The normal summers in Alaska are a lot different than here in Moldova. I don't know if I would call it culture shock, but it's definitely different. Adjusting has been good so far. I haven't run into too many problems yet. Here are just a few differences:
Dress Code:
Alaska - 7 t-shirts and 1 "nice" long sleeve shirt will do the trick for the entire summer.
Moldova - If you're not wearing skinny jeans, a skirt, heals or something immodest, you're probably under dressed. Don't worry I haven't broke down and bought any skinny jeans. I plan to hold strong. But I did bring all the nice attire I owned and have gone through it all already.
Showers:
Alaska - No running water = showers once or twice a week.
Moldova - I've not only showered, but also dried and straightened my hair every day since being here. (Cultural)
Transportation:
Alaska - "hondas" are the only means for getting around in the village (AKA 4-wheelers)
Moldova - "Rutieras" (a bus-like, non-taken care of, van) are convenient because you can flag them down at any moment and drop you off whenever you need them to. Learning their routes is the tricky part, not to mention a lot of people in one very small area.
Weather:
Alaska - average temp in the summer = 55
Moldova - average temp in the summer = 85
Language:
Alaska - English, so easy
Moldova - Romanian...well, let's just say I'm failing at this.
Work:
Alaska - youth ministry, discipleship, and serving the missionaries
Moldova - office work. Did you know it's hard to sit at a desk for 9 hours??? I just found that out.
Living Situation:
Alaska - teenagers in and out of the house at all times. Always someone new staying over. Lots of people and family.
Moldova - I live alone. Which is weird going from living with 18 wonderful girls at all times to being by myself. I would rather live with 18 people than none.
Over all, things have been really great. I've been lucky enough to have a lot of wonderful people around to fill me in on everything. I'll let you know if/when my brain hits Moldova overload.
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Wow! Sounds like quite a difference! I miss you Bob! I hope you continue to "pray without ceasing" as you mentioned in an earlier post. :) That's so funny you said that, because this summer God has led me to do a study on prayer. Does 1st Thessalonians 5:17 literally mean that we are supposed to pray nonstop? Wouldn't that be revolutionary if we did! Anyways, I'm going through the Bible and looking at all the different verses that mention prayer to see if I can make the most out of my prayer life. Speaking of prayer...I luv ya and am praying for you!
ReplyDeleteHey woman! It does sound like you are adjusting...but you'll have my constant prayer. Oh by the way.... I have to spend my summer watching out for bears and trying not to be eatin'/stepped on.....can I borrow yours boots? =) Love you!
ReplyDeleteI miss living with you and talking to you about what God showed you during the day/week.
ReplyDeleteStay strong on the "no skinny jeans" and nine hour desk duty!
Love ya!
Haha, this was good. Have fun with the heels!! :) Love you
ReplyDeleteHey..... I had to make a beverage schedule to get through the day of office work. I will share it with you and even modify it to your pop drinking preferences:
ReplyDelete7AM (or whenever u eat bfast)
Drink cup of coffee
9AM-1:30P
drink the 2 thermouos' of coffee you packed for your self for the day.
3:00pm (and not a minute sooner)
Begin to drink the can of soda you packed, which in your case I am guessing would be diet dr. pepper, but if u don't have that diet coke or coca cola light will do the trick!
Dave gave me a really nice compliment today.
How much is postage for a normal letter from cary, mississippi to bobbie's town in mo-do? hypothetically asking.
Did you see the thing I made for you in the thing aleigh made for you yet?
I wish I could come live with you, I have been told I am more fun than 18 girls.
Love you,
I will go eat chips now.
Geri