The first three months of the race have flown by and honestly haven’t felt too different than the USA. Europe, in a lot of ways, is pretty similar to how we do life. However there were for sure some differences, some scary and some made me smile. Here are a few tidbits about my experience.
~ “Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite” has a whole new meaning to me. Nearly every hostel has them and I feel so honored that they love me so much. Before the race, that was something my parents said to me as a little girl while tucking me in, who knew they are REAL.
~ “One size fits all” I think not! In the world of coffee, there is only one size and large isn’t it. It would really take about 4 European cappuccinos to equal my preferred size. Although, I cannot complain because the fact that they were accessible nearly anywhere was a blessing I know I will cherish more in the months to come.
~ “I don’t have an accent, you do” This always brought a smile to my face when they would tell me. But the real smiles and giggles would come when I would attempt to pronounce most of their words. Although I made a valiant effort, Albanian, Bulgarian or Romanian didn’t come naturally for me. We did have fun teaching our contacts some of the American slang such as “Yo what up?” and “Peace out”.
~ “Free Refills” are non-existent in Europe. You pay nearly $4 for a tiny coke and there’s no getting more…for free at least. It’s an odd concept to them. So next time you sit down at Texas Roadhouse (DAD), enjoy those unlimited Dr. Peppers
~ “SKITTLES” That’s right people. Europe is ok in my book for keeping most of their stores stocked with these delicious favorites of mine. Made me feel like home.
~ “Hurry, run, we can make it!” This wasn’t just a one-time occurrence while trying to make the bus for us. Sitting at the bus stop, waiting for it to come or running out of the gas station hoping to make it on was a huge part of my life. And for the record…you do have to pay for the bus – it isn’t optional – learned that lesson the hard way.
~ “NO NO NO!” Just because a bus has a bathroom doesn’t mean you can use it! If you make the mistake of using it, you might push your Turkish bus driver to his limits and hear him put a sailor to shame.
“Don’t ask” what the meat is they put on the table, just eat it. Sure, it could be a goat…ok, it was. But the point is, you just gotta Nike that thing and do it.
On a more serious note, God taught me so many lessons that I will never forget. I met some of the most wonderful people and my heart was left in so many places. I feel in love with the children, the families, the widows, the students and the churches each month. I was brought to tears as I left their beautiful faces. I won’t forget the impact they had on my life and I pray they don’t forget the impact God had on theirs hopefully through my life. Through the big and the small, God can work in any situation or person if we open the door for Him.
Although I will miss the wonderful people I came to love over the past three months, I am ready for the journey ahead. The road I am headed down now is going to be more challenging and culture shocking than the previous however, I am ready to embrace the difficult – bucket showers, tents, no wifi, dress codes and all – because in it is a new opportunity to rely on and come to know Him more. Which is the deepest desire in my heart – to know God and to make Him known.
