Getting readjusted to the USA--
- WOOP WOOP! First time I have driven (with the exception of the week I drove and almost had a nervous breakdown in Lima--ha!!) in 2 years! I CAN still drive! I LOVE an automatic transmission!!! There is NO traffic, and the few vehicles that are on the roads stay in their own lanes and get into turning lanes to turn! HAHA!
- Although we had lots and lots of choices in Lima, there are WAYYYYYYYYY too many choices in WalMart and on the menu in fastfood restaurants. In Lima, you basically have to cook mostly from scratch, UNLESS you want to pay a huge price for the few prepackaged mixes that are offered. Brian and I both feel a little overwhelmed. It's the first time I went into WalMart in 2 years. I can't say if I actually liked the experience. HA.
- It's odd to hear English everywhere we go! In the Atlanta airport, Sydney said, "Mom, they are speaking ENGLISH!!" HAHAH! Brian and I felt back at "home" when we heard 3 Spanish-speaking males shopping/talking in Lowe's. I just stood nearby and listened. HAHAH.
- I'm having to relearn to wash dishes again (using a 2-bowl sink and liquid soap). I only had a one-bowl sink in our apartment. We bought a round tub of solidified soap, in which you wet and rub a sponge into, wash the dish, and rinse it. We do not fill up the sink with water. Also, we do not have to filter our water to drink!
- The heat and humidity here is WOWZA!!! We left in Lima's winter. The closer to the ocean, the less chances you'll see any sunshine. There's a common saying that the sky looks like the belly of a donkey. The mist rolls in from the Pacific, and everything is damp and cold, which can make one chilled to the bone. It was in the mid-60's, which makes it feel much colder than a 60's in Mississippi. To step into 100 degree weather was a little overwhelming to say the least. My leg doesn't like it; it's been swelling more than usual, so please say a prayer for the bloodflow to be good, no clotting, and for the swelling to go away.
- We're getting used to air-conditioning. Of course, we need it here, but when we first arrived, our bodies took a little getting used to it.
- If I greet you with a hug and give you a cheek-to-cheek touch (or even give you a kiss on your cheek), please don't think I am being forward or too friendly for your liking. In Peru, that is the typical greeting. :) I love Peruvian greetings!!
- Although my Spanish was fairly basic, I have caught myself saying, "Gracias," and I've heard Brian using Spanglish, too. We aren't trying to "show-off" the few words we know, but it's just a matter of habit. HA!
- We didn't subscribe to cable TV in Lima. Skylar and Sydney are enjoying all the kid channels!
- Hmmm. We can actually flush our toilet paper here!!! In Lima, you only flush IF YOU WANT TO DIG IT BACK OUT BY HAND. Ugh. hahah. I won't mention which one of us learned this mistake the hard way.
I'm sure there will be many, many more things that I've forgotten or will notice later. :)
Do pray for our transitioning. As soon as we get adjusted, it will be time to head back, and we'll have to restart again.
Pray for good times with our families.
Pray for safety and our health.
Pray for quick and uneventful medical clearance with our company.
