Longing for Home

By Ruth V Burgess and J. David Burgess

Longing for Home provides a template and encourages others to try remarkable things as a family. Beginning in the spring of 1983, Brad Burgess, the eldest son of the Stan Burgess family, accepted a photographers position on an archaeological expedition in the Middle East. His stories stirred the longing for adventures beyond the Ozark Mountains for the rest of his family. Then in the summer of 1985 to late spring of 1986, the remaining six members of the family Burgess left their comfortable country home in Southwest Missouri and began an adventure of a lifetime. Beginning in London they felt the harassment of being American. Other extended cultural experiences were waiting to meet them beginning as they landed at Lode Airport in Tel Aviv. Soon the expected Israeli-Palestinian disputes were heightened as other foreigners, who were living at Tantur Ecumenical Center, became sympathetic to different perspectives. Here the four children, along with their parents, were to learn lifelong lessons.

The main snippets format of Longing for Home was taken from the Diary of Justin David Burgess. His perspective could be contrasted to those found in The Diary of Adrian Mole as one reads of social conflicts through the eyes of a preteen. Their use of humor and sometimes pathos brings one to feel with them as they write their inner thoughts and feelings in poetry and prose. Davids (eleven years) attention to writing in his diary is judicious through this time period. The story blossoms with the letters and oral stories of the remaining family members: Brad, Matthew, Scott, Mandy, Ruth, and Stan.

Extraordinary challenges await those who seek intercultural experiences. Subsequently, the reality of home changes as the adventure becomes a reality. Is home an ancient or a contemporary place? Does home become an illusion as one ponders the significance of modernity and a possible eternity? Perhaps like Odysseus in Greek mythology, one must meet the threats of the trip, all the while yearning to return home. From these acts of bravery emerges a satisfaction equivalent to grasping a holy grail.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 21, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503585621

Ruth V Burgess

In this engaging book, Ruth Vassar Burgess integrates the stories of multiple generations of kin. She seeks their insider voices, through their tapes, documents and diaries,. One feels the trauma of their losses, the steadfastness of their spirituality, social concerns and loves. Dedication to cross-cultural experiences complicates as well as enriches their stories of lives well lived. Ruth Burgess is professor emeritus, Missouri State University and has written heritage, biographical and educational materials. The Marquis Who’s Who Publications Board awarded Dr. Ruth Burgess the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award (2017) for career longevity and unwavering excellence in Education

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Copyright © 2015 by J. David Burgess and Ruth V. Burgess.

The Bird of Adventure, depicted on the cover is a metaphor. She carries multiple cultural baggage. Yet, adventures on the horizon continue to beckon, but the longing for home remains.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2015911208

ISBN:      Hardcover      978-1-5035-8560-7

                  Softcover      978-1-5035-8561-4

                  eBook            978-1-5035-8562-1

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

KJV

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by the Zondervan Corporation

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 10/20/2015

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CONTENTS

Chapter 1   Harbinger of Things To Come (1983)—Brad’s Voice

Chapter 2   Wayward Winds—Family Voices

Chapter 3   Dog Days of Summer (1985)—Family Voices

Chapter 4   Jolly Ol’ England—Brad’s, David’s, and Ruth’s Voices

Chapter 5   There’s Another Christmas?—David’s and Ruth’s Voices

Chapter 6   Alternate Systems—Ruth’s Voice

Chapter 7   Winds of Re-Creation—Stan’s voice

Chapter 8   Roaring Winds—David’s Voice

Chapter 9   Cultural Adaptations—Ruth’s and Davey’s voices

Chapter 10   Which Gate?—David’s and Ruth’s Voices

Chapter 11   Homeward Bound—David’s and Ruth’s Voices

Chapter 12   Notes from the Authors—David’s and Ruth’s Voices

Dedication

To those who seek grails beyond the commonplaces.

