You did it, you left the country and had the most amazing experience, you were at the highest point, and now you are home. Which contrary to popular belief, feels very fun and exciting at first and then a few days pass. During these days you remember the lessons learned, which could include: being present in the moment or being courageous and face your battles. As you work your way through jet lag (if that ever goes away), you will do your laundry, hand out your souvenirs, and share stories with friends and families.

As the stories go on you realize one thing: people only care about the fun tourist things and the weather. Which is no hate to them, they don't know any better, they haven't lived the experience abroad. Typically it's "What was the weather like?" or maybe "That view looked amazing!", but what about the service we did? What about the people we met? The people who finally gave me a different perspective on life? Suddenly it becomes clear, they can't understand because they weren't there. I am positive that if all of my friends and families met the same people and had the same service opportunities, they would understand and sympathize, but they didn't, so they can't.

At first, this will seem like a lonely predicament. Which it is and it should be, there is beauty in thoughts that stay to yourself, you are able to really just think and reflect without any other disturbances. Your feelings on the matter will become so crystal clear. However, once it becomes clear, you will be bursting at the seem just to tell someone. Lucky for you, you just shared this experience with several other people whom you connected with while abroad who would be happy to hear from you and your thoughts.

Slowly, you start falling back into your daily routine, but it is different this time, you can't stop thinking about all of the water, food, or money being wasted doing such small things. You can't stop thinking about all of the time you are putting into one activity when you could have played with a kid or fed the homeless. This might be the hardest pill to swallow, going from doing such meaningful tasks to coming home and doing your ordinary routine.

How did I see people starving, in such bad conditions and now I am here getting my nails done and paying way too much money to get balloons in the shape of numbers? Why, after all of this does appearance still matter here? Even though I implemented different lifestyles, I cannot change the lifestyles around me and that is okay. The best thing I can do and others who traveled is lead by example, and tell your stories to anyone willing to listen. The stories, pictures, and experiences shared will have the most meaningful effect to people you are returning to.

I know it might seem impossible and things may never be the same, but I promise it will get better. You will find the middle ground and find peace within yourself. The first and most crucial step is to understand that people are who they are, and you are who you are, and that is the only person you have control over. This does not mean that people will never change, but just know you can only do so much and they will face reality when they are ready. Once you know this, you are one step closer to overcoming culture shock.