Chapter 21: Out of Sync

The power of Bread Loaf. Steven L. Denlinger stands in the courtyard of Lincoln College, Oxford University immediately after commencement in August 1999. The Bread Loaf School of English was designed by Middlebury College to create a summer institute where English teachers could get their MA in their discipline — and therefore expand their teaching opportunities. Bread Loaf stretches across four campuses, one of which is Oxford University. Two of the four summers Steven attended were spent at Oxford, the other two were at the home campus at Middlebury College in Ripton, VT. Photo by Laban Coblentz

My first year after I returned from London was extremely difficult. I almost left teaching entirely. Faced with reverse culture shock, coupled with my arrogance and tendency to overshare, I created a great deal of unnecessary drama. My mentor in London was right.

I no longer fit into the Mennonite community.

I quickly landed a teaching position in Kidron, Ohio. Thanks to an introduction by my f…