HARBINGER OF THINGS TO COME (1983)

1

Brad’s Voice

Introduction

Why have dramatic changes occurred in placid, routine-oriented environments? For decades, their residents seem content with their status quo. Routines are followed without question as their bellies expand with moonshine and chicken fat. Their thoughts are rocked and lulled by corporate squeals as the owls hoot down in Schnick’s wooded holler. Then there comes a family who questions and seeks answers beyond these ancient Ozark Mountains. One such lad was John Bradley, born among them but not of them. He was to be a harbinger of change. His calling was to seek meanings beyond the distant stormy ocean, rugged mountains, and even to wrestle with the gritty Arabian desert.

So in what way can Brad be defined as a harbinger? To him, challenge and adventure were desired. He was a seeker of positive alternatives, even when life became perilous. Certainly, Brad sought to influence people, especially his family. He was a trendsetter who would influence his siblings two years later to embrace with positive anticipation life in England and the Middle East. The harbinger must be adaptable, a lover of life, and an astute student of problem solving.

There are two sections in this chapter, Harbinger of Things to Come. In the first section (1983), we become better acquainted with twenty-two old university graduate. John Bradley Burgess had weathered an exemplary program in photojournalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In addition, Brad completed his contract as a resident assistant and ended his duties assisting in the dorm cafeteria. At this gregarious stage of life, Brad was willing to let his adventurous spirit loose. This included flying far from the icy Missouri winter, seeing exciting lands, and then contemplating a rewarding future. These insights are recorded in letters to his family (Stan, Ruth, Matt, Scott, Mandy, and David), who remained on Burgess Acres in Southwest Missouri.

Time has marched on in the second section. He was now a reporter for the Kansan in Kansas City, Kansas (1986). In this newspaper article, Brad reflected on his time in the Middle Eastern desert. In the first section, we read Brad’s reactions while the adventure was occurring. Whereas, in the second section, his voice is reflective as he describes and contrasts cultural differences three years later.

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courtesy of Burgess archives

Brad Burgess, the baker, at Masada 2007

Section 1: On with the Story

Sensorial attacks: When a person disembarks in a foreign country, they encounter a barrage of sensory sensations. These attack one’s past heritage and experiential expectations. At first, they are entertaining, but they often slide one into what is referred to as culture shock.

Brad writes from Egypt, January 8, 1983

Dear Dad, Mom, Matt, Scott, Mandy & Justin,

Hi.

First of all, let me tell Dad that he was absolutely right about the Cairo airport. It was like nothing I’d ever seen before. I’m getting along surprisingly well since coming to Cairo. I’m picking up the Arabic quickly. My French comes into play at least 2-3 times a day. I’m picking a taste for falafel, and I’m still healthy. Poor Charles Hedrick has had a heck of a time with the flu as of late, but he’s feeling much better.

Cairo was very cold. It got down below freezing at night, and there was 0 heat, let alone hot water anywhere. Bargaining with the Arabs is quite an experience. I’ve found a few nice things in the shops, but most of the stuff is junk or imitation.

By the time you get there (home), it will have been Scott’s birthday as well. Happy Birthday, Scotty. Please write me and let me know who wins the national championship in college football and in the pros. Most of all, keep me posted on Mizzou B-Ball! I love you very much …

Brad

P.S. Happy Birthday, Matthew! We’ll be in Riyadh by l/15/83.

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courtesy of Brad Burgess

The Sphinx looks toward the east.

Home on the road: The archaeological team left the ballyhoo of Cairo’s bazaars and traveled southward in difficult traveling conditions. Aha, to be part of the conversation with those around, one must learn how to communicate with them.

Brad writes from Egypt, January 15, 1983

Hi Family!

We got back from our Egyptian field season yesterday. We drove from Cairo to Luxor and back again all by Land Rover. It was 450 miles each way of monstrous potholes, crazy Arab drivers, donkeys, and wall-to-wall poverty & filth. Even Mexico was not this filthy on the whole.

But my Arabic is getting better every day. I hope to speak it well by May. Well, it’s at least a goal! Luxor was really nice. I liked it much better than Cairo. Survey archeology is neat because you get to see a lot of different places. Believe me, you can’t see Egypt until you stay in the Al Salam Motel in Quena, complete with bedbugs, mosquitoes, toilets that don’t flush, and sheets that don’t get changed! Charles Hedrick can fill you in on the rest. Please write to me in Saudi Arabia.

