tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post325510919505720872..comments2024-03-08T06:45:22.099-03:00Comments on The Jungle Hut: Preparing for Re-EntryRita Locahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09961929692808138092noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-49050207827313452732007-06-12T10:18:00.000-03:002007-06-12T10:18:00.000-03:00I live here and I am overwhelmed by all the choice...I live here and I am overwhelmed by all the choices. I will be praying for you!groovyoldladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07971936982658984234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-49610322921786573162007-06-11T17:21:00.000-03:002007-06-11T17:21:00.000-03:00Ahhh, that explanes things from my last trip to th...Ahhh, that explanes things from my last trip to the states! I thought I was loosing my mind, or going totally soft-I'm so used to being able to just leak a tear every now and then, but, goodnight! The West Coast Baptist singing group sang, "Who Will Go To America?" and I was gasping, sobbing, could not stop.<BR/><BR/>I love my country, but I'm leaving. When we visit churches I feel like yelling, "Hey you better do God's will here! Take care of my country!"<BR/><BR/>(Of course, being pregnant also messes with my ability to control my emotions, so that might have been part of it.)<BR/><BR/>I like the kissing thing-it feels right to me, but I haven't done it in the states at all. My pastor was in for a shock when he took missions trips in Russia, and the Russian pastors teased him greatly for his dislike of their literal interpretation of the "holy kiss". He always keeps hershys kisses in his pocket when he goes back to give out his own version without getting smacked on the lips by a man!Sarah Joyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04867276204658978050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-84280490436357486552007-06-11T11:31:00.000-03:002007-06-11T11:31:00.000-03:00Can't say that I miss besitos or invasion of perso...Can't say that I miss besitos or invasion of personal space. I always feel so dowdy when I return to the States. Americans have way too many clothes...and shoes...and cars...and food! I, too, will be going to the U.S. next week. I want to go to the grocery store just to see stocked shelves! Won't that be grand...20 kinds of liquid coffee creamer!!!!CaraqueƱahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18030291956959230364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-25619571376511452692007-06-10T23:55:00.000-03:002007-06-10T23:55:00.000-03:00Check out my story of re-entry from the village to...Check out my story of re-entry from the village to Chattanooga Tn in one day at my blog.Yekwana Manhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10181274897784329296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-31449184208778698522007-06-10T21:33:00.000-03:002007-06-10T21:33:00.000-03:00Wonderful, Rita. I knew it would be. Thanks for re...Wonderful, Rita. I knew it would be. Thanks for responding to my request. I will link to this post.Bob's Bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11971565970366294930noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-69094827415315512162007-06-10T17:25:00.000-03:002007-06-10T17:25:00.000-03:00I lived in Caracas, but as the in-country coordina...I lived in Caracas, but as the in-country coordinator for the Alabama/Venezuela partnership, I traveled all over. Health reasons mandated my return from the mission field, but my heart is still in Venezuela. I sure wish our paths could have crossed while we were down there. God bless you in this next step of your journey in service to Him.<BR/><BR/>Chao 4 now,<BR/>Gary ClaytonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-8676566747038209522007-06-10T15:15:00.000-03:002007-06-10T15:15:00.000-03:00Yeah, I know just what you mean...Yeah, I know just what you mean...Morganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02924590186496772979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-27215003369381800922007-06-10T14:32:00.000-03:002007-06-10T14:32:00.000-03:00We lived in Turkey, England and then the longest i...We lived in Turkey, England and then the longest in Italy....<BR/>yes..yes...re-entry is HARD....and I find American churches so platonic for lack of a better word...rare is there outside of the church building comraderie..I miss the closeness of CHURCH family..Americans are too busy....and YES...materialism...and now..we have been back 9 years and I long for some REAL....American Christians really don't have a clue..and that is not meant to be ugly...but if given the choice as much as I love AMERICA..and fly my red white blue FLAG.....I would advise...stay as REAL as you are..both on the internet and LIFE...You have much to teach some Stuffy Americans...let them be the recipient of your years on the mission field and IF you come out my way...please come over...and you can hug and do whatever you like.....