Sounds and observations

As I (Jamila) listen to the banging of drums, singing and yelling coming up from somewhere below our apartment, I realize how accustomed I’ve become to being here and hearing all the sounds. It seems a little strange to have a party (probably a wedding) on a weeknight. Then I remember that it is Thursday, which makes tomorrow holy day; Friday rather than Sunday.

We as a team have talked several times about how many things here aren’t strange to us now and how the weirdest part is that it is not really weird to us. It has become fairly normal for us to hear loud parties, to be on the lookout for donkey manure on the sidewalks as we walk down the street, and to sigh at the occasional shopkeeper who displays a smirk of amusement at us and our language attempts. As I think about it I realize that even the call to prayer has become normal to me, to the point where I barely notice it anymore. Granted, we are not in immediate proximity to a mosque, but considering that it woke up a visitor of ours at five am when our window was open, and that it can be heard five times a day, I would expect to notice it more. I guess when something becomes part of everyday life, it is easier to take some things for granted. Who knows, in three months, I might be longing to hear that sound again, just for something that carries memories of my time here.

We are thankful for:
-Jan’s safe arrival and the enjoyable visit she had with us
-Relationships that continue to grow
-Team unity, in spite of our many separate involvements

Things to remember us for:
-A few of us have had a bit of an upset stomach type sickness today.
-Energy, focus, and passion for what we’re doing
-That we would take time to spend with the Counselor.
-Jen and I are hoping to get involved with and go along on some health trips to some neighboring towns and villages, but have not been able to get in touch with the right people yet. The weekly trips only happen weekly, and with only 5 weeks left, we’re quickly running out of time.
-That we would be able to find things that we really enjoy and are passionate about it, since for some of us our main activities are finishing and/or slowing down.