I have been home for two weeks, and it feels great. It’s like nothing has changed, like my family and closest friends and I have picked up from where we had left off. It feels great to be home.

I miss Cape Town and my South African family. It felt strange to be away from them when Madiba passed away. But I’ll see my South African fam in a few weeks. It feels good to have two homes. I like it.

It took me a few days to adjust to being home. Besides jetlag and going from summer to winter, there were other adjustments as well, cultural ones. Going to Wal-Mart the day after I arrived was not a good idea—too many people, too many American accents, too much camouflage, too many choices, and an overwhelmed me.

I have changed, but it’s hard to pinpoint how. Here are a few observations: I think I’m more at ease speaking in front of a crowd. This year, I have had to speak on the spot and to prepare at the last minute for certain things. This was quite stressful for me, a careful preparer and planner; but I think it has led to some personal growth. Also, as a planner, I like to plan out my days, even if it is just in my head. Before I moved to Cape Town, I would go a bit nuts if things didn’t go according to plan; but living in a more relationship-focused culture is helping me to be more flexible and more people-oriented. I think I see this evolving trait a bit more clearly since I have been back home. Although I still plan out my days, I don’t really care, for the most part, if things don’t go according to plan. I’m just enjoying being with my family and friends. I don’t really care what we do as long as we are together.

I wonder if I will notice more changes in the weeks ahead.