Returning
ProcessThroughout your Student Missions experience you have likely had a variety of joys, challenges, and everything in between. While we will walk with you and begin unpacking these experiences together, you may need find addition, specialized support helpful.
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HealYou may feel overwhelmed as you navigate major transitions coming back to campus. Campus chaplains are eager to walk alongside you, listen to your experience, pray with you, and support your spiritual journey.
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BelongWhile others may not easily understand your unique experience right away, connecting with peers can help with your transition. With six different types of LifeGroups to choose from, engage in a variety of activities and build lasting friendships
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ServeYou've grown accustomed to living a self-less lifestyle during your Student Missions experience. That doesn't have to end. Discover your purpose in local service opportunities and make a lasting difference.
Explore moreReading Recommendations
While you will ultimately find the most helpful support by allowing us to walk with you through this transition, here are some additional resources.
Re Entry: Making The Transition From Missions To Life At Home
This book is divided into two sections around the space travel metaphor. The first section deals with the practical things that should be attended to before leaving the mission field to lessen the stress. The second section deals with how to handle things once you have arrived home.
Pick up a copy in the SM office today
Returning Well: Your Guide to Thriving Back "Home" After Serving Cross-Culturally
Returning Well invites you into a guided conversation with your Creator that will reveal and apply invaluable insights as you reflect on your recent season of cross-cultural service. By using Returning Well, you will discover how this season influenced you, how to re-integrate well, and what moving forward in faith means for you.
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Looming Transitions: Starting and Finishing Well in Cross-Cultural Service
Practical in nature, this book places a strong emphasis on a) Keeping your soul fertile as you stay grounded in Christ, b)Looking for the lighter moments, c) Learning about yourself, d) Helping others, e) Making lists, and f) Leaning into grief as you prepare for your transition.
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How To Survive Reverse Culture Shock: Understand It, Feel Better and Get Your Life Back!
This book will help you to better understand your situation and to get comfort while defining a clearer outlook for you with the more than 42 ideas that helped others before.
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Ending Well: Advice for successful re-entry after living abroad
Ellen writes honestly of her experiences in a way that resonates with anyone who has spent time overseas or has made a move of any kind.Ending Well normalizes the variety of emotions experienced before and during re-entry. In its pages you will find practical steps to closing a chapter of life overseas and opening a new one back in your home country.
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When Seasons Change: A Re-Entry Devotional
author Tanya Lyons offers ten weeks of daily meditations taken from the life of Jesus that speak directly to the challenges, hopes, heartaches, and fears of those beginning a new season of life: a season with lots of unknowns. Short scripture readings pair with insightful reflections, key takeaways, and action steps to help you adjust to the changing landscape of your new life.
Learn moreIt's okay to ask for help
This transition is hard. You're not alone. Our Student Missions team is eager to walk alongside you with experienced understanding and empathy.