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Processing Africa-Part 8 Day 3 of the Retreat- God meets me in Africa

As I woke on day three, a profound sense of calm washed over me, despite the intensity of the past few days. It was a whispering reassurance to my soul. As God lead me in a time of reflection that morning of the past few weeks, from trauma training in Liberia to reconnecting with familiar faces in Morogoro. It wasn’t until I showed up at the retreat, while serving missionaries in challenging situations did I […]

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Processing Africa- Part 7 Retreat Day 2- Bus Accident

Over the course of day two, was filled with small group discussions, one-on-one counseling sessions, and workshops focusing on navigating life’s transitions. Each encounter brought forth a tapestry of stories, ranging from marriage struggles, moral failures to instances of spiritual abuse and unhealthy boundaries. Amidst these challenges, we also confronted the harsh realities of frontline spiritual warfare, where demonic influences seemed to the only way to explain what was happening. As the evening descended, a

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Processing Africa-Part 6 -Retreat Day One-Not what I was expecting

This retreat began like many others, with the initial sign-in marking the start of what we anticipated would be a transformative experience. However, the atmosphere shifted when the first woman to arrive seemed visibly embarrassed, ultimately leaving the room in tears. While not an uncommon response, it sparked a sense of concern. Sensing her distress, I approached her by the pool, offering a listening ear and reassurance. As we conversed, she revealed that she had

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Processing Africa-Part 4 Morogoro, Tanzania

Returning to Tanazina after 11 years was an emotional yet profoundly enriching experience. Serving in this community for five years left an indelible mark on my heart, and being back stirred up a whirlwind of emotions. Tuesday night, I found myself grappling with questions of whether we had done enough and if we should have stayed longer. Tears flowed freely as I wrestled with these thoughts, but I recognized them as natural reactions to such

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Processing Africa-Part 2 Welcome to Liberia

Liberia, the small yellow country on the west side of Africa, holds a rich yet turbulent history. Civil wars, famine, disease, and other challenges have marred its past. However, what’s particularly intriguing is its post-civil war narrative. Following the conflict, Liberia became a destination for those who had been sent back to Africa, a pivotal moment in its history. As I learned from a Liberian acquaintance, the country lags about 10 years behind most other

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Processing Africa-Part 1-How It Started

Two years ago, during a conversation in Romania with a friend who had established a school in Liberia, Africa, she expressed her desire for teachers to adopt a trauma-informed approach. Little did I know that this conversation would sow a seed that would eventually lead me back to Africa. A year later, while assisting with a women’s retreat in Vietnam, the organizers mentioned plans for the following year’s retreat in Africa. When asked if I

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The final phase of the re-entry journey – the Settling In phase (2 – 5 years).

Welcome to the final phase of our re-entry journey- the Settling In phase (2 – 5 years). As we continue to embrace the rhythm of life in our passport country, we are invited to reflect on the transformative journey we’ve undertaken thus far. Our goal in this phase is to support you as you complete your adjustment or maintain integration within your home culture. Completing Your Adjustment or Maintaining Integration: The Settling In phase is

The final phase of the re-entry journey – the Settling In phase (2 – 5 years). Read More »

Phase 4 of the re-entry journey – the Adjustment phase (6 months – 2 years).

Welcome to Phase 4 of our re-entry journey – the Adjustment phase (6 months – 2 years). As we continue to settle into our lives in our passport country, we are met with the ebb and flow of reentry stress. But fear not, for this phase is an opportunity for growth, resilience, and self-compassion as we navigate the complexities of returning home. Navigating Reentry Stress: Transitioning back to our passport country can sometimes feel like

Phase 4 of the re-entry journey – the Adjustment phase (6 months – 2 years). Read More »

Phase 3 of the Re-entry Journey the Initial Landing (3 – 6 months).

Welcome to Phase 3 of our re-entry journey – the Initial Landing (3 – 6 months) or ‘Shock and Disorientation“. As we find ourselves back in the embrace of our passport country, we may encounter the ebb and flow of emotions that accompany reverse culture shock. But fear not, for this phase is a sacred opportunity to rediscover ourselves and realign with the paths that lead to a thriving future. Recognizing and Processing Reverse Culture

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Phase 2 of Your Re-entry Journey – Entry (0 – 3 months).

As you find yourself back on familiar soil, you might experience a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts. Rest assured, you are not alone, and we are here to provide you with the support and guidance needed to navigate this phase with grace and ease. Settling into a new living space is an important step towards establishing a sense of stability and comfort. During this phase, we will work together to find suitable accommodations that align

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