When we moved to Taiwan, I did not follow the famous graph for Culture Shock Stages. If you are not completely sure what I’m talking about or need a refresher course, it is that rollercoaster line graph that starts high with the honeymoon stage, followed by a dip as one experiences the culture shock stage. Then it begins to go back up during the adjustment stage. And ends back high at the acceptance stage. There are quite a few variations, but they all follow the same high-low-high line graph. And for a fun fact, it can take an average of two years to get to the acceptance stage.  

But I started out low. I’m not sure I ever had a “honeymoon phase.” I loved our previous host country. I loved the organization we worked with. I loved the people there and I did not want to leave. But our daughter needed speech therapy, and Taiwan had it in English. So, while the left side of my brain understood and even agreed that the move was necessary, my right side was stomping and throwing a tantrum. It was logical that we should move. Plus, I saw God work and even surprise me with an old friend also living in the same city. What an unexpected gift. But I lamented and cried out to the Lord so much. 

I now know what I was experiencing was grief. That move was a huge loss for me. I had moved as a single to the host country and I had made several moves with my husband in the time that we had lived there. But this move felt bigger than all the other moves combined.  

I was unsure I would even come to like Taiwan, let alone love it. I had accepted the move in my head, but not in my heart. It was clinched up tight like a fist. 

But God is patient and kind.  

I stomped my foot. He sent someone to help me navigate the medical system. 

I whined and moped. He brought sunshine and helped me find a nearby playground for the kids. 

I cried. He brought new friends. 

And over time, my heart softened toward the people and place that God had put us. 

A little over a year after we moved, I was able to say that I liked it here and was glad we moved. 

Acceptance takes time, but thankfully God is patient and kind.