Here are 7 thoughts from my past 7 weeks of adjusting to life in Southeast Asia:
1. I now experience sunset when I used to experience sunrise and sunrise when I used to experience sunset. Both sunrise and sunset still have beautiful colors. I now see the constellations in different locations as I look up at the sky. I still get to appreciate the beauty of the moon and stars.
2. American traffic is stop and go, traffic here is ebb and flow. The key is to not think about right of way but rather to pay attention to what the majority of people are doing. When enough side road cars and motorbikes have edged into the middle of the busier street, the main road traffic will stop to let them go but only for so long before the traffic on the main road demands it is their turn to go. Bikes and motorbikes are more convenient than cars in traffic. The bus is accessible but not on a predictable time schedule. When the buses are running, I have an app to track their route. I enjoy the air conditioning on the buses.
3. There is a lot that can be communicated nonverbally or with very few words. Smiling is always a great way to embrace the adventure of navigating the challenge of communication in a new context.
4. Trying new fruit is fun. Don't judge a fruit by its appearance. Some that look amazing don't really taste that great and some that look rather unappealing are delicious.
5. Learning a new culture is an extensive process and the way forward is to celebrate each small step rather than trying to force the process to go quicker.
6. I am never alone in this journey. Our Father is faithful to call me back to focusing on him when I get distracted by worries and overwhelmed with all that is yet to come.
7. Wonder is the best approach daily life. A heart posture of wonder lets me appeciate the flowering plants around and to hold onto what is going well rather than all that is yet to be learned and accomplished. Wonder lets me have eyes open to learn more about the people around me.