Love ya loads.

Brad

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courtesy of Brad Burgess

Guardians of the Temple

Different sanitary conditions create a longing for home. Varied economic levels and class differences impinge on visitors. Conveniences that are routine at home were missing for the team. Though functional, culture shock named conditions as crude and unsanitary abroad. Such experiences heightens or tempers one’s sense of well-being. Such conditions can create stress and uncertainty.

Note that as Brad learns Arabic, he values his team workers as people. He became interested in them and their lives in the desert.

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courtesy of Brad Burgess

Note the use of triangles.

Brad writes from Dhahran, January 28, 1983

Dear Parents & Siblings,

Greetings from Dhahran! Boy, this place makes Riyadh look like a dump. They have some sections of town for the rich ARAMCO (Arab, American Oil Co.) folks that look like they’re out of Creve Coeur—very snazzy. You don’t have to ask what the prices are like. Anyway, I finally found a Saudi Arabian patch for my backpack. I’m going to try to collect one from each country I visit.

You know that short little phone call I made to you in Riyadh? Guess how much it cost? 234 riyals (about $78) Needless to say, I was surprised. Even had to go change some more money. Oh well, it was worth it, but I won’t be able to do it again, or I’ll never get to Greece! I’ll try to call you from Amman—until. Then we’ll just have to be content with letters.

The work out here is hard and physical. There isn’t much to challenge the intellect about excavation. Just a lot of pickaxing, shoveling, hoeing etc. It’s like digging the backyard waterfall every day. But it gives you a lot of time to think, and that’s good.

Our accommodations here in Dhahran are a bit less than pristine. There are cinder block walls, Thai and Pakistan graffiti everywhere, and best of all, an ice-cold standing shower where all of us excrete. Best of all—nobody carries little cheap rubber thongs in my size (3-9 are the biggest.) So, I lay down a plastic bag when I shower. You get real good at squatting as well—no stools anywhere.

It’s funny to look at the sizes of the different Arabs. First come the little-bitty Yemenis, who insist that two of their arms equal one of mine. (They’re just about correct!) They’re all about 5 feet 1 inch to 5 feet 5 inches. The Egyptians are lankier, but only about 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 9 inches (never taller). The Saudis are about the same height, but usually chubbier. They can’t believe how big I am. I’ve still to see an Arab that’s as tall and one big as I am. But you know how big us Germans are, eh?

I love you all & think of you daily. Take care and continue to write. I’m sure that I’ll get a letter forwarded to me yet.

Love, Brad

P.S. Mother, we have a Yemeni cook who uses a spice much like curry powder—except it comes from Yemen. It’s very good. Cardamom is about $35 per kilo. It is the real thing—pod & all. Do you want some? If so, tell me how much & how to arrange financing.

P.P.S. Give my love to my Grandparents!

No home runs are being hit: Brad was experiencing cultural difference issues. He was in the middle of a power struggle with an American coworker. His usual communication strategies were not being valued. Now, he must reflect on his thinking and their brash approaches. Three months in the desert brought out deep-seated differences.

Brad writes from unknown location, February12, 1983

(WARNING: Do not read this letter if you have not had a good day. This is one of the old get-everything-off-the-old-chest letters. Thanks.)

Dear Mom and Dad,

I’ll dispense with the normal chitchat and get right to the reason I’m writing.

Since the beginning of the trip, I’ve been having little conflicts with my coworkers that have detracted from an otherwise fantastic experience. At first it was Juris. All through Egypt he pimped me and made fun of me & my ignorance towards Middle Eastern affairs. By the time we got to Saudi, I suppose I had proven myself (whatever that means), & his harassment curbed itself.

Right about that time, Paul began to go out of his way to irritate or make fun of me. Nothing big, mind you—just a whole series of actions that showed that he was OK & I wasn’t OK. If anything was ever said openly about the situation, someone would always say, Well, you all have 3 months together. You better not make waves.

