Well I have been here for exactly 2 months! In some aspects it feels like forever and in other aspects I feel like I just got here. I have gotten involved in a lot of things, which I think helps in the transition of living overseas. Things are still not easy but it is slowly becoming the new normal. School is slowly getting better and better (however there was a small hiccup yesterday that sent my day into a tail spin). Also getting involved at the church is one of the best things, it is what helped me in China and is what is helping me here.
When people ask me how long I have lived here sometimes they are shocked by my answer. I have learned how to get a taxi and tell them where I need to go, whether by saying it in the language or showing the address on my phone. I know how to buy vegetables at the local street market. I don’t always understand what they are saying but I manage to pay them and not feel ripped off. I know a couple of key phrases and can give input on the way things work here. I am nowhere near perfect but I have learned quickly some of the things needed for survival.
Everyone at church knows I am new, but because I am involved in a lot of things (the young adults group and the women’s group) people tend to think I have been here longer. I think this is a big part of transitioning. Getting involved helps to not think about home so often and I meet tons of new people. The young adults have been meeting at our apartment for the past month. It is so awesome to have a big living room where everyone can sit comfortably. Also I am a part of the women’s connection team! It’s nice having things to do outside of school. It makes me feel like I have more of a purpose here and an impact on the city.
School has been an up and down roller coaster. Whether it is trying to understand co-workers or trying to learn from the other foreigners. There are so many people (yet so little) working here and we are all different. We have different ways of communicating, teaching, and experiences. It’s a lot of adjustments to make while also adjusting to teaching in a foreign country. It doesn’t help that we never hear encouraging words from parents. We only hear the negative things which in turn make us feel like failures. But God is at work here! I am so grateful for the daily reminders that He is here with me. Some days it is easy to see and others it is a little harder. But I always know he is here and he has called me here. Thank you for your continued prayers and love!
2 months down and 22 more to go!
Taco night! And a few games of Dutch Blitz!