What is Reentry?

Simply put, reentry is the process that a person goes through when they have been living abroad for a significant amount of time and are returning to the culture in which they grew up. When they moved abroad for the first time, they likely experienced ‘culture shock’, a state of stress that comes from experiencing a myriad of cultural and linguistic differences all at once. When returning to their home culture, individuals often have a similar experience of overwhelm that can produce feelings of anxiety, grief, confusion, discouragement, loneliness, and more. The difficulty of this is compounded when one realizes that what they used to consider ‘home’ now feels unfamiliar because they too have changed.

Sometimes we just need someone to listen intently to our story and be a witness to how it has changed us.

Coaching can help!

Coaching provides a dedicated, safe, and non-judgmental space for you to share and feel understood. As a TCK, I’ve been there. As a coach, I am professionally trained to walk with you through this journey of processing cross-cultural experiences - both celebrating the successes and joys as well as naming the griefs and challenges. Together we will look back to mine treasures gleaned from your season of service that you can take forward as you adjust.

Author and coach, Melissa Chaplin, says it well: “…despite these challenges of re-entry, it is also a season that holds great potential value. If a person in re-entry is able to effectively process (i.e., journey through a debriefing to renewal) and communicate their cross-cultural life, experiences, and insights, this will significantly contribute to them thriving in the next season. And also, it may be just what their Creator uses to bless His people and further His work in their primary culture and beyond.”