Well, you know me. I’ve just about swallowed my tongue for the last time. I don’t like what’s happening, but there doesn’t appear to be any remedy.

I was thinking about the whole ordeal, & I’ve come to a startling realization: For the past 4 years, I’ve been around Journalism people and Resident Hall people—both groups pride themselves on communication ability. In effect, I’ve been in a communication haven in Columbia. And at home, we’ve always been free to discuss things and not repress them. I now believe that this is the first time in my life that I’ve been encouraged, if not forced, to repress my feelings. Also, the people I’m around (with the exception of the other photographer, David) are not communication oriented. Sure, they put up a good front in public, but when it comes right down it—

Anyway, I just had to scribble all of this down because who else could I possibly tell? I appreciate you being there & our ability to communicate & to agree to disagree if the need be. I’m finding that is not the case everywhere! I love you all. Please kiss the kids for me. I appreciated your first round of letters immeasurably! Take care …

Love, Brad

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courtesy of Brad Burgess

Father time walks among the once powerful.

Brad scores a home run: Animals adjust to their desert habitat too. Thus, the human invaders must learn the snake’s survival techniques in order to ensure their own safety. Note Brad’s respect for the vipers as well as his humor when they wanted to tease their Yemeni friends.

Brad writes from Yemen, February 12, 1983

Dear Mom, Dad, Matt, Scott, Amanda & Justin,

Ha-nash. A word that strikes fear in the hearts of all Yemenis & most other Arabs. Ha’nash is the Arabic work for snake, but in this part of the world, it means the viper. The most famous snake in these parts is the horned viper. If you are bitten by one, you can expect another 3-5 minutes of life. Another prevalent ha’nash is the pit viper. It doesn’t grow much over 2 feet in length, but its venom is comparable in deadliness to its cousin the horned viper.

Out on survey 2/5/83, I was walking back to a checkpoint & almost stepped on one of these pit vipers. It was laying flat on the side of a tomb mound, & it looked like the sand & rocks around it. I called Juris & David over to check it out. By the time they came over, I had already blocked off its hole with a rock & stood ready with a survey rock. David kicked some sand on it, & whoosh out it sprang.

Now, I’ve seen snakes attack in Missouri, but let me tell you—this snake exploded off the ground at you. It was lightning quick, & if any one of us had been within 7 feet, it would have been all over.

After I found its limit of mobility & jumping, I trapped its neck under my rod & proceeded to smash it. All the while, it spit venom out at us from its fangs & choked out repulsive hisses. Finally, I killed it. We took it over to where the Yemenites were working & had some fun! Afterwards some of us got together & had this Polaroid taken. (l. to r. Abdul Kareem [Yemen], Paul Schreiber [U.S.A], Abdullah Saud [Saudi], the HA’NASH KILLER [U.S.A.], HAMMAD [Yemen] Ali—Director of Antiquities for Eastern Province. KSA).

Yep, the first kill of the season. The things that struck me most were the sheer speed the snake possessed & how beautiful & graceful it was. Most of all, I was impressed to look around at the rest of the hole-ridden area & wonder how many more waited out there, & would I see them before they saw me! I hope so.

Love, Brad

My heart is at home: Brad’s sentimental thoughts come to surface as he remembers family at home and special birthday and wedding anniversaries. Finding an ancient Egyptian scarab seemed to be icing on an imaginary cake. He was now planning and envisioning a splendid itinerary back to the United States.

Brad writes from the Middle East on February 26, 1983

This is Brad’s twenty-second birthday, which is his parents’ twenty-third wedding anniversary.

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!

Yep, once again it’s that magic day. I wish we could all be out at the Diamond Head tonight, but c’est la vie!

We’ve made history here! We discovered an Egyptian scarab with hieroglyphics on it. It was the first one ever discovered on the Arabian Peninsula. In fact, it was the first dynastic Egyptian artifact ever found here. Pretty neat, eh?

