Top Five part 1
I can't believe it's been over a month since I asked you guys to give me something to write about! I have thought about posting over the weeks, but it seems something always stopped me. Well, not tonight! Not that my posts are all that exciting anyway. So, to answer the first of my two Top Five of Anything questions....
starpushasked me what were the top five things I missed about the US when I was away. It was actually a little difficult to pinpoint five exact things.. but here they are.
1. Food - Europe has some amazing food, and for the most part, I was most often happy with what I ate, but two things I really missed. MILK, in a gallon jug, and CHEDDAR CHEESE. They of course have milk in Europe, but it is most often bought in boxes, boxes that are stored in closets until they're opened. I am someone who really enjoys a nice cold glass of milk, and a warm box of milk just doesn't cut it. And cheddar cheese? Well, you can find it every now and then, but it's pretty expensive. I must say though that France does indeed have the best cheese.
2. Niece and Nephews - Seven months is a long time to be away from growing children. I don't like to miss my niece and nephews growing up. In the times I have been away, I have someone managed to never get too homesick, and I'm very grateful for that, but I sure loved to see as many new pics of the kids as I could. That certainly helped.
3. Familiarity - I think the most difficult thing about this trip was traveling to eight countries in two months. We took in different cultures and languages, one after another and in short time periods, and at times it made me just want to be HOME, surrounded by what's familiar. I think it's different when you travel just to travel. When you travel for the specific purpose of missions, whatever that entails, It requires more from you emotionally and spiritually, and you've really got to take care of yourself in that regard, otherwise, you could burnout. Overall, I really loved seeing new places and meeting new people, and learning about those places and people, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
4. Driving - I can't drive stick, so that means I can't drive in Europe, or most any other place in the world. :) I like to drive, listen to music, and take in my surroundings. Was glad to do that again. I know I should learn to drive stick, and I will try to do so AGAIN, and hopefully one day I will be successful at it.
5. Being able to talk to anyone I wanted to - I missed being able to understand those around me, and being able to talk to them if I felt led to. I don't know how many times I would normally just have turned and said something to someone, but couldn't do it, or did, forgetting for a second they couldn't understand.
There were other things I missed. I missed the "American Spirit", whatever that is exactly. It's something that you just know is there, that you notice more in the absence of it. I missed The Food Network, and I may have even missed the cats a little. I missed my parents and siblings, and I missed what was going on back here, in the lives of those I love.
I am glad to say that I am not wishing I was back in Budapest, with my friends there, though I do miss them, and would love to see them again. I'm glad that I am OK with being home this time. Last time, it was different, This time, I'm looking forward to what comes next. In the time being, it has been difficult, for different reasons, but that is life. Always something to work through and overcome. I suppose that's another entry. Look for it in the year 2011. ;)