How am I different?
For starters, people can't say my name so I go by Lesley, my middle name, because it is a lot easier to say. I have never had to respond to Lesley before so that is different. Although, I just found out that there is a Spanish name that is very similar to mine that I might go by. Malleria (My-ja-RI-a or My-ya-RI-a depending on what part of Central America you are in.)
I haven't sat in fresh laundry since right before I left for Washington DC. I have been hanging my clothes to dry outside on clothesline since I have been gone and I am currently using some kind of washing board with a hard piece of laundry soap to wash my clothes one at a time.
I can sleep anywhere and I sleep through the night.
I drink my coffee black. (Justin, I know you are proud!)
I eat a lot of eggs… Although, I still don't like them. So I guess that hasn't actually changed.
I am a lot darker than when I left, although I still don't feel dark. Perhaps that is because everyone else is getting darker too..
I feel more beautiful.
I wake up around 7:00am every day. But that's because the sun is so bright so early!
I sing more.
I still hate water. Just thought I'd throw that one in there.
I don't shower every day. My hair now takes 2 days to get greesy instead of 12 hours.
Wearing the same outfit for 2 or 3 days in a row isn't a bad thing, unless it smells bad.
I haven't seen my face in weeks. And I'm ok with that.
I have learned to really embrace the fact that I am a worthy daughter of the King.
My nose is pierced.
I know how to build a cactus fence.
I really enjoyed the few days when I picked up trash on the side of the road. It was awesome seeing the immediate effect I had on something that meant so much to the local people.
It is normal to see about 20 stray dogs wandering around throughout the day.
It is also normal to move out of the way of the herds of cows passing by all the time.
My normal is completely different.
Seeing bugs all the time is another norm. I just ignore them.
Putting in ear phones is the way to get alone time. Even if my ipod is dead and I just pretend to listen to music.
Sleeping in a room with 50+ people every night is fine as long as I have my ear plugs.
What does a warm shower feel like? I wonder…
Baby wipe baths are fine if the showers are not available.
Taking a nap on the cement floor because it is cool is completely acceptable.
Going to church and not understanding most of what is going on happens often, but I'm ok with it because I know the Holy Spirit is there.
Sharades is played often when speaking to non English speakers.
I wash my dishes in water that I pretend is clean and then tell my self that my dishes are clean enough to eat off of.
Birds live in this church we are calling home because parts of the roof are open as well as the doors and windows. Gecos and a cat and other little things live here too.
Not having internet is not a challenge for me. The only time I can get internet is by going to the internet cafe down the street.
Walking 45 minutes to our ministry site is wonderful, just watch out for the big fresh piles of cow poop. The older ones are fine to walk on though.
I am always full of crap. No really. I eat so much rice that I don't poop for days.
We talk about poop, or the lack of poop all the time. Normal.
It is so hot that my ankles are always swollen. Annoying. Haven't gotten used to that yet.
I am not a picky eater. (How do you like that Mom?)
I have never had any brothers before. And now I have 12 of the greatest brothers anyone could ask for.
I am also blessed to have over 40 more sisters.
My feet are always dirty. Doesn't matter if I just showered. They are always smelly too.
I am not allowed to go anywhere alone. I am still getting used to that one. I just try to find people who will go on an adventure with me.
Worshiping in Spanish is more fun than worshiping in English.
There are about 100x more stars in the sky I get to look at every night than in the sky at home.
I get to see more shooting stars.
I never know the day, or the time.
Living out of a backpack isn't really that bad. It's like my tiny closet.
My appreciation for life has been completely changed and I can't wait to see what else God will do in my life and how else he will change my heart.
I am having a blast and I miss everyone from back home! Please email me so I can catch up with you!
[email protected]
Love,
Malerie / Lesley / Malleria
