A Point Halfway
As of tomorrow evening around 9 in the p.m. I will have officially been in Sierra Leone eight weeks. I've heard the phrase "Americans have the watches, but Africans have the time." I haven't worn a watch in years, yet I'm not so good at having time. A wise man once said, "Life moves fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
In an attempt to look around, I have begun a new season of pondering life. Why am I here again? What am I doing? How can I best serve my team, the Lighthouse folks, and others here in Freetown? How have things affected me? Has anything changed about me? How do I now see life? Why am I so selfish? What things have I done here made me come alive? What is next in life? How do I think about the future and be present here and now? Who shot JR?
These are (mostly) important questions. The things I've experienced, relationships I've established, and the thoughts I've had will be fodder lessons years into the future. There is not enough time to ponder all that comes my way while I am here, yet I am attempting to get a jump start on processing my experience. If necessary, I want to redirect my paths or jump on new ones in an attempt to get the most out of my remaining two months.
So if you have a question that would help me process my experience here, please send it my way. I will share them with my team as we all take a few steps back and think about our first two months here.
Things I've learned during my first 8 weeks:
- I like: good laughs, deep conversations, frozen yogurt, coconut, walking, a cool breeze at night, nighttime rain
- The mirror of a poda poda will give way if it hits you as you walk
- Said mirror might hurt as it gives way
- Duct tape is just as important on the other side of the world, if not more so.
- Palm oil just might be evil.
- Electricity is really optional for life, though it is still very welcome.
- The headlamp is one of the greatest inventions in the world.
- If a white man goes to a culture that has three different words that mean "white man," he will hear them pretty much everywhere.
- God is good and faithful and patient and forgiving
- Email is a really amazing invention. Gmail makes email even more amazing.
- I enjoy a good beer more than I thought (no spirits for me while I'm here)
- Emails and comments from good friends make me feel loved
I’m glad to see that you’ve not let being in another culture interfere with your movie quotes!
“Emails and comments from good friends make me feel loved.”
Start feeling loved right… NOW. Or am I not “good” enough (of a friend)? Hmm. I really dislike that sentence. “Am I not a “good” enough friend” sounds better, but it changes the whole emphasis.
Anyway, you may feel loved whenever you want just knowing that I check your blog very regularly and interestedly. (Again, sentence remorse. Or “fake word” remorse. Or something.)
And here’s my gift to you: if you’ve never heard Habib Koite (Malian musician), you should. I think you’d like him. (You’d be crazy not to.)
I can’t believe you wrote on processing and what the future holds! I was just wondering today what you are thinking. It must be ESP! NEVER doubt that you are loved; just reading this entry makes me feel like I’ve talked with you. The humor that you weave among serious thoughts is a gift to those of us who faithfully follow your blog. Keep writing!
This week has been pretty busy with the new job, but I still tried to check here to see what is happening with you in Africa. Yes, your good friends are thinking of you and praying for you. I feel that when I come here that I am talking to you. Although, I like talking to you in person better. Take care,
Em
Hey buddy…. I miss you man. Looking forward to sharing the coffee (or spirit) of your choice upon your return.
Maybe we could even toss the “frisbee-thrown-’round-the-world.”
hey man! I’ve been delinquent about reading, but I have been praying. Good to hear you’re “processing.” I’m leaving in 13 hours for some overseas travel with my dad. We’re going to Amsterdam for a few days and then London. And in case you needed a reality check…yes…I will be in Amsterdam on 4/20. However, I will do my best to avoid the good natured brownies, and anything to do with red lights, but it should still be a good time.
I’ve liked reading your blogs! They’ve made me laugh and remember. I’m sorry that Michelle is sick. It’s so hard to stay healthy in the midst of everything ya’ll are doing.
On our flight back we got cold beers in the airport. Ask Faye. =) It was long overdue.
Peace,
Hillary (former servant team member)
Glad you are learning and processing and feeling. That’s why you are there. Take it all in!
Beth
I’ve been deliquint in my efforts to keep up with your life in Sierra Leone. I love reading your experiences and your take on everything! Polka Boy is playing the 28th. I’ll have a cold one for you, and say “JA-JA-JA” when they ask me “Do you miss Matt Pren-tice?”
I haven’t kept up with your blog like I should, but I LOVE catching up! I always spend a lot of the time laughing.:) (Nice movie quote, btw..) You are dearly loved by your friends and it shows. Much love and prayers,
Erin