Throwing the Shock in Reverse

Those of you that have been hanging out with us for a likely remember that we've written a bit on the blog about culture, and adapting to life in a new country. Things we've learned and experienced as we journeyed across the ocean. Differences in Norwegian & American culture. Things that were strange or difficult for us. Things we love about this culture and country.

Things like...
Our "What's It Like" series (here)
Our "Christmas Cheer" series (here)
The boys' school experience (here)

Yeah, three years of learning and being challenged, feeling frustrated at times, and at other times quite encouraged, struggling to understand differences, working to find substitutes for things that were once normal for us, finding balance in a new routine, and so much more.

We have grown to love life in Europe. It has become home. Then again, we've also learned that the idea of home has greatly changed. There is no longer that one place that is home for us. Instead, it's a feeling, and it's more about who than where.

But now it's time for a bit of reverse culture shock... the Dove family is embarking on a visit to our other home! We're headed to America soon (in 15 days, to be exact), where we'll be spending the holidays with family and friends, doing a bit of work, and relaxing a bit as well.

Zack and I have each been back to the states once. But our boys have not been there in over three years. Needless to say, they are a bit excited!

We are excited as well - and maybe a bit apprehensive. Three years is a long time. And we'd be lying if we said this time and experience has not changed us.

Two months in America - this is going to be interesting!

So stay tuned to see just how much we've changed - and how much the world and life we left have gone off and changed on us!