I am used to being the white girl
It's no longer weird to have no idea what the others around me are saying
When we bump into other foreigners or white people we seem to have this mutual and understood smile
Being stared at or pointed to is my normal
Having beggars run up to me is common
Learning how to say hello and how are you and other common phrases each month interest and excite me
Washing and scrubbing my laundry by hand and hanging it to dry on barbed wire is a chore in my life
A hot steamy shower, what is that?!? Cold bucket showers are much more my style or should I say my only option
When I think toilet, I no longer think of a western but instead a squatty potty with no toilet paper.
Dinner no longer means meat, potatoes and a leafy green salad but instead rice, beans and noodles… Carbs, carbs, carbs
You save and hoard the sugar, creamer, salt and pepper from the airlines
When you walk through the airport you stop at Duty Free and spray yourself your backpack with perfumes
Having rats run along the rafters and poop by your head happen every night
Four days in the same outfit, yes, that's normal
Gathering as a team at the end of everyday to discuss anything in the kitchen sink
Preaching at church… Bring the fire
When a fellow squad mate tosses an article of clothing in the free pile, it's like World Race Goodwill… Gold!
This is normal…
These stories, experiences and endeavors have become my normal.
Hugs,
Keenbean
