Seeing What's Changed

I have decided to return to America as planned on November 1. It is strange to picture myself back in the States, back to my old way of life. I’ve grown accustomed to so many things…little things that seem insignificant, but add up to a changed mindset. For one thing, I have gone nearly four months without TV. Reading a book is now my choice form of entertainment. I’ve accepted that if one thing on a to-do list gets done then I’ve accomplished something. Though difficult, it is possible to coordinate without a cell phone. Choosing from a wardrobe that consists of 3 pairs of jeans, cargo pants, and a few tees makes the morning routine a whole lot shorter. Meal time is for sharing and visiting with friends – there is no such thing as a drive-thru. Getting online (via dial-up) every other day is sufficient. Buying food and toiletries is what I consider shopping. I’ve used a hair dryer maybe ten times and that’s the extent of fixing my hair. The term “going out” refers to dinner at a restaurant and home by 10:00PM. I have gotten used to taking my own toilet paper to the bathroom; it’s a novelty to find it in the stall. Dodging livestock and manure in the streets is commonplace. I find more pleasure in finding a seat on a taxi than hearing the latest celebrity gossip. Waking up at 6:00 AM comes naturally (it no longer takes two alarms and a phone call from Dad.) A sunny day makes for a great day. Some of these I’ll be glad to do without, but most have been a blessing in disguise. Certainly, safely drinking water from the tap will be a treat. And having the luxury to “get in a car and go” will be awesome. But being without some of the comforts of home has stretched me and given me the patience and the ability to find contentment in tough situations.

Thankfully, I managed to overcome the common attitude of feeling limited by the inaccessibility of so many things. Though at times the conditions are frustrating, even disgusting, it helped me to see how blessed I am and how much we are capable of living without. Or, in other words, how little can make us happy. What I’ve gained is a life that has been simplified and stripped of a lot of clutter. In some instances, going back will be a breath of fresh air. Knowing I have a return flight is what makes it easy. Still, I know it will also be a massive shock because I’ll finally see the disparity of wealth in this world. Hopefully, when I return I will keep a passion for the poor and a heart full of gratitude for what I possess.

(For an update about our trip to Bahir Dar - see previous post below)