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You might not think that few weeks in a foreign country can make that much difference to life on return, but you will have been immersed in a very different culture and set of values. Because of this the values of the West can seem self indulgent; the choice we have on the supermarket shelves unpalatable when you have seen the ravages of malnutrition; the pace of life disorientating, and the advertising boards and values they express upsetting when compared to the living conditions you have just experienced.

You might feel angry and frustrated at friends and family who don’t understand your feelings or take them lightly – you may even feel in explicably tearful and unable to cope.

Speaking with someone who has been overseas themselves can be enormously helpful, as can spending time trying to understand some of the reasons for the poverty, suffering and injustice that you have seen. It can be all too easy to see things in black and white – the West as the baddie and the Third World as their victims – when really things are not so simple. The Bible tells us that the problem rests with the sinful human heart that in it’s default setting is set on rebellion against God and self gratification no matter where in the world we live.

Spend time in God’s word; think about how your experiences have challenged your attitudes and preconceptions; dwell on the new truths that you have learned about God or the way you have had old truths highlighted and reinforced. Consider God’s faithfulness and his commitment to making you like Christ – tell him how you feel and then refresh yourself with a knowledge of his character and promises – especially the promise of Heaven, which is for all who trust in Christ.

Finally take every opportunity to share your experiences with others. Don’t be disappointed if people can’t listen with rapt attention for 15 hours straight (though you will be more than able to keep going through the night!!), learn to organise your experience in the retelling and try to think strategically about the things you want people to hear. Use your story as an opportunity to tell people about God, the way he was at work in your life and in the lives of those overseas, and use it as an opportunity to give public praise to him so that his name might be honoured and praised by others too.

Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;
Make known among the nations what he has done.
Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice.
Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always.
PSALM 105: 1-4