This is officially my first blog after settling in to my placement! I'm excited to share all that has occurred since my arrival here in East Asia. Just know, when I say "all," I mean the good and the not so good. It wouldn't be real if I just shared all the good stuff now would it?
I was thoroughly prepared for all that would differ culturally, but some things you just can't prepare for, not even the long term folks have gotten used to everything! Don't get me started on the toilets, and yes, I did walk into a boys dormitory instead of my classroom on my first day of school! I won't list all of my complaints because that's not really beneficial. Plus, things may bother me that don't bother you, vice versa. And, there are plenty of things I wasn't told about that I love. Did you know they have heated floors here?!
In a meeting I had today with my team, we discussed scripture that highlights the importance of getting to know God, to run to Him and pray to Him in times of need, to trust Him and give your all to Him sacrificially. Preparing to move to another country, knowing you will face the good and the bad, whatever it may be, is a great trust Exercise But, what I've really learned through experiencing the good, the bad and the in between is to have joy in the bad knowing that the Lord's plan is to grow my dependence on Him, my knowlege of His character and my love for Him and His people.
My advice to you is to embrace it! Don't be afraid to not fit in, you'll feel very out of place in a new country and culture where you don't know the language or even if you do, standing out is expected. You are known by God and belong in His family. Don't worry about language being perfect if you have to learn a new one, immersion is always the best way to learn so jump in to all the opportunities to practice. If you don't need to learn a new language, learn the culture, ask your new local friends to show you how they live. Let the Lord be your guide and be patient with yourself, whatever your expectations are, throw them out the window and you'll do great!