Well, it's the start of the "lasts" - this will be (barring a change in plans) my last December in Macedonia; and so on into my last year.
It's already snowed (a lot) and more snow is expected today, sneg (Macedonian for "snow") is definitely something I will not miss. I will miss a lot of other things about Macedonia: the rural beauty, the close-knit communities, the sheer safety (I've never felt as safe in America as I do here - the benefits of a small country where everyone knows everyone, i.e. you mug me, your mom, grandma, aunts, etc... will all hear about it), the trust and sincerity, I think I'll even miss my 1-mile walk to work everyday.
Of course I look forward to getting back to America and getting back to typical American work, schedules, pace, etc. (who knew I would miss all that - what can I say, I am a product of my American existence).
I do hope to take back appreciation with me. Appreciation of relationships. Appreciation of slowing down. Appreciation of holding onto things and not just falling back into my old disposable American lifestyle.
I have already learned one thing for sure, there's a big, wide wonderful world out there. It's worth checking out.
*fyi, sorry for no photos. my camera broke.
It's already snowed (a lot) and more snow is expected today, sneg (Macedonian for "snow") is definitely something I will not miss. I will miss a lot of other things about Macedonia: the rural beauty, the close-knit communities, the sheer safety (I've never felt as safe in America as I do here - the benefits of a small country where everyone knows everyone, i.e. you mug me, your mom, grandma, aunts, etc... will all hear about it), the trust and sincerity, I think I'll even miss my 1-mile walk to work everyday.
Of course I look forward to getting back to America and getting back to typical American work, schedules, pace, etc. (who knew I would miss all that - what can I say, I am a product of my American existence).
I do hope to take back appreciation with me. Appreciation of relationships. Appreciation of slowing down. Appreciation of holding onto things and not just falling back into my old disposable American lifestyle.
I have already learned one thing for sure, there's a big, wide wonderful world out there. It's worth checking out.
*fyi, sorry for no photos. my camera broke.
maybe Santa will bring you a new one. great post Fred and we can't wait to get you back. come to San Antonio. we reeeeal slow down here.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sammy, after enduring a couple of Macedonian winters (and GA state taxes) San Antonio sounds like a solid landing spot. See ya.
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