Embracing newness and changes
Current IVEP participants reflect on their first month or two living in the U.S.
From India to Denver, Colorado
It’s been one incredible month in the U.S., and I’ve been on cloud nine, venturing into a new chapter! It was my first time leaving my home country and loved ones, but the warm and lovely welcome I received from the people around me has been truly heartwarming. Every smile, every hello and every helping hand reassured me that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. I’m delighted by the beautiful hearts and kindness of the people here.
The culture of the U.S. fascinated me — like how everyone relies on cars, and walking is a rare sight! But the changing colors of the trees, the anticipation of golden streets during fall and the striking beauty of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado have me captivated. I savored flavors from a few different cultures from around the world and found comfort in familiar spices. And, having never experienced snowfall before, I am eagerly waiting for U.S. winters and the snow-capped mountains.
One month in, and I’ve already found a home, a wonderful host family, friends and happiness. I take this opportunity to thank God for His unimaginable plans for me, for us. I look forward to discovering how this new chapter unfolds! – Pragya Das from India to Denver, Colorado
From Mozambique to Harper, Kansas
I’ve been here in the U.S. for about a month and a half, and I have to say that the culture is different from my country, Mozambique.
When I arrived on the first day, what impressed me most is the nature, the landscape and the cars, which are very beautiful. Before I thought that only in Africa there were many trees and here only buildings, but no, it was very different. Another thing I noticed was that the houses didn’t have walls made of cement blocks and were built with wood, which impressed me.
We had a great reception in Akron and in Kansas where I am serving. I'm enjoying the assignment and also the beef I've eaten. It wasn’t easy the first few days because of some different food dishes and a little bit of the language. Here in Kansas they have a different accent, and they speak very quickly.
I want to thank God and MCC for giving me such an incredible experience that I never imagined I would have before. – Joélcio Chiringa from Mozambique to Harper, Kansas
From Mexico to Goshen, Indiana
When we go to a different place, we tend to imagine what it will be like. What will I eat? How will I get around? What will the people be like? I was not the exception. I even had more questions like, how would the family with whom I’d be living be? And how would the place I’d be serving be?
Many of these questions were answered as soon as this trip began. It was impressive going through immigration seeing so many people in line waiting to enter the U.S.
People have been very kind. Food has been very different, but I’ve enjoyed it. The school where I’m serving is pretty big and nice, very different from the schools in Mexico. The family I’m living with are very loving, friendly and kind.
My biggest impression has been transportation. I come from Mexico City, where it is easy getting around by public transports, which has been very different here. Here it is unusual to see people walking, and if you need to go somewhere it is by car or by bicycle. Trying to walk somewhere takes a lot of time compared to going by car.
I look forward to seeing what autumn is like and the colors it brings with it. I’m also looking forward to Christmas and watching snow fall for the first time! I know more things will impress me along the way. Blessings. – Claudia Marcial Gonzalez from Mexico to Goshen, Indiana
From Brazil to Lancaster, Pennsylvania
It’s been almost two months in the U.S., and the kindness and support I’ve received have been incredible. My host family has made the transition much easier, always including me in different events. The mother, who is from Honduras, has even started teaching me a little Spanish, which has been a fun cultural exchange.
I’ve had the chance to meet many new people, not only through work but also by visiting different churches and making new friends in the community. People here are not as shy or indirect as I thought. They’re very generous and kind. Once they found out I’m a musician, they even got me a used acoustic guitar, which really impressed me!
I love that people are including me on their trips to help me get to know more of the country. People often say, “You don’t look Brazilian,” probably because of stereotypes, but I don’t get offended — just a bit surprised at first.
Although being away from my family and friends has been challenging at times, the experience has been so enriching that it’s definitely worth it. I’m growing through these new connections and experiences, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to live, learn and serve in such a welcoming environment.
It's been a journey of adaptation, but I feel supported every step of the way. – Guilherme Wieler from Brazil to Lancaster, Pennsylvania
From Zimbabwe to Baltimore, Maryland
I was ecstatic leaving my continent for the U.S. I knew this would be a great personal development journey with cultural exchange and vocational training.
Upon arrival I was awe inspired. The welcome was warm, the people warm, nice cars, great roads, beautiful infrastructure and a great landscape.
My story is peculiar in that I initially was bound for the West Coast (Sacramento, California), but things changed and instead would be headed for the East Coast (Baltimore, Maryland), which are opposite regions. My personal development resumed right here; having to adjust, accept and embrace the change, despite having planned, packed and conditioned myself for a different assignment.
Now the U.S. has great food, just maybe more sugar and processed, but most of what I would typically eat in Zimbabwe. Baltimore has more cuisines such as Asian, Mexican, Italian and Ethiopian. It has been thrilling experiencing different cultures. My workplace is amazing and so is the staff.
Fall here is beautiful as forests are browning from a crisp green and also into hints of reds and different shades of orange. It’s home to a beautiful aquarium, the famous Baltimore Zoo, the harbor and many festivals. Also, I’m finding that, being a big city, it comes with visible drawbacks like homelessness, drug addiction and construction delays.
Ultimately, I’m super excited for what’s in store these coming 10 months! – Melisa Matshazi from Zimbabwe to Baltimore, Maryland
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