On Monday, I will have lived in my new home for two weeks even though it seems much longer than that. School is going well, and I am enjoying my students. They are eager to learn and lots of fun.
Even though I am in the same country, being in a different city makes many things different. Here are a few random thoughts and facts about our new home.
- Our local employees are always smiling. They love working for Pactec. They might not always understand what I am saying or even might have trouble fixing something but they are always smiling.
- I love being close enough to walk to the school by myself. It takes me less than 5 minutes which is good and bad for those mornings I am running late.
- It is fun living above another family. They even share their kids sometimes so I don’t miss Winter and David so much. Last weekend we shared lasanga, ice cream and the Cinderella movie.
- I think our internet here is faster than in Kabul. Who knew?
- I love the bazaar. I get to personally select each piece of produce. I forgot how much I missed doing that. It is also fun talking to the store keepers and the guys who sell produce.
- The view around the city is gorgeous. This is what I see when I am washing my dishes.
- It will take time to find some local friends which makes me miss my local friends back in Kabul a lot. I am still figuring out the best way to make friends with a local lady here. Pray with me that God will send one or two ladies my way. We have two ladies that work with Pactec. One teaches language lessons, and the other cleans. They are real nice, but the other ladies are already doing a great job of investing in them.
- The weather is cooler here, and the air is cleaner. I am enjoying sleeping with my windows open and a nice warm blanket.
- I can see part of the runway from my balcony. Can’t wait to see PACTEC planes coming in and out regularly.
- The local people mostly walk or use motorcycles for transportation. I even see some guys running on the main road in the morning. I am not sure if they are training for something or just trying to get somewhere.
- The plumbing in our house is fragile. For example, I have to pour water slowly down my kitchen sink so it doesn’t come back up the drain in my kitchen floor. On the other hand, I do have water pressure and hot water for a shower which is something I never take for granted.
- My favorite place is out on my roof, but I don’t get out there as often as I would like.
- I can wear color on the street. The ladies here like color in their outfits. Their outfits are similar to the clothes in Tajikistan so I am hoping to adapt two of the outfits I have from there for here.
- We live in a new section of town which is why there is lots of construction. Our section actually is closer to the nicer roads than our friends who live in the older section.
- City power is through solar panels and a generator. Most days it is sunny here. Today is our first overcast day.
That’s about it for now. Hope your week is going well. Blessings, Teresa