JENNA SCHUETTE | arts & culture editor

Reentry. What a funny process it is. As I look back at my first month in Western civilization, I continue to go back to my first few moments in the London Heathrow airport.

After passing through the hour-long security line, I was bombarded by duty-free shops upon entering the international terminal. Chanel, Burberry, Border’s, MAC; all the big boys were there. I was back. I was just short of bursting in tears as my senses were attacked by masses of people, advertisements and insincere salesmen.

And then it happened; my greatest fear. I started looking at those Marc Jacobs shoes. Oooh those are the prettiest things I have ever seen.

I noticed the tall Londoner pass me with her designer bag and todie-for boots. And then another one. And suddenly I felt so inadequate. If I just had that bag. Oh or those boots!

Suddenly memories of my last seven months in Southern Africa were competing for my thoughts.

Handing out soup to that little boy with no shoes in the middle of a rainstorm. Look at that lovely pair of leather boots. Pleading with my HIV positive friend to eat lots of vegetables and take care of herself while I am gone.

Mmm, my first cup of Starbucks.

Holding a little Zambian orphan who was fascinated by my excess “fat.”

I wonder if that skinny blonde has to work out.

My beloved friends were thrilled to accompany me to the airport because they had never been inside an airport. I have been in 11 airports this year.

As my mind continues to be bombarded with such contrasting images, I’m left with more questions than answers. Paul encourages us in Romans not to conform to
this world but to be transformed.

For those re-acclimating into this culture, how do we transform our minds and our hearts while avoiding feelings of apathy or bitterness?

For those who have been living in this culture, how do we continue to reexamine our minds so that we do not become consumed by this world? Many conversations with recently returned students have assured me that I am not alone with my questions.

For both students returning to APU and those who have not left, it’s a significant question many of us are wrestling with. This week I have been reminded that this transition from a worldly mindset to one more like Christ is not intended to be a solo journey.

Although only the stirrings of the Holy Spirit can ultimately answer these rousing questions, it’s worth taking some time to dialogue with friends from both experiences.

Whether we are coming from down the street or from across the other side of the world, it is a daily struggle to remain unconformed by this culture, but may we push each other towards beautiful transformation.