are among the primary areas of surprise and difficulty for people returning "home".