LAS VEGAS - After a year and a half in Zambia, I finally got the opportunity to go home for a visit. I spent two weeks in Nevada visiting family and friends.
I was more than excited to step foot in the land of the free but wasn't expecting the rush of emotions that ensued. I had an itinerary (in my mind) that involved seeing friends and family, catching up on television, eating some good food (eating A LOT of food I was so deprived of), and shopping for items I wish I had brought with me.
I had to make many adjustments for what I thought would be a vacation. I had to retrain my mind to drive a car. I felt like a nervous 16 year old driving for the first time.
I found adjusting to the fast pace of life stressful, as well. I actually got to eat everything I wanted; tacos, pizza, ice cream, burgers. Every meal was like Thanksgiving for me and "Biggest Loser" will be receiving my application soon.
I didn't have time to read and people were asking me questions; a lot of questions. How's Africa? What do you eat? How do you bathe? Do you run around naked? The plethora of questions left me numb. I've just become so adjusted to this new lifestyle that I was almost defensive. Yeah, there's food to eat in Zambia and yes I'm able to bathe. Of course I miss my family and friends and I miss all American foods the most.
It's hard to say where the rush of emotions came from, but it wasn't just the driving, or the access to all-you-can-eat buffets, or even the questions.
It hit me after attending an arts event, First Friday, in Las Vegas. There are too many people, too many options, too many ways to consume both food and things. I started crying and I couldn't explain why - it wasn't unhappiness or tears of joy. It was an overwhelming feeling that caught me off guard. All I wanted to do was sit under a tree and do absolutely nothing.
Obviously I've learned that we often take things for granted in America - fast food, warm showers, WASHER/DRYERS, and shopping outlets. But after coming home, I realized that often the things we take for granted are the things we don't even need.
When we have our family and friends near, shelter, access to food and clean water, nothing else should matter. Reverse culture shock is real. It gives you such a stark comparison to your home environment that you wouldn't get elsewhere.
Gracie Geremia is a Peace Corps volunteer and past Lovelock Relay for Life community coordinator for the American Cancer Society. She is now on a 27-month assignment in Zambia, Africa. The Lovelock Correctional Center sends occasional care packages to Geremia. To be part of this package program contact Lt. Olivas at 273-4279 or donations can be dropped at the LCC gatehouse. The Lovelock Review-Miner will publish periodic updates of her adventures in Africa.
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