Today marks the one-year anniversary of my first trip to the Grand Marché in N’Djamena. I woke up that morning under a mosquito net, jet-lagged and trying to adjust to what was only the beginning of my distaste for the Saharan climate. Today I woke up to the lush greenery of my own backyard, enjoying the smell of fresh-cut grass mingled with the scent of last night’s summer rainfall.
Since I’ve been home there have been a LOT of things I’ve had to get used to. Here’s a small taste of things that I’ve been working to readjust to…
Carpet
Consistent electricity and climate control
Driving
Dairy
Grocery stores
People liking animals (I’ve seen more than one cat on a leash in the last month)
Well-fed cows
English
High-speed Internet
Time being important
Malls
Clothing (or, lack thereof)
And of course the weather.
I wore socks this week for the first time in ages. Things that I used to take for granted I’m shocked to find I’m already taking for granted again. I’m actually a little embarrassed by how little time it’s taken me to stop appreciating running water and cereal and sliced bread. But in the same way, I guess I adjusted pretty quickly to bucket baths and boule in Chad.
I’ve enjoyed catching up with friends and family. I’ve taken a road trip with my family through New England. I ate fresh Lobster in Maine and ice cream at the Ben and Jerry’s factory in Vermont. We went to a Tiger's game and Cedar Point. I’ve gotten to do so many things, see so many people, and eat so many foods that I missed. It’s been so easy to jump back into life in the States that I find myself feeling guilty for how quickly I’ve taken for granted the things I missed so much when I was in Chad.
Lately, my days have consisted of filling out job applications and babysitting to fill my time. I’ve had a few interviews, and even a couple of offers, but I’m still waiting for the right position to come around. I’m excited to start working again, wherever that may be. And yes, I’m sticking to the continental US…at least for now.
Adjustment is going to take a while, maybe forever. And I hope it does. I want to keep learning from my experience, and I want to share what I learn with anyone else who wants to learn. And I don’t want that to stop anytime soon.
Since I’ve been home there have been a LOT of things I’ve had to get used to. Here’s a small taste of things that I’ve been working to readjust to…
Carpet
Consistent electricity and climate control
Driving
Dairy
Grocery stores
People liking animals (I’ve seen more than one cat on a leash in the last month)
Well-fed cows
English
High-speed Internet
Time being important
Malls
Clothing (or, lack thereof)
And of course the weather.
I wore socks this week for the first time in ages. Things that I used to take for granted I’m shocked to find I’m already taking for granted again. I’m actually a little embarrassed by how little time it’s taken me to stop appreciating running water and cereal and sliced bread. But in the same way, I guess I adjusted pretty quickly to bucket baths and boule in Chad.
I’ve enjoyed catching up with friends and family. I’ve taken a road trip with my family through New England. I ate fresh Lobster in Maine and ice cream at the Ben and Jerry’s factory in Vermont. We went to a Tiger's game and Cedar Point. I’ve gotten to do so many things, see so many people, and eat so many foods that I missed. It’s been so easy to jump back into life in the States that I find myself feeling guilty for how quickly I’ve taken for granted the things I missed so much when I was in Chad.
Lately, my days have consisted of filling out job applications and babysitting to fill my time. I’ve had a few interviews, and even a couple of offers, but I’m still waiting for the right position to come around. I’m excited to start working again, wherever that may be. And yes, I’m sticking to the continental US…at least for now.
Adjustment is going to take a while, maybe forever. And I hope it does. I want to keep learning from my experience, and I want to share what I learn with anyone else who wants to learn. And I don’t want that to stop anytime soon.