The Boomerang
I’ve heard that adjusting to life ‘back home’ is often more difficult than adjusting to life in a new country. As with any major change, inevitably the good and bad come mixed together. I reflected quite a bit on what it might feel like to lose one home and return to another -- both imperfect in different ways. I look forward to resuming my life in Portland, though I already sense some potential pros and cons.
Let me be open about my hopes and fears regarding my move back home.
Most Excited For:
Convenience!
A salary
The Food!
Community that cares about environmental conservation
Nature-derived toiletries, cosmetics etc
High quality, local, preservative-free food and produce options
Less harassment, cat-calling, and aggressive pursuit
Wearing boots and layers of clothes!
The beautiful landscapes and nature in Oregon
Utilizing my newfound assertiveness
Sharing about my experience in Namibia
Opening a new chapter in life
Most Dreading:
Job searching
Replentishing savings
The dating pool
Costs. Traffic. Stress. City life.
The speed of work and life
Replacing my wardrobe
Fighting for housing
Dreary, dark winters
People thinking I am new in my hometown
Trying to explain Namibia as a separate concept from “Africa”
Feeling like I’ve gone back in time
That’s the list. I won’t dwell on these though. Instead I’ll embraces the changes ahead and take each win and let-down as they come. Check back with me in 6 months and see how this list compares the reality of my reentry process!













