Do you know how overwhelming it is to be a returned missionary? I mean we spend a year and a half, counting down the days until we are free. We spend a year and a half, talking about all the things we missed, hoping that we can kill any homesickness we may have by TALKING about things that once were. And I think we secretly create this idea in our head of how incredible it is going to be to go back and enjoy all the things we once enjoyed. Truth is, it is, and never will be the same thing it once was! So here is my post, to the those things that should be, but aren't
Things that I thought would be that are actually not: A warning. To all those who may have experienced, are about to experience, or are experiencing right now!
People:
People:
Truth: There are so many people, so many marriages, babies, divorces that are going on. Its exhausting trying to catch up. Every hug, "hi, how are you?" is just another moment of "Wow, what do you think changed in their life?" I was gone a year and a half! People managed to completely switch their lives around to be something, or someone totally different. Then there is the famous assumption--"Oh, I'm sure you've already heard from Bobby, about his new (insert life change here), but have you talked to him? What else is he up to now?"
People, if I had a dime for every endless thought of, "Oh ya-- I need to catch up with so and so", after the mission, I'd be able to pay the my tuition, computer and rent this semester! Which would also be a big help!
Food:
Ya, the food is great. That part actually isn't really letting me down. It isn't that I didn't love Brasilian food, its that I am your true and all american girl. This is more of a slow process, day to day kind of thing. I totally could not remember what it was I was missing. There are just small moments, after somebody reminds me that I am like.... oh ya....That stuffs delicious.
Music:
Probably the most stressful for someone like me. I have, since the beginning, let music define me. Let it be my guide. I always have some random, new tune that I am jamming. I am caught up, if not ahead of those times. You get back after a year and a half without being able to catch up on the daily, OVERWHELMED. 100%. Every day its just a new song from every genre. I have a year and a half to catch up on what was missed, and find those that are to come.
Movies/TV:
Thankfully for me, I never was much of a movie goer or a series watcher. The only and only show I have ever dedicated time to is, my beloved, Gilmore Girls. And I had already seen everything there was to see. All 7 seasons, interviews, everything! But I am just as positive still, that it would be like any other thing returning home. Frustrating for those who like this stuff. And then there is that question like, "WHAT? You HAVEN'T seen (insert dumb movie/series here)???" As if we live in some kind of rock? Guys! We have spent the past year and half (2 years), DISCONNECTED. We thrived off on the road billboards and posters, members who shared world updates....please. Hear us out. We did not necessarily CHOOSE to stay disconnected.
And please oh please.... do not get me started on
That Social Life Scene:
You paint this entirely, over thought, and totally WRONG, picture that just because you are some returned missionary, you will lead a completely different life. Every day you will get asked to go hang out, or to go on a date. And yes, we (or at least I) did think this. And if it isn't a social event, you'll get out with those missionaries, or you'll go visit someone in need. I don't know, you just plan this busy life that actually is not AT ALL like that. Its totally different. Its less busy, still has the hang outs and dates.
I guess....
And I know I am going to eat these words with a bunch of "I told you so's",
Coming home is not at all what its cracked up to be.
But I'm sure this thought is a more of a temporary thought.
Let you know through out the journey.
Yours truly,
Annalee
People, if I had a dime for every endless thought of, "Oh ya-- I need to catch up with so and so", after the mission, I'd be able to pay the my tuition, computer and rent this semester! Which would also be a big help!
Food:
Ya, the food is great. That part actually isn't really letting me down. It isn't that I didn't love Brasilian food, its that I am your true and all american girl. This is more of a slow process, day to day kind of thing. I totally could not remember what it was I was missing. There are just small moments, after somebody reminds me that I am like.... oh ya....That stuffs delicious.
Music:
Probably the most stressful for someone like me. I have, since the beginning, let music define me. Let it be my guide. I always have some random, new tune that I am jamming. I am caught up, if not ahead of those times. You get back after a year and a half without being able to catch up on the daily, OVERWHELMED. 100%. Every day its just a new song from every genre. I have a year and a half to catch up on what was missed, and find those that are to come.
Movies/TV:
Thankfully for me, I never was much of a movie goer or a series watcher. The only and only show I have ever dedicated time to is, my beloved, Gilmore Girls. And I had already seen everything there was to see. All 7 seasons, interviews, everything! But I am just as positive still, that it would be like any other thing returning home. Frustrating for those who like this stuff. And then there is that question like, "WHAT? You HAVEN'T seen (insert dumb movie/series here)???" As if we live in some kind of rock? Guys! We have spent the past year and half (2 years), DISCONNECTED. We thrived off on the road billboards and posters, members who shared world updates....please. Hear us out. We did not necessarily CHOOSE to stay disconnected.
And please oh please.... do not get me started on
That Social Life Scene:
You paint this entirely, over thought, and totally WRONG, picture that just because you are some returned missionary, you will lead a completely different life. Every day you will get asked to go hang out, or to go on a date. And yes, we (or at least I) did think this. And if it isn't a social event, you'll get out with those missionaries, or you'll go visit someone in need. I don't know, you just plan this busy life that actually is not AT ALL like that. Its totally different. Its less busy, still has the hang outs and dates.
I guess....
And I know I am going to eat these words with a bunch of "I told you so's",
Coming home is not at all what its cracked up to be.
But I'm sure this thought is a more of a temporary thought.
Let you know through out the journey.
Yours truly,
Annalee