Adapting

Stages of cultural adaptation.

During my Crosslinks Orientation, several times a diagram a bit like the above was referred to. It charts what has been observed as a usual response to transitioning to a new culture. Having been to the Gambia a few times before, I hoped I wasn’t being over-optimistic by expecting the dip to be less severe than it could be. I had 4 months here 10 years ago, and another 4 months here 6 years ago, plus 2 brief visits since. So I had a fair degree of familiarity with the new culture and way of life I was about to dive into.

I’m very thankful to God that, as hoped, the dip hasn’t been too bad. I’m sure it’s because I already had a good idea of what the climate, people, church, living conditions, language situation, etc etc, would all be like. I believe there are even signs of the desired final stage of the process - adapting to accept one’s new culture and new life. Here are a few examples of things I can identify:

I’m not naive enough to presume that everything will just continue getting easier and easier. I know there will be frustrations, challenges and disappointments ahead, just as there are in any context and walk of life. But I’m really thankful for these signs of adapting.

It has certainly felt like someone has been holding my hand and helping me through everything in these first few months…

“I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13)