...In the States
Our transition back has been very
smooth, even amidst all the traveling.
Now that we have gotten into a routine in one place, I too quickly
think life here is very easy. Just about
every building and most transportation, is climate controlled. Buildings are well sealed resulting in one bug
here or there, instead of swarms traveling up and down the walls. Showers are hot. Bathroom floors are dry; even
if there is a puddle on the floor you can wear your shoes into the bathroom to
avoid getting your feet wet. Public
bathrooms don't instill fear: there are sit toilets with toilet seats, there
is running water, and almost always toilet paper and soap (even in out
houses). Laundry takes about 2 hours and
can be done all in one room; no need to travel back and forth from the line
outside. The electricity and water are consistent. Then there is the shopping; just about anything
that you need can be found in one
climate controlled building. That is not
to mention the variety, the consistency of stocked shelves, and the pre-prepared
food readily available. I could probably
get away with never turning on the oven again.
There are many play grounds and
parks to visit that are clean and safe to just let the boys play!
Though there are aspects of living
here that are easier, that doesn’t mean life is easier. I have to actively remember the most
significant difficulties that people face transcend country lines. Just since leaving Dallas, we have met friends who… are battling cancer, lost a brother to
suicide, struggle with depression, have had 4 miscarriages while trying to add
to their family, are seeing their children walk away from the Creator, lost
their 2 day old baby, struggle in their marriages, had a child jailed, lost a parent, and faced death from toxic shock syndrome.
It is a good reminder that though there are some incredible conveniences here in the states, we all still live in a broken world and are in need of help.
