It’s been hard for me to get used to the color of the bottoms of my feet…black. My feet are always dirty. Not just dusty…dirty. Will my feet ever be the same color again?
It’s been hard for me to get used to the pace of things here. Slow. Slow. Slow. Things are just slow. Internet is slow, people are slow, eating is slow, animals are slow. The only thing that moves fast here are the taxis and they move too fast!
It’s been hard for me to get used to not being able to fix my hair. Those of you who know me know that I like my hair. I’m used to straightening irons, hair dryers and wearing my hair down as much as possible. That’s just not possible here. My hair has to be curly and pulled up off my neck and off my face. Which means no pretty hair for P!
It’s been hard for me to get used to how things are handled here. The car breaks and it gets repaired with crappy parts so that it will run for a little while. The washing machine breaks and no one can fix it. The fans don’t work…just deal with it until an electrician might be able to come out and look at it. Oh did I mention that it took 4 days for the car to be fixed and then it broke down 1.5 days later away from home?
But when I look at the faces of my neighbors, the kids, and my teacher I feel such sorrow. Because they don’t know the Father that I know, they don’t have hope, unconditional love, and forgiveness (Eph 2:12-13). They live fearful of death because they don’t have a promise of where they will end up. Then I know that I will get used to all these little things that don’t matter. Like constantly dirty feet, sweaty armpits, frizzy hair and washing food with bleach water. These things evaporate into nothingness when I start thinking about my neighbors who I’ve come to cherish going to hell because I can’t yet speak the love of Christ in their language. Then “Yay I live in Africa!” seems like a much better way of looking at things (Col 1:27).
This is going to sound strange, but I've actually prayed for you and your hair because I thought it might be a little struggle for you. Now me, I would embrace a "ponytail culture" but that's where you and I are different. =) I love your beautiful attitude and I will continue to pray that all the little things help you to grow and not frustrate you. Love you so much! And yes, going to set up skype very soon!
ReplyDeletePolly I think this is a great story, it is so inspiring. It is amazing all the things we take for granted. your pictures are priceless
ReplyDeleteI read your post and thought did you jump into my head and move into my house. We understand and are lifting you up. Love you guys.
ReplyDeleteYour quadmates who are the closest to you.
My best friend and her husband are missionaries in Philippines. She shares with me what you say here. Thanks for being transparent. Will be praying for you.
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