We had a truly amazing 6 months in the states. There was a ton of anticipation leading up to our time there, and every week lived up to its expectation. Even when we were doing too much, the Lord graciously allowed us to get sick forcing us to slow down. Yes, I found sickness (which we faced a lot of!) to be a blessing. It's hard to believe we arrived back in our city a little over one month ago. We've had a crazy but great month settling back in. We have mostly had exceptionally wonderful weather, which has made our transition so much easier. As I wrap up my thoughts on our time in America, I figured I would share the "little" things that made my time so refreshing and maybe you'll be thankful for some of those little things you easily forget.
1. Speaking English -
This is a great thing and can be a bad thing too. We've gotten so used to saying whatever we want to say as loud as we want to say it knowing people have no clue what we're saying. We had to learn to keep our voices down and be careful what we say (especially when upset), but for the most part it was incredibly refreshing to hear our heart language and not have to worry about misunderstanding something or saying something wrong. It was just nice saying what I wanted to say and not having to think about it all the time or look at Britton with a confused look. It was also refreshing being able to read everything in English and not have to decipher characters. Ha. You also have to hear a lot of things you might not care to hear. Language is quite an amazing thing. It reminds me of the importance of speaking the heart language of the people I converse with daily.
2. Babysitting and Dates -
What a gem. Simply fabulous. We love our kids. We adore our kids. But we needed a consistent break from our kids, and they needed a break from us! It was truly a precious gift having so many available babysitters and especially knowing that they could never babysit "too" much. They knew their time was limited and so did we. With the exception of a few weeks (like less than a hand's worth), Britton and I were able to go on a date every week. We even got to go on a 4 day trip to the beach by ourselves. I thought I'd miss the boys terribly, but I really was ok :) Knowing they were in good hands and having the time of their lives, we had a blast as well. We're trying really hard to continue consistent dates, but now we just have to get really creative.3. Yards and big blue skies -
I was amazed the first day we got to the states and still dream of the bright big blue skies and huge gorgeous grass (poop-free!). The little bit of grass here most assuredly has dog poo in it, and quite frankly, I'm sick of cleaning poo off shoes. The first day we got back we went outside, I gazed at the huge sky while we all played barefoot in the grass. Grady freaked out because he had never felt grass and it kept sticking to his feet. It's the little things :) I seriously stared at the sky often because it seemed to never end. When most of what you see is skyscrapers, the sky seems limited. In neighborhoods, the sky is limitless.4. Cars and car seats -
When we left, I said I liked being able to jump into a taxi holding the boys then hopping out with no time constraints of a car seat. After 3 years of that, I happily took the time to buckle the boys in so that they were strapped to one location and not constantly wiggling around. It was also nice to get to sit in the front for a change...let alone drive a car! Three years not driving...was crazy! It was so nice jumping in a car in a garage not even having to go outside then driving wherever my heart desired, not having to smell cigarette smoke or listen to awful music in another language and entertain a guy that's fascinated I can speak his language. That's also probably why I've gained some weight! Two cheers for cars...and car seats!5. Nothing blocked -
Getting back over here made me remember how much I missed unblocked websites. Our country has blocked nearly every American website including this blog, network websites, instagram, etc. It was so lovely not having to use a tunnel to get access to these sites. I felt like I saved a ton of time with high speed internet and instant availability to TV shows and other sites.
6. Southern hospitality -
I had mixed feelings about this one. At first, I had to get used to this again because I had gotten used to a "rude" society (what we would say is rude). I happily got used to doors being opened again, verifying that whatever I might be buying was to my satisfaction, and having a meal (that we loved) with anyone we got together with. Sometimes I got annoyed with how many times 'thank you' was said or expected. All in all I discovered that some patience and a real smile went a lonnnnnng way with people. Rude just doesn't cut it in the states. I was waiting at a minute clinic one day, and the wait was 45 minutes. I was happy to sit there and read my kindle (kid free!) and roam around the store looking at all the fabulous, American things I could buy (and couldn't soon get), but the girl went ahead and took me because I was nice and willing to wait! Haha. I really was ok with waiting and nearly preferred it, but southern hospitality goes a long way. Oh, and THANK YOU for so many of you that took us out for a delicious meal or treated us to some special treat that we had been missing. The food and company were superb.
7. Central AC/heating -
We purposefully planned our time in the states to fall during winter. I'm so glad we came in on the tail-end of summer thus getting to go to the beach, but I was most excited to spend time in a home with central heat. Our home in our city doesn't have central anything, and we have concrete walls making winters pretty brutal. Our space heaters just don't do much. I'm grateful for them, but it feels like luxury when we can set the temperature to whatever we want. Blessings.
8. HGTV -
You might roll your eyes, but this is my list and HGTV is on it :) This one has to do with #5. Even if I can somehow access certain blocked websites, the internet is so slow it doesn't load anything. So, I absolutely loved relaxing and watching all things HGTV. I particularly fell in love with Property Brothers, Love it or List it, Love it or List it Too, and especially Fixer Upper.