We found out that we will be out of the field by April 1. Given about a week of reports in Riyadh, I should be in Amman by April 8-10. If I can get into Israel, I will. If not, I’ll go on to Istanbul directly. I’m kind of anxious to get away from the Arab world for a while! So, I project now that I will be in Athens by the last week in April. Please wire & let me know where & when to pick up my $. Funds could be quite low by then—like maybe 0. From Athens and a few side trips in Greece, it’s on to Rome, then to Munich. From Munich, I’ll fly to Geneva, where I’ll cross over into France & visit Chamonix (a famous ski haven). Then I’ll take a train to Como, Italy, and stay with a friend from J school. (Quality time in the Alps, it looks like). Then back to Geneva and a flight to Kobe haven (Copenhagen), where I should have a place to stay if all works out OK. Then to Amsterdam & to Paris, where I’ll visit Jerome’s parents. Finally to London & stay with a family I met in Cairo named the Kellys. (Yes, I’m quite fortunate to have met all these people!) Then it’s Chicago, St. Louis, & good ole Springfield. By the time you receive this letter, it will be the last chance to write to me here in Saudi Arabia (about a 4 week postage turn about). Please let me know how all are doing. How are those kids doing? Did you get those Arab headdresses?

I’m up to about 200 Arab words and can communicate fairly competently now. (A nice feeling for a journalist, you know.) I’ve learned how to say all sorts of things, some good & some not so good. However, the Arab world requires certain patterns of speech sometimes. You know—a good traffic jam! You should see their faces when they hear an American cut loose in their own language. I’ll try to call you from Amman. Until then, take care and kiss those lads for me. Say hi to Grandpa & Grandma for me & assure them that I’m OK and still healthy. Pray that my luck holds out for a couple more months!

Love, Brad

Metacognitive lesson learned at home: Titillating opportunities may come to one while one is working or completing bland duties. Homesickness or longing for one’s home thus creates a need for former friendships. It is during these times that one must rely on critical thinking strategies during problem solving.

Brad writes from Riyadh, KSA

(C/o Abdullah Masry, Department of Antiquities, P.O. 3734)

Sometime in March (maybe 3/10/83)

Dear Family,

Hey Amanda, Matthew, Mom, & Dad, it was great to hear from you. I seem to remember that I have 2 more brothers, but I can’t remember their names. It’s been so long since I’ve heard from them that it makes me sad. (This is an official hint to my 11-year-old brother and my 8-year-old buddy!)

I just got a telex from Scott, my old roommate, and he and 2 other old school buddies are going to meet me in Frankfurt, Germany on July 10. Well, that presents a couple of problems. The first being that our field season ends in 2 weeks, and then it’s back to Riyadh for a couple of weeks. So, if I leave then, I’ll have run out of Europe by June 10, not to mention $! So I’m going to hang around & work with Juris until the first of May and help him get the report out (i.e., another 3 weeks of free room & board). Afterwards, I’ll take off for Turkey & Europe. (I’m forsaking Amman because Israel has the border blocked off, & by that time, I’ll be itching to rid myself of the Arab world.) This sudden change of plans, of course, changes the time I’ll rendezvous in Athens with the European bucks. Who knows? My best guess is that I’ll spend 4-6 days in Istanbul & then fly to Athens. Which brings the date safely to May 1 for the $. Dad, are you going to come over to Germany for that Luther deal?

The journal is coming along; however, it is not a daily record. It is rather a synopsis of everyday life here based on predictable behavior & events. Should be interesting!

Clay sent me pictures of Brian Ireland & Beth Salmon’s wedding. Of course I knew everyone there, & it was good to see. Clay also told me that guy who gave me the bad check got thrown in jail for the same reason. He bounced checks all over Missouri. Brian and Chad bailed him out, so I guess justice is served. KIDS—Honesty is always the best policy, & remember that! Well, you all are having record warmth, & we’re having record cold. It only gets to about 60 degrees at the warmest here, & the wind is hard and cold from Lebanon & Turkey. Record snowfall there. Strange world we live in, isn’t it? Give my love to my Grandparents as usual.

Thanks!

