Negotiation Stage: After some time (usually around three months, depending on the individual), differences between the old and new culture become apparent and may create anxiety. Excitement may eventually give way to unpleasant feelings of frustration and anger as one continues to experience unfavorable events that may be perceived as strange and offensive to one's cultural attitude. Language barriers, stark differences in public hygiene, traffic safety, food accessibility and quality may heighten the sense of disconnection from the surroundings. This may lead to difficulty sleeping, sadness, homesickness, exhaustion, increased worry, a desire to withdraw, unexplained crying, or overeating.
Adjustment phase: Again, after some time, (usually around 6-12 months) one becomes more familiar and comfortable with the culture, people, food, and language of the new country. One will likely feel less homesick and will have a better handle on the situations that they previously found frustrating. The culture begins to make sense, and negative reactions and responses to the culture are reduced.
As of right now, we have been in Ukraine a little over 6 months. I have been dealing with minor culture shock for several months now, and finally thought I was over the worst of it. But I was wrong!!! I honestly did not see this coming and I didn't think it would come at me like it did. It has effected every part of me: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I would like to just curl up into a ball in the corner of my bedroom and cover up with a blanket and ask the world to leave me alone and let me be. Can't the world keep going without me? Can't I just disappear until all this "culture shock" stuff goes away? You know, that's my nature, my make up. I want to hide, be invisible, be alone when I am facing a battle I feel I can't handle, and this is a battle I was not prepared for. Not that I didn't know that I would go through what people called "culture shock", but I didn't expect it like this. I have literally been physically sick, and have such a hard time keeping my mind and heart on track. It is very hard to explain. Some of it comes from the frustrations of having to deal with a foreign culture. What's normal for them is completely ridiculous to us. I don't know how many times I have asked, "Why do they have to do everything the hard way here?". "Why does it take me all day to get one things done, even with a car?"
I have been told that no one but other foreign missionaries will even know what I am talking about or going through, because they have been through it themselves. And God gave them grace just when they needed it the most! And most people in the states have no idea what a struggle and battle it is. And in most cases could care less, and those who do care do not know how to comfort you because they do not know the struggles you are facing. But слава Богу (PTL), Бог знаем (God knows).
Have you ever been in a place where it is so hard just to keep your thoughts, words, and actions positive. Why does everything come out so negative? Imagine living like this. Imagine having the hardest time praying. Imagine hating the person who you currently are.... this is culture shock.
Have you ever been in a place where everything is backwards and upside down? Imagine that everything you do and have always done is considered wrong or weird. Imagine walking down the road, or walking in the store like you always do and getting strange looks or even rude comments. Imagine always being taken advantage of just because of where you come from. Imagine living in a country that has such a preconceived idea of what an "American" is, they think you are what you are not, then have to overcoming them seeing you as such. This is culture shock.
Have you ever been in church have no idea what is going on? Imagine sitting in service and not understanding the songs, or anything that is being said. Imagine not being able to fellowship with other believes because you have no way to communicate with them. Imagine that the church services are so different than what you have been accustom to since you've been saved. Imagine after 6 months, still not being able to just sit down and talk with another sister, not because theirs nothing to talk about, but its because of the huge language barrier. Vocal language and sign language. This is culture shock.
This doesn't cover everything I'm sure, but this is what was on my heart :)
