05/18/2026
What if the hardest part of cross-cultural work isn’t the work itself, but learning how to “unlock the door”? 🔑🌍
In REI’s newest blog article, Josiah Ng shares an honest and deeply relatable reflection on his family’s first months serving in Uzbekistan — from language barriers and culture shock to parenting struggles, financial uncertainty and the unexpected lessons found in a stubborn classroom door lock.
Josiah reminds us that thriving cross-culturally isn’t about forcing doors open. It’s about learning to adapt, listen, persevere and grow through the challenges.
“You don’t have the wrong key. It just might need some oil.”
Read the full story at the link in bio. ✨