Love, Brad

My heart is at home: Brad’s deep care for his family can be heard in the following letters to his three brothers. Note that he encourages them to continue training in sports. Brad was beginning to consider what job opportunities awaited him in the future.

Brad writes three letters to his siblings from, the Sahary El-Riyadh Hotel, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

March 10, 1983

Master Matthew Burgess,

Thank you very much for your sports information. I really appreciate it. Also, it’s always good to hear from one of your brothers. How did basketball go for your team? Are you getting in shape for summer track yet? Remember, now is the time to start getting ready—not one week before the first meet! Take Scott & Justin down to the basement & start lifting some weights. Start out with a 10 lb. weight on each side & do lots of repetitions (do it as many times as you can). Then start some sit-ups & running when it’s warm enough. To be a good shot putter or discus thrower, you must have a strong stomach & legs, as well as arms. I’m expecting great things out of you, Matthew. I know you can do it if you put your mind to it! Write again soon, & keep me posted on the Tigers.

Love, Brad

P.S. By the way, gang—I met the Editor of ARAMCO WORLD. It’s a trade publication that is distributed worldwide. He is a Columbia U. grad & insists that behind Columbia, Mizzou’s J school is #1. Well, I bit my tongue, and it paid off. He invited me to visit him in the Hague (i.e., Amsterdam), and he’s bought me dinner and talk. At worst, I’ve got my foot in the door of a major trade magazine, backed by billions of bucks. At best … who knows? All I know is that I’m continuing my Arabic language education over here! Just thought I’d let you in on that interesting little tidbit!

***

Dear Justin,

How are you doing, Buddy? I must tell both you and Scott that I enjoyed your messages very much. I wrote to you all and asked why you hadn’t written and got your letters the next day.

You asked when am I coming home to stay? I don’t know, Justin. When I get back from overseas, I have to start looking for a job. This will probably mean that I will have to move to another city. But even if I do, I’ll always come and visit the family whenever I can. OK?

I heard you did some beautiful artwork. I sure would like to see it when I get home. Take care of everyone for me—OK?

I love you and your brothers, sister, & parents very much!

Love, Brad

***

Dear Scott,

I just got your letter. Thank you so much for it. I wrote that letter where I asked why my two youngest brothers hadn’t written me yet the very day before I got your letter. Wouldn’t you know it? Anyway, thanx.

So you can bench press 75 pounds now. GREAT! I know some college men who can’t lift more than 100 pounds. Keep on going with it—but remember: 1) Easy does it! If you try to do too much at once, you’ll either get tired or hurt. Then you won’t be able to lift anything! 2) Always have a spotter. That means make sure Dad or Matt or somebody is there to help in an emergency. Even the strongest men in the world use spotters—they play it safe!

Well, it sounds like music and art are going well. Glad to hear it. You also get $1 for every A you make? Well, if I were you, I’d try to make all A’s and put the money in savings. I hope you do & buy something you really like.

Take care! Keep on writing!

Love, Brad

P.S. Hey Folks!

I’m not sure whether I told you or not, but I’m going to meet a big shot on some England daily who just happens to be stationed on Fleet Street. Once again, the least we’ll see out of this is a connection. But who knows, maybe I’ll eventually fandangle a job out of this guy or the one in Amsterdam. IN SHALLAH (God willing). I’m not getting my hopes up too high—just keeping all options open.

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courtesy of Brad Burgess

Guards at the Border

Homeless: We lose contact with Brad as he traveled from Riyadh to Amman, Jordan, and to Istanbul, Turkey. Near the end of April, he surfaced in Athens, Greece. While there, he took a side trip to Crete. Unfortunately, he and a friend missed the returning boat to the mainland. Gratefully, they found a junkyard of wrecked vehicles. Brad spent the night sleeping in the cab of a rusty truck.

Brad writes from Athens, Greece

(Hotel Atlas, Sophocleos 30, Aghnai, THA 5235309)

April 23, 1983

Howdy Folks!

Kale Marah. (Greek for Good Morning!) Guess who’s trying to learn