9. Fun Vacations -
This is a no-brainer. Even with certain travels we didn't want to make, we still tried making a vacation out of every place we went. We went to Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, and Texas. Some of those states we went to several different cities within them. Our biggest highlights were the beach, Disney, and a getaway trip just Britton and I. You can read more about all of our crazy adventurous vacations in the previous posts.
10. Corporate worship -
This was so good for our hearts. It was especially sweet that our kids had such a wonderful time having consistent time being taught the Word from someone else. It was also especially wonderful for Britton and I have to worship without kids. It was so wonderful to see so many other men leading their families in true worship. We don't get to see that often. We felt so much encouragement and love from the body. Those relationships made our stateside time all the better.
11. Water Fountains -
Quite possibly the smallest thing, but it was so refreshing (pun intended) to drink out of a clean water fountain. We don't have water fountains around here because we don't have clean water. The boys were especially giddy and hilarious when they discovered water fountains. Anytime they saw one, they insisted on having a sip. No more of that now. It was nice getting to brush my teeth without fear of getting a parasite, but I did always feel weird filling up a cup of water from the faucet. Clean water is a blessing, which many do not have.
12. Recliners at Movie Theaters -
This changed my life. Ha! The first time we experienced these was quite hilarious. Britton and I went out to see The Hobbit. When we got there, the theater was already almost sold out with only 3 seats left. I looked at the girl like why in the world are there only about 40 seats in the theater?! The only seats left together were on the third row, and I didn't want to watch a 2.5 hour movie looking straight up. We already went that far, and Britton was wanting to see the movie so badly. So, we stayed. As I walked into the theater my eyes widened, and I got a big smile on my face. We took our seats, and I happily 'endured' the 2.5 hour movie. Best movie I had seen in a while! It was my mission to see movies only in recliners the rest of our time there. Ha! Try them. You won't go back! Oh, and the prices are not that much different...sometimes they were cheaper than those regular ole chairs!13. Consistently sunny weather and sunsets -
I'm actually writing this post while it is raining outside. We often have 100% humidity in our city. It stays wet almost all the time, and whenever we have a sunny day the people like to 'clean' the streets (more like smear the dirt around), so it's just wet all.the.time. We had so much sunny weather, I felt like my mood was always bright. Lack of sun really does affect you, so it was nice to see those big blue skies with the sun shining so brightly.
14. Crazy coke machines -
One of the first things I discovered getting back were the crazy new coke machines. I looked like an alien using the thing. I actually write about this not as something grateful but saying that I liked the old machines better. My drink never tasted quite right, and I always had way too many options to choose from. Ha.
15. People on their phones all.the.time -
Again, this is not one of those things I'm grateful for. Everyone has said something about this at some point. I'm ashamed to admit that I fit into this mold. It's hard not to. Everything is literally right at our fingertips. It's when I see how ridiculous everyone else looks when using their phones that I realize that's how I look. So for that, I'm thankful to see people miss what is in front of them because of being too distracted on their phones...it encourages me not to. Sadly, it's not just an American thing. I was on a plane just last week, and when we landed there were so many alert noises for text messages that were missed in just one hour that I thought I was going to go crazy. People stayed seated (which is so uncommon here) so they could answer all the messages. There is a false sense of importance that comes out of these tiny devices, I'm about ready to throw mine away. About ready! I just want to make sure my heart stays in check on what really is important.
16. Cleanliness -
Oh my. This is golden. It's just dirty here. All. The. Time. Yes, we have squatty potties which means you will most assuredly have nasty gunk on your shoes if you go to the bathroom, but we mainly don't wear shoes in the house because it's so dirty outside. Our city is covered in dust. We have really clean air compared to most cities which is such a blessing, but we have our fair share of dirt. You can walk outside just on our balcony and track in a trail of dust. So, it was nice to freely walk in a house with our shoes on not worrying about tracking in footprints and also not worrying about tracking in poop. I suppose it could happen and I know a lot of germs get collected, but in general, sidewalks, roads, everywhere that we went in the states felt SO much cleaner...and smelled SO much cleaner. I also thoroughly enjoyed clean restrooms and NO squatty potties with well, nasty stuff all over the ground. Yeah, there's plenty of places not so clean in the states, but for the most part...it's way cleaner than here!
