"Readjusting-justing while the wind--and/or snow--is gusting-gusting!"

It has been about a week since we have been back in the Twin Cities and I have to say that this experience continues to be new and surprising. In many ways, I have been glad to come back home around the holiday season. It is a time when people who are away return and the general dynamic is a good one. Decorations abound and good cheer is in good supply. Overall, a good environment for that dreaded Returned Peace Corps process: Readjustment.

During our "Close of Service" Conference, there were several seminars about the inevitable readjustment that all Returned Volunteers (RPCVs) have to make. Maybe I was overly cavalier or just naive but at the time, I brushed these predictions off as unlikely. In my mind, I would come back, transition to the dynamics of life in the States with friends and family as I had left them and all would go on without a hitch. In some ways, this prediction has been surprisingly accurate. My friends and family while not exactly the same as their two-years prior selves, remain fabulous. I have also recently secured a job as an assistant librarian at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, one of the most prestigious private schools in Minnesota. In other ways, snafus continue to pop up. Whether it is forgetting the geography of a city I used to understand like the back of my IPOD or forgetting the appropriate things to discuss given the altered social dynamics of one's new surroundings, I continue to give a nod to John L. and his thoughts about plans.

With this said, however, I must say transitioning at this time of the year has demonstrated in no-uncertain terms, the reality that I have a great deal to be thankful for. Now, more than ever, I understand that without certain elements of my existence, this process would have been exponentially more difficult if not impossible. First and foremost, my parents have done more for me--and Oruj--than I could ever begin to repay them for. It is a rare blessing to have a family who really knows you as well as all of your unpleasant qualities...and yet continues to love you anyway. Having spent two years away from the familiar and the familial, I have to say I am in something of a shock by the generosity and love which persists regardless of my nonsense. I also have to say, this pattern has grown into something of a trend as I have gotten older, proceeding from family to an ever-expanding circle of friends and community. The bottom line is, in my experience, behind 99.9% of all RPCVs is love coming from an infinite number of places.