Christmas away from home wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Probably because my team was on a train for 3 days and almost forgot that it was even Christmas. Anyhoo- I hate that I missed my family's holiday traditions (and mostly the food) but I had a blast with my team!
A trip to Wal-Mart: "This is the best day of my Chinese life!!"
-things said on the world race
In December (12-12-12, actually), I wrote in my journal about how much I had changed after three months in Africa. Some serious, some funny – but all true.
Things I'm learning about myself/my mindset that have changed:
- I'm okay without Wi-Fi. In fact, I almost hate it because of the distraction it is. Because of technology, I feel a constant fight for humanity's attention.
- I'm not used to things (and conversations) being interrupted by cell phones and when they are, I think it's rude. I find myself getting aggravated with interruptions from technology.
- I have learned to value people over schedules. Particularly the people in front of me.
- After being in Africa for 3 months, I find things like beds, showers and washing machines unnecessary. Also? Information. It seems we don't know what we are doing or where we are going until we are there doing it. I'm learning to be okay with this.
- My whole life has changed. What do I do? How do I adapt back to western culture?
- "Hard" conversations aren't so hard anymore. Sometimes- but not always.
- I'm learning to tolerate people more, honor them better, and love them where they are.
- Because Jesus is teaching me to be selfless, I hate selfishness more and more.
Almost one month later (1-6-13), I made another list.
- I don't like cultures where the people are cold and not hospitable.
- I get really angry when I see injustice.
- I could see myself living in the Philippines.
- I'm still annoyed with 1st world culture.
- When something "bad" happens, I let it steal my joy too often. Gotta get that back.
- I'm actually better at memorizing scripture than I thought.
- I'm not okay with surface level relationships or conversations. I enjoy conversations with substance. Conversations that mean something. I hate small talk.
- I feel unsafe when (1) someone hurts me (2) I can't trust someone.
- I never want to portray myself as something I'm not, and I hate it when other people do.
- I really missed Wal-Mart. Americans don't know how convenient life is sometimes.
It's interesting to look back and see the way I felt even a month ago. People often say that the World Race will change you. But I sort of think it's Jesus 😉
Love,
Ashli
