Reality check :)

So as nice and strong that last philosophical statement of mine felt, I'm looking the practicality of living so consciously straight in the face these days. That's not easy. The easy part is spelling out how I try to live. The hard part is actually doing it. Adjusting, learning, and being okay with a change is something that isn't easy. My comfort zone is comfortable for a reason! I like being there. It's comfortable to see through the lens of my upbringing and culture. I'd love to learn culture and assimilate where possible, but the reality of that is so tiring. It takes quite the amount of energy to try to think the way other cultures do. I totally understand why people don't get Africa. or Asia. Mexico. or some other place for that matter. It's not easy. I have to rest from it sometimes.

So Martha and I make chocolate chip pancakes, watch a movie from the US, or try to stay in contact with friends back at CSBSJU or on other study abroad programs. Martha will make her favorite food from the US to share for dinner, and I'll tell the jokes. I'll pick up my book from the US, and I'll keep up with the news. This is rest for me. Afterward, I try to get to what I explained in my "philosophy" in that last blog.

I thought it might be a little easier to feel comfortable here since I already had some experience living in another culture. What became obvious to me was that my knowledge of the language in Guatemala was incredibly instrumental. I thought it might be easier here because I can relate in my mother tongue. Guate culture opened up because I knew how to communicate with the locals. Kiswahili is something I haven't learned enough of yet to really communicate. This is restrictive because most friendly conversations happen in Kiswahili. It's what is comfortable for people here.

In some ways, Guatemalan culture is much more similar to that of the US than Sub-Saharan African culture is, so that and knowing the language gave me a great insight into life there. Here, I'm learning so many new things. Luckily, I'm able to make it a part of my class work in my African cultural overview class.

OKay, so back to my original point. Culture is so deeply embedded. As much as I'd like to say I can adapt so well to all these different situations, it sure can take a lot of work. I'm happy to say that I think it's worth it. I'm thankful for the hard work. It's certainly been rewarding. It's hard to believe that I've only been here for 5 weeks, but I know that is is a priceless part of my undergrad career. I've got some 9 months to go! Do pray.

p.s. please keep in touch! send anything! by any means! I hope people enjoy the postcards I've been sending

Keep living the life!