We just got back home from Young Adults group at the Dutch Chapel. It was a really good time. It's going to be really nice to have that group since we won't make Sunday mornings on a regular basis (or maybe ever) because of work.
One of the interesting things about being overseas is to be able to reflect on the different ways that culture shock rears it's ugly head in your life. For me, when I was in the Philippines it mostly surfaced in constant irritation with the people I was around the most, the team I was living with. Right now it's showing up mostly in the form of my emotions going crazy, especially in relating to work and how hectic my schedule is going to be. It's so hard to force yourself to take a step back and convince yourself that these are not things that deserve so much attention and are not worth getting this upset over, this is just you reacting and adjusting to the surroundings around you. Istanbul is a hard city to adjust to, especially being a single woman. But it's also a wonderful city, and I love being here. With God's grace I will adjust to life here in a healthy and appropriate way, neither being ignorant of the problems hardships of living here nor in a state of pessimism or anger towards certain people. Even just having been here over three weeks I have come across people in both of those states, and I think both are an unhealthy place to be. Ugh, I'm rambling and I don't know if anybody gets what I'm talking about... So I'll leave you and go to bed, as I need to be at school at 830am to prepare for class.
For those of you who want pics: sorry, and I'll try to get some up soon.... We might be doing something fun Monday.
5 comments:
You are so right. Take it from someone who let seeds of pessimism and anger take hold and is still struggling to try to get rid of them - much better to never let them begin to grow in the first place. Just the fact that you're recognizing the problems and dealing with them makes me one very proud mom!!! Love you, Baby!
keep up the good work. love you.
so, i finally checked out your blog spot. i didn't read everything yet, but i'll try to so i'm caught up on your life over there. i did take a look at the pics though and STARBUCKS IS IN TURKEY??!! well, now i can come visit you. i only go where starbucks goes. i haven't downloaded that stipe thing of whatever it is yet, but i will b/c i miss you so much! I will get back to later. I have to pack b/c i'm moving to hinckley this weekend! i quit target and got a job at gap near hinckley. At gap! my dream job! and i get an awesome discount. do they have gap there? i could send you a gift card. talk to you later ho!
Hi there,just thought I would let you know that I check this blog often. I really enjoy seeing everything through your eyes. Hope all is going better.
Peg
even though it's rough sometimes, i'm so glad that you can be in your turkey : ) but i still miss you..
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