Slowly adjusting

Well, I've been back in the states about 2 months and I'm still adjusting to things. People have laughed at me when I spell with the British spelling, say things that are not said here, or answer in Luganda. Things still amaze me here. I am also getting used to it getting dark early since I was used to sunrise about 6:30 AM and sunset about 7:00 PM (give or take about 15 minutes). In addition, it is COLD here! I'm still getting used to it getting colder as I was used to it being in the 80s & 90s most of the year with it getting down to the 60s & 70s during rainy season. And to think that I just applied to teach skiing up at Bluewood.

I find myself very tired at the end of the day and the only thing that I can think of is that here I am overstimulated since in Uganda I didn't have as much materials.

I am substituting in Walla Walla and Prescott and that has been also an adjustment. I have to get used to small classes again with all the extra things in the classes. The classrooms here are so lucky that each teacher has their own computer and a projector and document camera.

I have been able to share at both of my churches here in the states about my time in Uganda. I have also been able to share in many of the classrooms that I teach about my time and the differences between Ugandan and American schools.

I can't believe how materialist our culture is! Having Christmas things out before Halloween! Come on people! Why do we need to turn Christmas into a HUGE expense when it should be about Jesus Christ coming to the earth, and being with family instead of pressure for whoever is hosting and the stress of coming up with a gift that someone will appreciate. I had an amazing Christmas last year with a friend's family in Uganda. It was so simple and the focus was on Jesus and family. We went to church in the morning, and had people over for lunch/dinner in the afternoon. I didn't see things for Christmas in Uganda or presents being given (since most people don't have the money for it unless it is shoes or other things for school). I miss that type of attitude towards Christmas.