Letter to Myself in 2014

Dear Self,

I was reminiscing about how my high school teacher, Mrs. Harris, had us write ourselves letters at the beginning of our school year, asking questions and suggesting goals for the year.  I thought it was a fascinating exercise, and as so much will change in this next year, I thought it would be appropriate now.

I have been thoroughly enjoying my time with family.  I have been able to spend some good, quality time with most of our extended families.  It was a bit crazy over the holidays, as we knew it would be, but I'm guessing that by next year at this time, you will covet that over what is now a hot holiday without any family.

Speaking of hot, I am sitting here in jeans and a hoodie.  I'm very comfortable as the air is cool, but the days are sunny.  There is some snow still dusting the ground and even the fake poinsettias on Mom's front porch give it a festive feel, despite the fact that Christmas over and most businesses have gone back to regular hours.  Is it really as hot and miserable as I'm guessing?  Have you adjusted to the climate to think that low 70's are cool?  Have you burned or tanned much?  I am guessing that being in the sun is so intense that there is little chance that you are exposing much skin to it.  Did you find a home with A/C?  Did you buy one if it didn't have it already?  Did you make screens for the windows so you can leave it all open overnight?  How many showers do you take to cool down a day?  You can see I have lots of questions for you.

I'm very curious about how you have managed the food.  I imagine the market experience is less fun as you get used to it, and I'm wondering if/when you will stop being the obroni who catches everyone's eye and becomes a regular customer.  (Obroni is the term for white person, for those of you who are not me.)  Will you ever feel like you are part of the community?  I'm having my doubts on this one.  Is Pat starving like he thinks he will?  Is the fruit really delicious?  Are pesticides really as bad as I'm reading?  Have you all started a garden?  I'm not doubting that we (Pat and I) have dressed out several goats and chickens in the last year.  I'm a little bit proud that I am not remotely averse to this.  I think it will serve me well.

Speaking of pride, have you felt that your experiences in Alaska have prepared you for life in Africa, with the obvious difference in climate not withstanding?  Did you think you were more prepared than you ended up?  I'm a bit concerned about this.  I'm not sure if you are really as tough as you think you are.  Maybe you will surprise me.  I hope so.  Pat will likely not surprise me as he is so tough and adaptable.  I can see him being such an encouragement to everyone.  Marrying him was the best decision ever.

I'm not even going to ask about the company.  Too many questions.  I'll be curious to see how it is going in a year and what thoughts and goals will be there for 2014.

How are your relationships going with the team?  Have you forged friendships that will last forever?  Are you driving anyone crazy?!  Of course you are.  I hope you all are finding tons of reasons to laugh and find humor in the adventures you are having!  Another benefit of marrying Pat!

Back to food; have you discovered any cheese that doesn't cost too much?  Have you tried to make your own?  I'm not guessing that I'll become more domestic, so I'm doubting this one, but there's always a chance!  How is goat?  What about fufu?  What has become the go-to meal for you?  Do you cook much or do you have a cook?

Did you get a clothes washer and dryer?  I hope so.  Or, do you send out clothes to be washed?  I could see benefits both ways.

I'm hoping that you have learned much.  I hope that you have made inroads relationally with others, beyond the team.  I hope you haven't gotten any parasites.  I hope you have learned to trust the right sources.  I hope you have grown (not physically, mind you).  I hope your marriage is even stronger.  I hope you haven't gotten malaria.  I hope you have adjusted and begun to love your new home.  I hope you are stronger.  I hope you have learned some of the different languages.  I hope you are healthy.  I hope you are excited to begin another year.

Alaska to Africa!

(What are we thinking?!)