Readjusting to life in America

I’ve been back for about two weeks now and there have been a lot of adjustments. My stomach is still trying to get used to new foods and my wallet to the high prices for a bag of groceries. (Ok, in my stomach’s defense, I have been doing a gastronomical tour of all my favorite restaurants since touching down in Arlington, VA).

The variety of products available and technological gadgets has been a bit of a shock to my system. What the heck are ‘Angry Birds’? Why would anyone pay $3.25 for a fancy cupcake? Do we really need Febreze added into our kitchen garbage bags? I couldn’t believe the variety of milk at the store…one even had omega-3 added into it! I am used to two main varieties: in a refrigerated bag or an unrefrigerated box. Yet, I do confess that I got a ‘go phone’ (no contract) that has a data plan included and it is pretty fun to check my email from anywhere! (I know, I am pretty behind the times…)

I do admit, while the consumerism does seem a bit over the top, it is still really fun to go to Target (they have groceries there now!!) and go into public restrooms and always fine a toilet (with a seat!) that flushes. I feel like I am in a five star hotel if they have soap, paper toilet covers and paper towels.

In addition to technology and new products on the shelves, the level of affluence here has made me a bit sick to my stomach. I look around and see a sea of people with beautiful suits, expensive wedding rings, cars with built-in DVD players and a $5 cup of Starbucks coffee in their hands. Not to mention, 24-hour convenience stores, (free!) public bathrooms everywhere, restaurants with gluten-free/low-fat etc. options and online websites that sell everything you could ever need with one click of a mouse. Our society caters to every single preference and people don’t seem to be in want of anything.

Oh and you can pay for everything with one swipe of your credit card...even street parking meters!

Most employed people have easy access to healthcare and medicines and children have the privilege of going to school each day opposed to out in the streets to beg for money or sell candy.

Some days, it has just felt like too much. Too affluent, too opulent. Most of the world DOES NOT live like this and this just seems too excessive and not sustainable in the long term. Yet for a lot of people here, this is their reality and they don’t realize how PRIVILEDGED they are to be living these lifestyles and enjoying so many creature comforts. My fear is that I will fall back into this culture and lose perspective and stop being grateful for what God has blessed me with.