Being flexible...

I think that I am becoming Gumby!!

I have been stretched in so many ways since being here. I really understand why Mr. Cressman drills it into our heads that living cross-culturally requires flexibility.

When I arrived in Nuwara Eliya we were without water. We went for over a week without it. We had to bring pails up from downstairs so that we could have drinking water, wash clothes and dishes. It was hard but not impossible. The hard part was only having two toilets that were working for 4 people plus the 2 nannies during the day........ remember that there is no water which means no flushing!!! So between the toilets and piles of dirty clothes and dishes things got a little stinky.

We've gotten the water problem fixed now though so that is all good. Being able to wash every day is nice.

Another thing that has been a flexibility issue for me is at school. I was scheduled to teach beginner english. I was under the impression that I would just have to teach the lessons that were already prepared. That was true for my other classes but not this one. I went and talked to the people in charge of the program and they hadn't realize that I had never taught english before. We worked that out but I still have to make up my own lessons, at least now I have some structure and guidance. If I need help it is there but it is still very stretching for me.

I have to keep reminding myself that I need to be open minded and realize that I am not going to understand everything that is going. The worst thing is to assume that I understand.

Even moving in with Matt and Rebecca requires me to be flexible. They have two small kids. I am not used to living with children anymore so it is hard for me sometimes. Things are just done differently here. They have lived here for a few years already so they are used to the differences.

I am sure that my stretching is no where near finished...I've only been here for a couple of weeks. (even though it seems like a long time)