Yesterday, I finally arrived in Durban - my home for the next two years. It is very green, and very hilly - just a slight change from the prairies I grew up on. It's also extremely hot and muggy - another small change from Southern Alberta. There is currently a cricket game playing in the background - something I'm not even trying to understand right now. Apparently a game can last up to five days. I'll be honest - the crickets I'm used to are little black insects that like to chirp all day long.
I'll admit - the last week has been a tad bit overwhelming. Lots of information coming at me that I'm pretty sure I won't remember in another month. Actually, I KNOW that I won't remember it in another month because I've already forgotten most of it.
However, I think the hardest thing that I've experienced so far is my loss of independence. I've always been a fairly independent person, and all of a sudden, I have to depend on others for things like getting around, a place to live, and, most importantly, their knowledge. I'm having to ask questions about things I thought I knew about, like budgeting, how to find a cell phone plan, getting a driver's license, how to drive - things I took for granted that I knew, and all of a sudden, it's completely different. Yesterday, I had to ask Dave how to plug the light in that's in my room! (In my defense, so that you don't all think that I'm an idiot, there are at least two different kinds of plug-ins here in South Africa, and the lamp did not fit into the outlet that was near it.)
It's very humbling to realize that you don't know something and you need others to help you. At the same time, that is part of what living in a Christian community is all about. It's understanding that we cannot do it on our own - we need each other to encourage us, pray for us, help us, and sometimes simply to inform us. I am quickly realizing how blessed I am to have people that are willing to help me and answer my questions. I have been reassured so many times that if I need anything, big or small, to let them know and they will help me to the best of their abilities. Hopefully they don't regret telling me that!
I'll admit - the last week has been a tad bit overwhelming. Lots of information coming at me that I'm pretty sure I won't remember in another month. Actually, I KNOW that I won't remember it in another month because I've already forgotten most of it.
However, I think the hardest thing that I've experienced so far is my loss of independence. I've always been a fairly independent person, and all of a sudden, I have to depend on others for things like getting around, a place to live, and, most importantly, their knowledge. I'm having to ask questions about things I thought I knew about, like budgeting, how to find a cell phone plan, getting a driver's license, how to drive - things I took for granted that I knew, and all of a sudden, it's completely different. Yesterday, I had to ask Dave how to plug the light in that's in my room! (In my defense, so that you don't all think that I'm an idiot, there are at least two different kinds of plug-ins here in South Africa, and the lamp did not fit into the outlet that was near it.)
It's very humbling to realize that you don't know something and you need others to help you. At the same time, that is part of what living in a Christian community is all about. It's understanding that we cannot do it on our own - we need each other to encourage us, pray for us, help us, and sometimes simply to inform us. I am quickly realizing how blessed I am to have people that are willing to help me and answer my questions. I have been reassured so many times that if I need anything, big or small, to let them know and they will help me to the best of their abilities. Hopefully they don't regret telling me that!
So glad you arrived safe and sound and I know your parents are, too! What a wonderful reminder of how important we each are in God's kingdom - to help one another with the big and small things in our lives! Praying God richly provides for you as you serve Him you "ordinary girl!" Blessings - Bud and Cindy Lenker (friends from Haiti) :)
ReplyDeleteThe differences can be almost overwhelming at first! Thank God He is the One who never changes...is the constant Rock in your life!!!
ReplyDeletePraying His blessing into your life and His flowing through you to those you meet!
One step at a time!
xoxoxo
A. Nancy
So great to know you are there, and along the way and there at your destination there has been someone there for you. Of course our Lord is always there, but nice to have human support too. Can't wait to hear what life will be like for you there.
ReplyDeleteMay God's blessing be on each of your steps,
Ruth and Les