I got back to the States November 25th. The hardest culture to adjust to has been my own.
If there’s a trashcan beside the toilet you can bet I forgot to throw the toilet paper in the toilet….again.
I remember to do laundry when I run out of underwear…every 6 days. Soon to be every 5.
I have to remind myself that it’s not necessary to wash underwear in the shower.
Laundry only takes a couple of hours instead of all day…or more depending on the climate/season for drying clothes. And I had to have a friend show me how to work the laundry machines.
I still forget to flush the toilet 50% of the time…’if it’s yellow let it mellow…’
I have trouble restraining myself from taking leftover food that people leave at restaurants. Such a waste!
I still get surprised when I turn on the shower and hot water comes out….but it is SO GREAT!
I’m in a continual process of getting rid of stuff, because even though it all fits in my car (barely), it’s just so overwhelming after having lived out of a backpack.
I find it frustrating when people talk of things they want to acquire when those things often seem so petty and useless/don’t you already have 5 of those?!
Grocery shopping for only one person seems pointless. Then I remind myself that I am that one person and food is essential for survival.
Spending money hurts.
I still carry my water bottle everywhere.
I have to continually remind myself that I have more than 4 sets of clothing and do not need to repeat outfits several days in a row.
I rummage through the fridge to find newly expired food to eat before someone else finds it and throws it out.
I go to church and recognize songs, but only know the words in Spanish.
It was hard to get used to sleeping in a real bed…surprisingly.
Having my own room seems very strange.
Even though many of these are quirky, weird, and kinda funny, there are some things I hope will never become normal for me again. My outlook on life…and things…and people has changed so much. My priorities have shifted…and I think it’s for the better.
I am content with where I’m at in life.
I make enough to live on and enjoy what I do (most days).
I have enough time now to build new relationships and enjoy old ones.
I’m part of a community who knows me and loves me for me…and points me towards Christ.
I’m not who I was, but God is making me into someone better.
Live Well,
Crystal
