Upside down

I guess that would be more appropriate if we were now living in Australia, but we aren't far at least. But that is what my life has turned. We are here, we are unpacked, and we have been sick. Upset stomach (a given), fever (Bennett), coughing (me and the boys) and trying to adjust to the high altitude. I haven't even attempted to go running yet, not that the streets are a good place for that. The combination of the pollution and junk every where would definitely not create a good run. Over all I really like our apartment. For local standards it's nice. It's bigger than where we were living in the States. The kitchen is a lot to get used to--the counters are low, the oven is a larger counter top toaster oven and we still have to go buy a stove. We have one squatty potty and one western potty--if you don't know about a squatty let me know and I will post a picture. The bad thing is that it is very usual for 'smells' to come back up through the plumbing. So do I not only get to enjoy an array of smells on the street and in the market but occasionally in my own home as well. We also found out it's not a good idea to flush toilet paper. Hmmm, I'm still working on that. There was a beautiful view of the mountains out of my kitchen window--we are in a valley--but they are building some new apartments right across from us so the people that eventually live there will get to enjoy the view I once would have had. I can still see a little through the little laundry room (which is amazing that I even have a laundry room) so I'll get to enjoy it some. Over all things have been good. I took my first venture out on my own yesterday--on the bus no less. I only went a short distance to meet up with someone but baby steps are good. I'm trying to dig deep down for the little bit of language I learned 8 years ago during study abroad. It's pretty sad. The great thing is I have a house helper that speaks no English. So I am forced to try, even if I don't leave my house. It's weird to have a house helper by the way. Most westerners have one but I really struggle when she is doing things around the house, the boys are asleep so I'm not needed for them and I'm just sitting there watching her. I know once I start language school she will be an asset to our home--as she already has been--but right now I don't have much to do, except maybe go buy a stove, dishes, cups, eating utensils, more furniture, etc. I'll get on that this week.

When I was saying goodbye to my Granny she told me I have always been like a rock. I take what life gives me and just adjust and stay strong. I think that has been true. As I thought more and more about it--especially during our loooong traveling that included many delays and our 11 pieces of luggage not making it until 5 days after we did--I realized that I'm not the one that is supposed to be the rock. I'm supposed to be leaning on the rock. I'm asking HIM to slowly crack my rockish shell and let all that doesn't reflect HIM to go away. I'm waiting for a time of crying until I'm dehydrated. I've had little spells but I tend to keep it in if at all possible. I guess I'm just waiting for my inside to be turned as upside down as my outside. More later.