It's a Hard-Knock Life

“Culture shock is the physical and emotional discomfort of being in a foreign country, another culture, an unfamiliar place, or all three. Culture shock occurs when many things in your new environment are familiar – the language, the telephone system, people’s mannerisms, etc. The adjustment to new surroundings can be exciting, stressful, frustrating, amusing, or just plain confusing” -- USAID

Unexpectedly, I am in the throws of a severe case of homesickness. And I don’t necessarily mean that I want to run home to mommy and daddy. It’s more an angst about the unfamiliar. I came across this website which really laid it out nicely. How bad I’m feeling isn’t totally abnormal, which was very comforting to know. The “inspiration for singles” title kinda threw me, but it turned out to actually be a pretty interesting read…..

http://www.inspiration-for-singles.com/homesickness.html

Right now, I’m just not in the best headspace. Sad, lonely, isolated, frustrated. I chose this and almost feel embarrassed to be admitting these feelings because I’ve been traipsing around for months bragging, “I’m going to Africa! I’m moving to Ghana!” blah blah blah. And now look at me. Sigh….I know how I’m feeling is natural and common and part of the gig. So, for any of you out there who want to judge and ridicule me, I ask, have you ever moved across the world, alone, away from everything and everyone you know and love? With that, I say, bear with me. I’m supposed to be strong and independent….I know I can do this. And with that, this depressed girl in Ghana is off to eat some more Pringles.

My current comfort