17. Medical care -
18. Smooth grocery carts and grocery stores -
I must admit, I made it a habit/hobby to go to the grocery store. I loved the big smooth grocery carts that didn't wobble and didn't pull me in one direction. It was fabulous walking along clean floors that I would literally eat off of (you may think it gross but after living here and seeing how things are cleaned, you'd eat off of it too!). I took in every moment of smelling what a grocery store should smell like...not like fish and foot odor. The boys loved getting to ride in 'cars' for grocery carts...as did I. I happily parked in a further away spot because it was never far compared to how far I walk here to get to the store, AND I could push my cart all the way to my car instead of lugging my groceries to a taxi and back home. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing American music walking along empty aisles. I didn't mind at all driving less than a mile to the store. Oh and the choices. Choices. Choices. They are endless. There's nothing like the "one stop shop." Sometimes it was a little overwhelming, but mostly just fascinating! Sometimes I would laugh at all the options. Sometimes I was amazed but realized though I'd want to try so many things, I'd probably never care when I'm overseas. You always want what you don't have! Yes, I keep on and on, but now you see why I made it a habit to go...often! I miss going to the store and roaming the aisles seeing what amazing things are available that I will not likely see again for 3 years. I almost took a picture of every item just to browse later and make a wish list...almost. I'm not that terrible :) I would like to try every flavor of goldfish though...there's even goldfish for babies! Haha. Oh, and I had totally forgotten about greeting cards...no such thing of that here. I literally laughed out loud when I walked down that aisle.
19. Malls and Barbers -
We did a lot of shopping. Even Britton did a lot of shopping! We mostly went to the Mall of GA, but oh my. I love the mall now. I used to go on a shopping spree with my mom once or twice a year. Other than that, I'm not a shopper. I found that I didn't have to be a 'shopper' to go to the mall. I was fine walking around, sipping on coffee, and enjoying the atmosphere. Clean. Good smelling. English. Discounts. Clean. Carousel. Train. Good food. Sizes that fit my body. Santa. Oh yeah, and clean! Malls and barbers don't really go together, but I forgot about getting haircuts. I loved that the boys could all go get haircuts by people that knew how to cut their hair. It was nice not having that pressure on me and giving me a break from that! It all just seems like royalty! Ha.20. Fireplaces -
This became my happy place. Our winter in the states was really not all that cold. But give me some chilliness, and I'm ready for a cozy blanket and warm fire. I love the popping sounds and the smell (one of my top 3 favorite smells). My parents were so generous and sweet to put up with my constant asking to build a fire. I don't think they minded either :) I would give so much to have a real fireplace here! At last, we do not...I will settle for Netflix's fake fire on the TV.
21. Quiet places -
There's no price on this. I'm currently listening to car horns, construction work, and yelling. I didn't realize how much the noise affected my stress level until we came back. My heart would race because I felt so anxious. I realized that I had gotten used to quiet neighborhoods, and the constant noise here made me uptight. Now I know when I start feeling that way, I need to retreat to a quiet room (if possible) for a few minutes. Britton has also helped give me some time alone. I adored the quietness in the states. It really lowered my stress level despite our crazy traveling schedule. It was so quiet at times that I felt like I was in space. I do so miss the quiet, but I've readjusted back to falling asleep to car horns. The quiet time certainly recharged me and helped my time in the states be very restful.
22. Carpet -
One of the first things I did when I went into my parents' house was lay on the carpet and do 'carpet angels.' They had just gotten new carpet, and it was divine to lay on it. No one has carpet here. Vacuum cleaners aren't really a "thing," and the carpet would be disgusting. We have rugs, but it just isn't the same. I loved laying on the carpet. I think we all did.
23. The Library -
The boys loved going to the library and getting "new" books all the time. I loved it too. They loved having their own library cards. I also loved just having another activity for us to do. We also went to story time (wish we had gone more), but they had a blast. They loved lining up all their books too.
24. Food -
If you know us or follow us in any capacity, you know this was a huge one. I created a food bucket list (not actually, it was just in my head). We hit every place and most of them multiple times. Not only was it wonderful to go out to eat to so many places, it was also wonderful to pick up things at the grocery store that cut my cooking time way down. Things like frozen bread and instant cinnamon rolls are just a few wonderful things. It was also wonderful only having to go to ONE place to get everything I needed rather than 4 or 5 different places including the internet. You don't realize how much food is part of your life until you start eating things unfamiliar to you. I happily ate Chick-fil-A more than one time a week instead of whole chickens boiled in a pot. Yes, please. This photo makes me so hungry I'm starting to drool.
25. Family and Friends-
The list really could keep going on, but I have to stop somewhere. Last but certainly not least, family and friends. I already missed them so much. It's beginning to set in again that we are thousands of miles away from family and friends. It can get lonely. Reality sets in that although there are some amazing people that keep up with us, life still goes on without us. I have to fight the feeling of feeling forgotten. I know we aren't forgotten, but we are far. Far far away. Even in the states, we were often away from many of our family and friends depending on where we were at the time. At least it wasn't the other side of the world. Though we have friends here, and we have our little family, the reality is that we say goodbye for a greater purpose, one that reminds me that following Him is more important than anything on this list. I love my family and friends (many of whom feel like family), but the greatest delight in my thoughts on America is that while it will always be a piece of me, I am right where I should be.