<BR/>and as someone who spent 7 years in N.Italy...CIAO...with a kiss on BOTH cheeks, man or woman...maybe considered a HOLY kiss...<BR/>Deby~~Debyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03288057520112643825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-49433474319742763012007-06-10T13:39:00.000-03:002007-06-10T13:39:00.000-03:00LOL Not me, I kiss people on the cheek for real, a...LOL Not me, I kiss people on the cheek for real, and I'm quickly "air kissed" and embraced by a Cuban family in my church. I'm perfectly comfortable! I think it's mostly northern states...though I feel somtimes I hug people who aren't comfortable with the tight hugs I give cause they tend to give me the ol' "one armed hug" LOL I can't tell if they're trying to give me a hug or get me in a headlock. LOL <BR/><BR/>I can't wait to see you all! And yes, embrace you tightly! LOL<BR/><BR/>HAHA Josh was even funny at a young age...Ashleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01191063831594683858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-78140483503097331672007-06-10T10:34:00.000-03:002007-06-10T10:34:00.000-03:00"Mailing in checks to pay utility bills! That is i..."Mailing in checks to pay utility bills! That is incredible!! No need to spend half a day in line!!!<BR/><BR/>You've been gone waaaaay too long! Now you pay them online or they take it out of your checking account. :o)....much easier!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-13341221985253445682007-06-10T10:16:00.000-03:002007-06-10T10:16:00.000-03:00Wonderful post, Rita. You'll have more insights in...Wonderful post, Rita. You'll have more insights into the pitfalls of our culture as you re-enter.<BR/><BR/>BTW, over at Webutatne....do you remember the anonymous commenter who stormed off in a huff a few months ago? Well, don't look now, but she's back as "Vienna Va" and wearing me out. Don't make a big deal over it...but thought you might like to know and be amused and aware. She's written me so many comments lately, that I have to delete some of them...but some I publish.<BR/><BR/>Stay well, and God bless.Webutantehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02909008993551106296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-7993654896294836002007-06-10T08:58:00.000-03:002007-06-10T08:58:00.000-03:00Thanks to everyone!!Thanks to everyone!!Rita Locahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09961929692808138092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-20169956612814455022007-06-10T08:36:00.000-03:002007-06-10T08:36:00.000-03:00Yes, the statews will always sound a chord somewhe...Yes, the statews will always sound a chord somewhere inside as home. But I still love Venezuela, dominated by tyranny as she is! My Dad just got back from the States last night and I was reminded how much more they have in the States. Well, I guess it's all part of the package, along witha ranting madman and empty shelves!Cross Crusaderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12402410195470950463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-4911417125468796852007-06-10T07:19:00.001-03:002007-06-10T07:19:00.001-03:00P.S. Shocks me and I have left!!!!P.S. Shocks me and I have left!!!!Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11360047123820906113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-58815751552680112202007-06-10T07:19:00.000-03:002007-06-10T07:19:00.000-03:00Very interesting hearing the adjustments. I've he...Very interesting hearing the adjustments. I've heard MANY missionaries talk about the cultural shock of how the morals have declined since they left here to serve.<BR/>SusanSusanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11360047123820906113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-53258535142543338792007-06-10T07:12:00.000-03:002007-06-10T07:12:00.000-03:00Jungle Mom,Let us know if you're ever around Detro...Jungle Mom,<BR/><BR/>Let us know if you're ever around Detroit.<BR/><BR/>Are you leaving Venezuela permanently?Pandayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11103853686978003169noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-33984293191106091922007-06-10T06:25:00.000-03:002007-06-10T06:25:00.000-03:00A poignant moment for you - as you embark to your ...A poignant moment for you - as you embark to your 'homeland'.<BR/><BR/>You will still retain the fond memories of your many years of experiences to fall back.<BR/><BR/>Thank you for sharing this deeply moving post.Portrait of Peterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16768661026680055606noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-1963090963683222162007-06-10T03:45:00.000-03:002007-06-10T03:45:00.000-03:00I will be praying for you and your family, as you ...I will be praying for you and your family, as you make this big change. <BR/><BR/>Over the years I've seen differences in culture, and tradition in several parts of our country, and understand those variations, but am constantly disheartened by the god so many have made for themselves out of material things.