STATS
What was the biggest thing you learned this past year? (I had 3)
1. 2 Languages other than English can be conquered
2. Communication is key in all area. (Don't take poorly written emails personally!)
3. Be creative with what you got!
Time to Reflect:
Roundtrips tickets: 8
Actual Plane Flights: 23
Hotel stays: 5
Guesthouse Stays: 2
Friends House Stays: 5
Family House Stays: 10
Countries visited: 5 (1 being the states)
New Countries visited: 0
Weddings attended: 2 (both international)
Hours documented sitting on the floor: countless
Hours documented not wearing shoes: more hours than I have actually worn shoes this year
Hours documented actually sitting at a desk: more than I did in college i think...
Hours documented that I stayed indoors: Wayyyy to many.
Days that I have worn a headscarf: maybe 3/4 of the year. More days then not having to wear one.
Countries I have driven in: 3 (and not the one I actually live in)
What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
Becoming an Aunt to Isabel Anne.
What was the single most challenging thing that happened?
I think I will keep this one to myself. ;)
What was an unexpected joy this past year?
I got to spend 2 and half months working in Turkey helping out some old teammates.
What was an unexpected obstacle?
Living and being friends with the same people I work with. We have had to learn to work through this. Lots of prayer and communication is key. :)
What were the best books you read this year?
Non-fiction: The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
Fiction: Hunger Game Series by Suzanne Collins
Classic : Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
With whom were your most valuable relationships?
My Family hands down.
My roommate K is in the same grouping :)
Overseas: VN in Turkey (and my small group)
States: KS and few others :)
In Country Locals: F Jan
What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?
*I moved to a new country - meaning a new culture, language, people, traditions, roommates, coworkers, and supervisor. To say that work isn't a personal change is just silly. It has a huge affect personally. *I went from random always changing schedule where I went everywhere and did lots of things on my own - to a more set schedule of office hours, sitting at a desk, working on a computer, and learning to have lots of people do things for me like grocery shop, drive, and my own personal 'bodyguard'(it's not as serious as it sounds.) *One of of the biggest changes is going from hanging out with people all the time to learning to be by myself a lot. I have notice that I almost require it now.
In what ways did you grow emotionally?
*Hum, I think I may have mellowed out a little. I can still be pretty dramatic though like if things change last minute and I have to come up with a hold new plan. :) *I think I have cried less this year than any other year living overseas, but I think it is because I have a steady sleep pattern (which helps a lot). I tend to cry when I have done to many things at once or I haven't slept enough. My mom may disagree with me because she seems to be the only one that sees me cry anyways. * I also just remember being sometimes very lonely or just sad, but it was back when i first got here, it was winter, and we were stuck inside a lot. (Man that sounds depressing. I am a fairly happy person and I have been a lot this year. I just remember that from the beginning of this year during my adjustment period).
In what ways did you grow physically?
I am sure I have gained a few pounds from the change of moving/walking a lot to sitting a lot. :) (It is coming off this year! Just wait for my next post on 2012 goals.) I miss running and walking everywhere! *I also sleep and require more sleep here then I did in the states or in Turkey. I think is because a good portion of my day is hearing another language or speaking another language or language lessons. There are still times that I go out and things are still new to me so lots of sensory overload at times. (I should keep this one up when I move back to the states. )
In what ways did you grow in your relationships with others?
My friends from small group are probably the coolest relationships that have formed over this last year. We are a group from all different countries(UK, Holland, America, India, New Zealand to name a few) , cultures, backgrounds, and reasons for being in this country. However, our common belief in Him is the same. It took a while to form these friendships- one reason because we are so different, but the bigger reason is seeing who sticks around for a longer amount of time. There ends up being a lot of turnover in this country with break, contracts ending, etc. I've noticed that we are really starting to form a good solid group together.
* I think to that I have talked to less and less people back home outside
What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home) ?
My most unexpected joy this last year was becoming such good friends with my language tutor. I also like that now I can talk to the locals in my office and the locals that keep guard at night. We can joke around now. I know more about their families cause I have visited most of them. For Christmas, me
What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
Language and communication. I work in an office where I use Dari everyday. Especially in the mornings when telling Z Jan what to make. It is all done in Dari. There have been several days where one thing got made and not the other... or only the noodles for the spaghetti got made and not the sauce. :) Charades is a daily game I play here.
Some others:
*Always having someone with me when I go anywhere.
* learning to deal with winter time here and short day and lonnnnnngggg night (sometimes without power)
*Limited movements
What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?
Becoming an Aunt to Isabel Anne.
What was the single most challenging thing that happened?
I think I will keep this one to myself. ;)
What was an unexpected joy this past year?
I got to spend 2 and half months working in Turkey helping out some old teammates.
What was an unexpected obstacle?
Living and being friends with the same people I work with. We have had to learn to work through this. Lots of prayer and communication is key. :)
What were the best books you read this year?
Non-fiction: The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
Fiction: Hunger Game Series by Suzanne Collins
Classic : Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
With whom were your most valuable relationships?
My Family hands down.
My roommate K is in the same grouping :)
Overseas: VN in Turkey (and my small group)
States: KS and few others :)
In Country Locals: F Jan
What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?
