Ways in Which I’m Different

The view from my porch

Times are winding down on my time in Africa. It’s the hour of reflection on how I got here, what I did, and what I’m going to do next. I’m not the same person I was before I left America. It’s not surprising. Everyone knows they will change. The exciting part is discovering how exactly I am different, and how I am still the same. So I’ve made a list of a few ways in which I’m different and a few ways in which I’m the same both on the inside and on the outside. Today I’ll share the different list:

1. My hair is longer was longer until I cut it yesterday, and blonder.
2. I am slightly tanner. Ever so slightly.
3. I love cooking. I love it so much, it borders on obsession.
4. I write less.
5. I am more patient.
6. Yet I have very little tolerance for hearing people complain about most anything.
7. I can give technical support via email, facebook, phone, and text message.
8. I’m more independent.
9. I hardly flinch when I see a cockroach or a mouse.
10. I speak French.
11. My ears are pierced.
12. Powdered milk, fish, beans and rice have become dietary staples.
13. I consider chicken and cheese to be luxury items.
14. I’m delighted that I have no idea where I’ll be or what I’ll be doing in 5 years.