<BR/><BR/> I think it's a huge reason so many seem to have lost sight of what's really to be valued. And all kinds of social and medical problems are threatening the values we are losing. That is too high a price to pay for convenience and creature comforts.Judithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11127746214155107976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-89588160255687468172007-06-10T00:58:00.000-03:002007-06-10T00:58:00.000-03:00You have bonded well with the people of Venezuela ...You have bonded well with the people of Venezuela as well as the country. I don't see how you could have done your mission otherwise.<BR/>I understand that it will be difficult to come back, but try to remember that you can be loved by many countries just as you are loved by more than one child. <BR/>I pray for this time of adjustment to be easy for all of you.<BR/>God Bless.<BR/>My granddaughter is graduating from college this month and has an opportunity to teach in Venezuela. <BR/>I am concerned because of the political unrest.Mountain Mamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05484592294033354129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-55381576730487709392007-06-10T00:28:00.000-03:002007-06-10T00:28:00.000-03:00I am happy to say that I welcome tight, long hugs ...I am happy to say that I welcome tight, long hugs from almost anyone and I love real kisses on the cheek! They don't even have to be air kisses! In my circle, it seems all the women do hug. Only dear family friends and some preacher friends are the only males that hug me, but hey, I would hug anybody! I think its a beautiful way to show a connection to that person and it is very healing for me. But I do know what you mean - it is not common I guess in the states, unless you are in an exceptionally warm church like ours! I have noticed that I can't hug my Pastor and sometimes I can tell I've held his hand too long after a handshake,as he pulls it away. It has embarrassed me a time or two! LOL I don't mean anything by it, but I speak and look into people's eyes and I like touching. Sorry Americans! <BR/><BR/>You will do fine Rita, since you know what to anticipate after all your previous re-entries! My neighbors are latin and very good huggers, so I will introduce you! And there are several latins in our church as well. <BR/><BR/>Love you and miss you. Can't wait to see you all!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10436764764797493783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-26275006092460930812007-06-10T00:13:00.000-03:002007-06-10T00:13:00.000-03:00This was such a fascinating post. So many things ...This was such a fascinating post. So many things we don't think of and take for granted.Donnettahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11692862365425939349noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-88804897351576051822007-06-09T23:57:00.000-03:002007-06-09T23:57:00.000-03:00I can see where these things would be difficult to...I can see where these things would be difficult to readjust to. <BR/><BR/>I'm a hugger and a kisser. If we ever meet, I promise to lean in for a cheek touch and an air kiss. LOL<BR/><BR/>Funny, funny question your son asked about the fat free Americans....or rather, the lack thereof. HA!<BR/><BR/>And the kids are spoiled to air conditioning and game stations. That's why they're not outside. My kids included. I am afraid they are in for a rude awakening this summer. LOL<BR/><BR/>I do hope you readjust quickly so that you can fully and completely enjoy your visit stateside. Although, I have no doubt you miss your Venezuela as well.<BR/><BR/>~KristiKristihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10408986161900668410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-41903111220397349722007-06-09T23:29:00.000-03:002007-06-09T23:29:00.000-03:00Gary: I am wondering where you lived in Venezuela?...Gary: I am wondering where you lived in Venezuela?Rita Locahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09961929692808138092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-43036252480191140962007-06-09T23:25:00.000-03:002007-06-09T23:25:00.000-03:00I understand your thoughts exactly. We have been h...I understand your thoughts exactly. We have been home from Venezuela for over a year now and I still miss it so very much. We frequent Mexican restaurants just to hear the language, but sure miss the "air kisses".<BR/><BR/>Abrazos,<BR/>Gary ClaytonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36746999.post-64993923122585121642007-06-09T23:00:00.000-03:002007-06-09T23:00:00.000-03:00Liz, I will still blog and will keep up with my Ve...Liz, I will still blog and will keep up with my Venezuelan friends. Even my internet friends.Rita Locahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09961929692808138092noreply@blogger.com