*I moved to a new country - meaning a new culture, language, people, traditions, roommates, coworkers, and supervisor. To say that work isn't a personal change is just silly. It has a huge affect personally. *I went from random always changing schedule where I went everywhere and did lots of things on my own - to a more set schedule of office hours, sitting at a desk, working on a computer, and learning to have lots of people do things for me like grocery shop, drive, and my own personal 'bodyguard'(it's not as serious as it sounds.) *One of of the biggest changes is going from hanging out with people all the time to learning to be by myself a lot. I have notice that I almost require it now.
In what ways did you grow emotionally?
*Hum, I think I may have mellowed out a little. I can still be pretty dramatic though like if things change last minute and I have to come up with a hold new plan. :) *I think I have cried less this year than any other year living overseas, but I think it is because I have a steady sleep pattern (which helps a lot). I tend to cry when I have done to many things at once or I haven't slept enough. My mom may disagree with me because she seems to be the only one that sees me cry anyways. * I also just remember being sometimes very lonely or just sad, but it was back when i first got here, it was winter, and we were stuck inside a lot. (Man that sounds depressing. I am a fairly happy person and I have been a lot this year. I just remember that from the beginning of this year during my adjustment period).
In what ways did you grow physically?
I am sure I have gained a few pounds from the change of moving/walking a lot to sitting a lot. :) (It is coming off this year! Just wait for my next post on 2012 goals.) I miss running and walking everywhere! *I also sleep and require more sleep here then I did in the states or in Turkey. I think is because a good portion of my day is hearing another language or speaking another language or language lessons. There are still times that I go out and things are still new to me so lots of sensory overload at times. (I should keep this one up when I move back to the states. )
In what ways did you grow in your relationships with others?
My friends from small group are probably the coolest relationships that have formed over this last year. We are a group from all different countries(UK, Holland, America, India, New Zealand to name a few) , cultures, backgrounds, and reasons for being in this country. However, our common belief in Him is the same. It took a while to form these friendships- one reason because we are so different, but the bigger reason is seeing who sticks around for a longer amount of time. There ends up being a lot of turnover in this country with break, contracts ending, etc. I've noticed that we are really starting to form a good solid group together.
* I think to that I have talked to less and less people back home outside
What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home) ?
My most unexpected joy this last year was becoming such good friends with my language tutor. I also like that now I can talk to the locals in my office and the locals that keep guard at night. We can joke around now. I know more about their families cause I have visited most of them. For Christmas, me
What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?
Language and communication. I work in an office where I use Dari everyday. Especially in the mornings when telling Z Jan what to make. It is all done in Dari. There have been several days where one thing got made and not the other... or only the noodles for the spaghetti got made and not the sauce. :) Charades is a daily game I play here.
Some others:
*Always having someone with me when I go anywhere.
* learning to deal with winter time here and short day and lonnnnnngggg night (sometimes without power)
*Limited movements
What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?
Tv shows!
What was the best way you used your time this past year?
Language Learning with F Jan and making Photo Books of my adventures (I know some of you are laughing right now... if you are still reading this! )
What was the best way you used your time this past year?
Language Learning with F Jan and making Photo Books of my adventures (I know some of you are laughing right now... if you are still reading this! )
What was the biggest thing you learned this past year? (I had 3)
1. 2 Languages other than English can be conquered
2. Communication is key in all area. (Don't take poorly written emails personally!)
3. Be creative with what you got!
Time to Reflect:
JANUARY –
Celebrated the new years in the states.
Moved to a new country
Started a new language
Started a new Job
FEBRUARY –
Language Lessons
My supervisors wife's 60th Birthday
My Mom's birthday!
MARCH –
My boss and his wife were gone for a month and a half.
I found out I am an AUNT!!!!
APRIL –
I turned 26!
Helped with a Medical Team from the states
Traveled to see the Buddas and Lakes in country
MAY –
NGO meetings here at the National office. 30+ people here for about 5 days.
Meetings in London with our international office.
Trip to India for my friend's wedding - First time back in 5 years (It
was the first place I ever went on this side of the world!)
JUNE -
K's sister came to visit
Traveled to Turkey for a temporary assignment for the next 2.5 months.
While in Turkey, I had to take a road trip to switch out cars. My great
friend V came with me. We stopped and took pictures in the sunflower
fields!
JULY –
Spent this month in Turkey
Went to join my co-workers in Dubai for summer meetings.
AUGUST –
Join some co-workers in Turkey for their meeting about 4 hours outside of the city.
My 3rd Ramazan overseas.
SEPTEMBER –
Returned back to my normal job in Ktown
OCTOBER –
Join some friends for my first ever Bonfire on the rooftop of a third floor building.
My supervisors headed out of town for the next 3 months.
My sister's first Baby Shower in our hometown
NOVEMBER –
We hosted some friends for our Fall Fair Fried Food Festival and carved pumpkins.
1st time I have ever used carved pumpkins to make Pumpkin Puree afterwards.
First time to really celebrate Eide Kurban.
Thanksgiving (times 2) - Killed our own turkeys for this one folks.
My sister's baby shower in Iowa.
DECEMBER –
Joined friends for an Advent Party and at a later date an 80s party.
Baby Isabel was born!
I went home for Christmas and hung out with Family and friends in Iowa.
(first time i have ever bought an international round trip ticket out
of Iowa...Definitely didn't see that one coming.)
No comments:
Post a Comment