This is a longer post today, just a warning.
As I look at this last week and a half I realize one very important thing: culture shock is tough. When I came here I did not think that I would struggle too badly because Europe and America are similar in many ways. Never have I been so wrong.
It has been a hard transition these first few days as I see God working in me in ways that would have broken me even a year ago. God has placed good people around me though as guides in this process.
First my intern team has been incredible. These men and women have blessed me in ways I did not think possible. They have shown God's love through both actions and words and I could not do this without them.
Second, the Unterwegs team in general has been fantastic. They had us go in a trial by fire these past few days but all of us knew we had them to fall back on as we experienced a new culture. They have been incredibly good to us and I am grateful for each of them and the work that they have already done.
Third and finally, the people back home have been fantastic. Your prayers and encouraging facebook messages have been more than appreciated. I cannot express enough that I would not be the man I am without you ladies and gentlemen.
So I suppose you are wonderig what exactly I have done these last few days. Well here you go.
We landed on Wednesday morning and we went full speed ahead all day. We were introduced to some of the team and what they were about at Unterwegs. (You all should check out Globalscope and what they do it is pretty fantastic). After a long and exhausting day I began to experience little pieces of culture shock. It was kind of rough but I pressed on.
The second day I learned how to grocery shop in Germany. This was probably one of the more terrifying experiences of my life as you are expected to bag your own items as every one behind you on line watches you...I felt like Atlas with the weight of the world (or in my case the groceries) on my shoulders. But I got to hang out with students later on for Donnerstagabend. That is basically a thursday night hang out time where we have a lesson and some songs. So overall it was a good day plus I got to try German bread.
Finally, we went to the Black Forest for a weekend retreat. Even though I caught a cold I definitely felt that this was one of the most exciting experiences thus far. Relationships with people were built, trails were hiked, smash face was played, and I grew up.
You see God and I had a wrestling match and well I lost. But unlike my namesake from the Bible I get to keep my hip. By friday night, between feeling ill and the full blast of culture shock, I told God that he chose the wrong guy to come to Germany. Surely there were better people than me to love and send. After my rant, God spoke very quietly but very firmly: I chose you for a reason straighten those weak knees and lets go. I love you but you have lost focus.
After that my time has gotten better despite my cold. I have realized that God raises those up who rely on his strength it is not about how strong I am but about his strength in me. I will call upon his name even though the waves surround me, the whirlwind englufs me, and the fire embraces me. I will listen for his voice in the tiniest whisper.
Keep me in your prayers as I face this summer with renewed passion and vigour.
Jacob Bush
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