Last month, I decided to write about all the things I have learned here in Papua New Guinea. This month, I would like to be completely open and transparent with you about all the things I have not learned...yet. I just didn't want you to think I was feeling superior with my new found knowledge of gecko poo. Anyway, here it goes...
1. I have not learned to tell the difference between a bug crawling down my shirt or a bead of sweat rolling down my shirt.
2. I haven't learned how not to be embarrassed about my underwear hanging out in front of all my neighbors, friends, and co-workers.
3. I have not learned how to get the gecko poo off the top panes of my windows (they are very tall and right next to stairs where I cannot put a ladder)
Those are turds, not dead bugs 4. I have not figured out how the mosquitoes are biting me underneath my clothes.
5. When I am having a bad day, I have not learned to tell if it is from PMS or culture shock.
Does "complete" include relief from bad smells, a language you don't understand, and not having a Wal- Mart?
6. I have not learned to drive on the opposite side of the road. (that is what husbands are for, right?)
7. I still have not learned how to work up the motivation to make donuts, even though I look at the recipe on the internet daily.
A girl can dream, right?
8. I haven't learned to like Australian Snickers. Chocolate needs sugar. There is just no point without it.
9. I haven't learned to "just get used to" bugs and worms being in my food. Many missionaries here, don't sift anymore. But I have seen what lives in there, and I can't keep those images from popping into my sweaty head when I lay it on my pillow at night. Then every morning I wake up, go downstairs and hug my sifter.
If only this were a video and you could see them crawling around in there. You would sift too!
10. I haven't learned how to explain to my little girls why little boys are naked here. (I use the term "little" loosely, as we have seen up to 11 and 12 year olds naked at the beach. That, is pushing it) Thankfully, they haven't asked me, yet. But I need to find an answer for this one soon, because I know it is coming!
God bless you guys my friend! Take it one day at a time and everything will come to you. About the naked thing, not really sure what you could say to the girls......lots of love and prayers to you and your sweet family! Miss you guys so much! By the way, I now have 14 deodorants, several bug sprays, sunscreen and lots of other goodies bout ready to send your way! Love you!
ReplyDeleteLove the honesty and I can empathize with trying to fit into a new culture. Blessings to you!
ReplyDeleteI pray regularly for protection for all of you from without and within, and from evildoers. I also pray for the Lord to provide you with everything you need to do His ministry. By the way, I recently learned that mosquitoes bite through clothing. I love you! Mom
ReplyDeleteJessi, I don't think I could ever learn to ignore live worms in my food, even if I do cook it and then they're dead worms. Except maybe in spaghetti sauce, where they might be mistaken for another dried herb. The whole sweat or bug thing? I still haven't gotten to the point I can tell that, and I'm 58 years old. I think you are doing beautifully. Maybe your girls will never want to know why the boys are naked at the beach. Crossing my fingers and praying for you on that one.
ReplyDeleteP.S.: In my stay at home mom & bread baking days, I made donuts. They turned out great and we had a good time dipping them into the sugar glaze until they were well coated. Give it a try while you still have the internet.
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