Chopsticks at the Checkout Stand

My eyes steadily gazed at the checkout stand wall. I perused the usual assortment of batteries, packs of gum, bags of chopsticks and store gift cards intended to draw an impulse purchase. The items on display, except the chopsticks, could have been in any big box retailer located across the US.
As an American expat living in Asia I am frequently asked “What’s it like over there?” To which I generally have a generic response like “It’s great.” Friends and family often express their desire for missions but also credulity at being able to go- either from lack of opportunity or lack of flexibility.

In light of the recent economic downturn, people are blossoming to new challenges. As unemployment reaches double-digits in many areas, former employees are considering creative work alternatives. According to Census data, home-based businesses, self-employment and temporary overseas assignments such as teaching English are all on the rise.

Here are five tips to help overcome fear of the unknown and begin exploring the world. These are the most common objections to uprooting and leaving the comforts of home.

I have a family.
When my husband and I accepted our first overseas assignment, our oldest daughter was 6 months old. While in Thailand, we welcomed a second daughter. According to the IMB, 84% of Southern Baptist Missionaries on the field in 2009 were married.

It’s unsafe over there.
Relocating overseas will usually put you square in a large city. A major benefit of these large cities is they never sleep. It can be a challenge to getting some shut-eye but the bustle also assists in crime prevention. A Taiwanese friend of mine frequently walks long distances every night along a popular river trail. Even at the earliest hours of the morning, she is still greeted by neighbors walking dogs or playing a pick-up game of basketball.

I don’t know how to go.
There are dozens of missions-sending agencies that can help in deciding where to go and how to get there. Usually the agencies will also help set up housing and acquire necessary visas. Additionally, there are numerous web-sites to gain creative ideas for establishing your basis of financial support.

I can’t speak the language.
Shortly after the 2004 Tsunami, my husband and I volunteered in the cleanup effort. We were sent to a tiny island off the coast of Indonesia that had not yet made contact with local authorities. The people spoke a local dialect that was only used on this island. After landing, I noticed a small convenience store where the only contents consisted of instant noodles and Coca-Cola. I asked my translator how to say “Coke” in the local language. He said “Coke.” Depending on your chosen location, many places may use English words and are usually very gracious to the foreigner who makes an effort to learn the local language.

The food is weird.

Yeah, it is – but you adjust. Chickens with heads and claws still intact, noodle surprise containing pig ears and boiled pig intestines in blood are just a few of the surprises I have encountered. However, for every weird or awkward food experience, my senses have opened to a multitude of wonderful provisions. I have tasted the sweetest pineapple in Thailand, the sultriest pork satay in Indonesia, the moistest yak steak in Tibet and the juiciest pot stickers in Taiwan. Even if the food does not set well at first, it will at least be a memory to tell the grandkids.

Picking up your life and doing something different can be scary for anyone. Whether you are moving to the next city over or the next continent, there will be adjustments. It is easier to stay in the same routine for years. However, if you ever wonder what they sell at the checkout stand in Asia just remember chopsticks aren’t that difficult to learn to use.