Or should I say, “crying over spilled milk”… that is what I have been doing the past few days. (I am pretty sure it is because we have almost been here for 3 months & so this is just normal- thats what I keep telling myself anyway!). I haven’t literally been crying, but I have been making a BIG deal out of the smallest things lately- like our washing machine not working for a day so I was left with soapy wet clothes to deal with, my make-up case falling & my favorite eyeshadow breaking into tiny unsalvageable pieces, my jeans sagging on me right after I wash them because I do not have a dryer, having to get “dressed up” every time I leave the house, glaring at Chase as we were coming down the mountain after a hike in the heat (Chase wanted me to add that one in) at 1 pm I might add :)…. etc..

We have heard from many people that culture shock (or “strain”) happens differently for everyone and that there is usually a point at 3 months, at 6 months, at a year, and so on… where you feel the “culture strain” coming on. I think that is what is happening. Thankfully the Lord is revealing this to me and showing me how petty I am being and that he is my strength. I know that all this will pass and for that I am thankful.

I am also thankful for relationships with locals that Chase & I are developing, for my relationship with my neighbor that is growing, for the ability to learn and study Arabic, for seeing how much we have learned in the past 7 1/2 weeks (it is amazing to see what we didn’t know and what we know now- even if it is only a little…), the support & friendships we have back home, the community we are building here, for my patient husband who lets me complain to him, and our great Father who sustains me.

I am going to leave you with this song:

You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
I’m seeking You like a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I’d be a fool
You are my all in all

Jesus, Lamb of God
Holy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Holy is Your name

Taking my cross my sin my shame
Raising again I praise Your name
You are my all in all
When I fall down You pick me up
When I run dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all

Jesus, Lamb of God
Holy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Holy is Your name

Jesus, Lamb of God
Holy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Holy is Your name

You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
When I fall down You pick me up
When I run dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all

Jesus, Lamb of God
Holy is Your name, lets go
Jesus, Lamb of God
Holy is Your name

p.s. I already feel better after writing this… Thanks for listening!