BAM. April Acclimations.

From India to the ole UAE, Oman, and Thailand... my ability to acclimate to new cultures has been officially tested and tried over the last month.  

Somewhere along the way, it hit just like that. The dreaded “wall.” I had been warned, but I guess I thought I could avoid the flow of tears and sense of paralyzation that comes with it, but no, I am not above the “wall.” 

Once I got to Thailand to apply for a new visa, I had enough time on my hands to process life in India, and honestly, thinking through my experiences was more overwhelming than the experiences themselves. The intense spiritual darkness. The heartbreaking stories. Poverty. Overcrowded streets, shops, homes, temples, and mosques. Beautiful friendships. Bold believers. Oppressive noise levels. Dysfunctional school system. Abundant need. 

I didn’t realize how worn out I was until I had time to rest. I didn’t realize I was holding my breath until I had time to breathe again. I didn’t really think I needed a break, but who is in control here? Good thing it’s not me. I’m SO thankful that “Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.”  Though I felt like I came kicking and screaming (well, I’m not that dramatic), He is using this time to restore my spirit and to renew my focus. 

Why do I love Him? Because He loved me first. Why do I follow Him? Because He told me to. Why does he love me despite my flesh and pursue me even when I’m lost in my own world? I have no idea, but I wouldn’t trade this relationship with the King for anything.  

Foreign to Familiar.

It just takes one step to go from foreign to familiar. One step off a plane into a country you call home. One step into the arms of someone you love. And today, one step into the local Starbucks. 

One second, I was in Thailand, and the next, I was somewhere so familiar that I stopped dead in my tracks. From tuks tuks, elephants, and idols to muffins, mugs, and the sweet smell of coffee. The menu was the same... well, except for "Coffee Jelly"... ? ... and the barista greeted me in Thai, but everything else was the same.

I've never loved franchises so much in my entire life. For a second I felt like I was sitting in the Starbucks on Kingwood Drive... just 5 minutes from home. Home. Familiar. Not foreign. 

Oh, by the way, Foreign to Familiar is a legit, practical book that has nothing to do with this post, but is a must-read before spending time overseas. 

Oman. Oh man.

I know, I know. Not many people would choose to vacation in the desert of Oman, but not everyone has friends who live in Afghanistan and jump up and down at the freedom found in this particular Middle Eastern country. After living in India for a while, this less-populous land was just what I needed to detox and process the last few months of my life.   

From overcrowded to desolate.

From endless colors to sand and sea. 

From to-dos to sweet vacation-induced oblivion. 

My heart raced as I rushed through the Dubai airport to find my sweet friend Allie Brill. Along with some of her fellow teachers from Afghanistan, we rented a sweet minivan... I mean, megavan... and headed down into Oman. Armed with a roadmap and somewhat keen sense of direction, it took about ten hours to conquer a six hour drive.

Mountains. 

Castles. 

Camels.

Dunes. 

Beachfronts. 

We arrived in the quaint little village of Fins that we called home for the week. A legit front porch. A five minute walk to a secluded beach. A ten minute drive to an intense sink hole. Surrounded by 'wadis' that are perfect for hiking and swimming. Sweet Omani fishermen share their day's catch as a "Welcome to Oman." Therapeutic walks along the shore looking for fun shells and dying of laughter as Al was "crab hunting."   

Refreshing. 

Delightful. 

JustwhatIneeded.