Re-Entry: Making the Transition from Missions to Life at Home

by Peter Jordan

Work through the points. Read them. Think about them, then write down your answers and observations in your notebook or journal. You may also want to have each member of your family work through the points. A Personal Assessment Host Country 1. How long have you been away from your home country? 2. In what ways have you identified with the host culture? 3. In what ways are the host culture and your culture similar and dissimilar (e.g., climate, geography, language, religion, standard of living, ethnic groups, politics, dress, customs)? 4. How fulfilled do you feel in your overseas work and experience? What has it been like for you? 5. What will it be like to be away from the host culture (i.e., friends, places, ministry)? Personal Characteristics 6. Describe your physical health (e.g., stamina, nutrition, eating habits, stress levels, exercise). 7. Identify and jot down some personal qualities that may help or hinder your adjustment. 8. Have you noticed any important changes in who you are since living abroad? List them. 9. Describe any important transitions you or a family member are going through (e.g., marriage, children leaving home, entering mid-life or retirement, births, deaths, or even divorce). 10. In what ways are you preparing for your return home? Home Culture 11. How long will you be staying home? 12. Describe the primary purposes or expectations for your return. 13. What have any previous re-entry experiences been like? 14. To what extent have you stayed upda...