Last month, I decided to write about all the things I have learned here in Papua New Guinea. This month, I would like to be completely open and transparent with you about all the things I have not learned...yet. I just didn't want you to think I was feeling superior with my new found knowledge of gecko poo. Anyway, here it goes...
1. I have not learned to tell the difference between a bug crawling down my shirt or a bead of sweat rolling down my shirt.
2. I haven't learned how not to be embarrassed about my underwear hanging out in front of all my neighbors, friends, and co-workers.
3. I have not learned how to get the gecko poo off the top panes of my windows (they are very tall and right next to stairs where I cannot put a ladder)
Those are turds, not dead bugs 4. I have not figured out how the mosquitoes are biting me underneath my clothes.
5. When I am having a bad day, I have not learned to tell if it is from PMS or culture shock.
Does "complete" include relief from bad smells, a language you don't understand, and not having a Wal- Mart?6. I have not learned to drive on the opposite side of the road. (that is what husbands are for, right?)
7. I still have not learned how to work up the motivation to make donuts, even though I look at the recipe on the internet daily.
A girl can dream, right?
8. I haven't learned to like Australian Snickers. Chocolate needs sugar. There is just no point without it.
9. I haven't learned to "just get used to" bugs and worms being in my food. Many missionaries here, don't sift anymore. But I have seen what lives in there, and I can't keep those images from popping into my sweaty head when I lay it on my pillow at night. Then every morning I wake up, go downstairs and hug my sifter.
If only this were a video and you could see them crawling around in there. You would sift too!10. I haven't learned how to explain to my little girls why little boys are naked here. (I use the term "little" loosely, as we have seen up to 11 and 12 year olds naked at the beach. That, is pushing it) Thankfully, they haven't asked me, yet. But I need to find an answer for this one soon, because I know it is coming!