Perspective

It's funny how one's perspective will change when removed from their normal surroundings, culture, and circumstances. I've lived outside of America for one month. That's it. A short month. Most would assume that it's no huge deal to "survive" for a month in another country, culture, and surrounded by a different religion. If you've never done it, maybe you should try it.

I've moved to two different homes in the last 28 days. I've eaten more chicken than I previously thought humanly possible, yet I haven't entirely grown tired of it. My home country has threatened to attack a country; the country I currently reside in would feel huge repercussions from any sort of attack. Because of this, I'm sometimes surrounded by tension so thick it could be cut with a knife.

I started taking classes in the local language. I cannot make some of the sounds that are necessary to speak it. Today in class, I felt like I was going to choke on my tongue if I continued to try to pronounce certain words. (It was really quite humorous!)

The name of the game... wait. This has progressed beyond fun and games. Let me rephrase... The way to handle life is to be FLEXIBLE. Be prepared for CHANGE. I have to remind myself that being fluid and "going with the flow" is not only necessary, but it's the only way to stay sane in the situation I live in. I've had to change my perspective. I have to force myself to do things differently. I've had to entirely overhaul certain parts of my life and lifestyle. And it's OK! I'm doing well. I'm processing these changes (sometimes out loud, or in writing, in the case of this blog post), and its OK. I know the One Who is in control of my life, of the situation I live in, and of the whole universe.

I sleep in peace each night, completely comfortable and resting in the knowledge that LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE. (Pack appropriately.) I think I have what it takes to live out this adventure. You?

**On a different note, I think my next blog post will be a collection of funny and humorous stories I've already collected from my time here. Be prepared to laugh!

Almost One Week

I am six days into my new adventure of living overseas for a year. So far, I have fallen into my new routine of teaching English quickly. My coworkers are great, and my students put forth a lot of effort.

Life in America already seems like its waaaay back in the rear view mirror. I have heard my first explosions. I have seen the atrocities that war and conflict have left behind. Evidence of violence just sits on the side of the road. I cannot watch my favorite sports on a regular basis (because of the time difference, even if I could get the internet to cooperate and stream MLB games, it would be at 2 or 3 am here. And that won't work when I have to get up and teach English class most days during the 9 am hour!) The food is different, and my body is still adjusting to the heat and dirt here.

Yet, I'm loving it. Oh, I am well aware that culture shock could start hitting me any old time it pleases. I'm sure at some point very soon, I'll miss the conveniences that life in America holds. But the people are warm and kind. They are weary from the violence that plagues their area. And while the oppressive sun and heat could be interpreted as an uncomfortable (and even deadly) aspect of life in this region of the world, I choose to see it as Light. A symbol of hope and joy and peace. I want to make a difference. I want to BE different. I AM different. I bear Good News. I bear Truth. I bear Peace. I want to teach to the best of my ability. I want my students to grow and learn in so many ways that far surpass English.

Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self Control.

Changes

I'm horrible at this blogging thing! It's much easier for me to tweet. Micro blogging is apparently more my style. Even so, I will attempt to update this every month or so (at least!) for the next year, as some exciting things will be happening!

At the end of May, I graduated from graduate school! Yay for a shiny new masters degree.

Me with my two best friends at graduation, the Bay and City in the background!

I then drove cross-country from Northern California to Central Florida with another awesome friend! I've spent the summer at home with my family and friend doing fun things and vacationing, enjoying every moment.

A nice photo of my parents, brother and I while vacationing at the beach this summer!

I leave in about a week and a half to start my new job. I'll be moving to another country to teach English and do relief and development work for a year. I'm excited to help others while being adventurous. Several of my passions are combining, and I'm looking forward to what the next year holds! It'll be a learning experience to live in another culture, surrounded by different religions and languages. Hopefully I'll remember to update this blog and keep you all updated! 

Don't forget to check my twitter, too! Lately, my twitter account has been little more than my personal micro sports blog. :-D