More on culture shock... produce... beach... rain... hamburgers...

I know my last post was a little depressing, so I'm happy to say that things are going better now.  After I realized that what I was 'going through' was culture shock, it was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.  It was nice to know that there wasn't anything wrong with me and that how I am feeling is normal (and that eventually it will end).  If you've never experienced culture shock or have and don't remember what it's like, you might Google it to get a better idea of what I mean.  It's a real thing that people really go through.  I was one of those people who didn't really believe it was real and thought I wouldn't experience it... But I was very wrong!  Every day gets better and I enjoy being here more and more.  I still miss home a lot, but I think that feeling will stay with me for awhile.

Today Aaron and I found a great little produce market that is kind of like an indoor farmer's market or a giant fruit stand.  They had some really great stuff for a lot cheaper than normal grocery stores and a whole lot cheaper than the commissary (their produce is pretty expensive).  I saw my first watermelon since getting here (and I am a watermelon lover, so that was exciting!)  We also met June (the lady we met in San Angelo) and her kids at one of the beaches and walked around for awhile, then Aaron and I ate dinner at a really neat hamburger joint that reminded me of what you would see on the boardwalk in California or something...  The weather was cooler today and that made the day even more enjoyable.  It also didn't rain, which has been rare these days.  Considering one of the locals that Aaron works with told him that it would be rainy all month, we were pretty excited about how beautiful it was today.

As much as I miss pine trees, mountains, lakes, wooden and red brick buildings, American food and stores, temperature variations, and most of all my family and friends, I am beginning to be able to have a more positive view on being here. I'm beginning to enjoy the palm trees, the lush green jungle covered hills, the very different style of buildings, and even the food.  (But I'm still not used to it being nearly 80 degrees when it's pouring down rain.  The funny thing is that when I first got here these were all things that were so interesting and exciting to me, but after awhile they became the very things I resented because they are so different.  But that is normal when you experience culture shock.  After awhile you realize your resentment is based on misconception and you begin to accept things the way they are. :)

So, anyway, if you have been, thank you so much for praying for us...  We always need it!

More to come soon!