If you haven't already, read part 1 first.
I finally purchased my couch, a love seat, a bed, 2 nightstands, (fridge already purchased before I arrived thanks to my amazing team members), microwave, and oven. Everything I need to survive, I now have. Then it turned cold. Yes, cold. I had no blankets. So, I went to the store and scoffed at the prices, but bought a blanket. (just to be fair, I probably would have scoffed at the prices in the States, too - that’s just how I am).
Every week I realize there is something else I don’t have.
- I was going to set a drink on my nightstand when I realized I did not have coasters.
- I was going to cut up my already cooked chicken when I realized I only have cooking knives - not any steak knives to set at the table (and I still have not purchased any lol).
- I spilled something, i know - not surprising, and realized I did not have a bucket of old towels. At home, we always kept a container of old towels for cleaning up spills or other dirty jobs. I didn’t want to use brand new ones!
- I wanted some pretty flowers for my house and realized I have nothing to put them in - no vase or glass glasses.
- The power went out and I only had one candle and 2 small flashlights: No lantern or lamp (our power is very good here - it was due to a breaker wearing out and had to be replaced)
Some of the adjustment of settling in is just being out of my comfort zone. I know it sounds silly, but the small things make just as much impact as the big ones. I am having to use new objects to do old things - and it takes adjustment. This may sound silly, but at home we have these long spoons that are tea spoons. No, not the cooking measurement. They are used in tall glasses to stir. I used those spoons for everything. I don't have those anymore. I can't tell you how many times I've looked at my silverware and just thought "I miss those spoons." They were handy for so many things. No - I really don't need them. Because I used them so much, they were comfortable. It was my process. I didn't have to think about what to grab to do that task. Right now, I'm learning a new normal - developing a new process, a new comfortable. It's not really that it's hard. It is just...different.
This whole scenario reminds me that this is my temporary home. I will be spending eternity in Heaven, and living in this world just a small amount of time. I want to have what I need to be settled here in a new place, but that is not the major emphasis of my life. If I can remember to keep my eyes on Christ, everything else will fall into place.
Before I moved overseas, I thought setting up would be great! I’d already saved money for my furniture and house, so I could just go, pick it out some awesomely amazing stuff that matched my style and what I wanted, and be done. After all, I’d done my part for years saving (with the help of many others too) and it was going to be so much fun!
WRONG!!!
First of all, I do not have a car. Secondly, I have no clue where said furniture store(s) is(are). Third, I had no clue that the style in North Africa would NOT be my style at all. Fourth, I wanted comfortable for me furniture - which can be difficult since I am so short (yes, I usually have to choose to have my feet touch the floor, have my back touch the back of the couch, or do the awkward half reclining thing).
So, in order to even go shopping, I had to rely on my gracious team members to take me to the stores (since I had no idea where they were and how to get there). They took so much time helping me I cannot say thanks enough. I sat on many couches. I gasped at the prices. Granted, I have never purchased furniture, but it was expensive. I did find a beautiful couch with a chase lounge on the end - but it was not in my budget. Too expensive. I seriously began to wonder how people here can afford anything. They make less money that the average American, and yet the prices very often are more expensive.
In the end, I did find a reasonable couch and love seat that worked for me. It just took several days of searching. Oh wait! I need more furniture that just that!! You see where this is going, right? It takes time. A lot of time, actually. What I’ve told you about so far is about getting those big items, but sometimes it’s the little ones that make a huge difference.
Even through these things, the Lord teaches me lessons. Patience. Discipline to stick to a budget. Thankfulness to those who help. And when you find something that works just right, it's just like a gift, wrapped with a bow on top from the Lord. I know these are just things, but it means a lot to me.
Why do I write about this? Just to give a glimpse of what it's like to move overseas. Some of the joys and frustrations that do come with it. It is truly the most incredible things the Lord has allowed me to do - but it is not all perfect. It really doesn't matter where you live. Life goes on with its good and its bad. I want to learn from the bad and rejoice in the good.
Next post, I’ll let you know about a few little things that can make a big difference.
