Change rhymes with strange

Living here has brought a lot of changes in my life and I can honestly say that I've grown up in many ways even in the short amount of time that it's been. Is 7 weeks short? I'm not entirely certain because I can honestly say it feels like it's flown by. While at the same time, it also feels like I've been here forever. 

I've grown to be pretty comfortable with where I'm at. This has been a huge learning experience for me and even though a few expectations that I had weren't met, I can still honestly say that this is one of the best experiences of my life. Not everyone is able to say that they just moved to another country for a while and worked and lived there as though it were always their own. To be honest, it's been very frightening for me. I was someone who was comfortable with where I was at when I was home. Someone who never really wanted to step out of their comfort zone. Someone who didn't like new experiences at all. Yet here I am, nearly two months later, and the stories I could share with you and the things I have learned are written on an endless list. 

God has taught me what it is like to be truly thankful for what I have. Thankful for each and every individual who surrounds me and is a positive influence on me. Thankful for having such a supportive family. Thankful for friends who still write me even though I've abandoned them on the northern end. ;) Thankful for being blessed with opportunities that I never imagined. I'm living with a friend's family right now for a while of girl filled fun and giggles. And there is no end to the joy I feel for that. I am very thankful for people who open their homes like this and welcome me in. 

Christmas is coming soon! It's strange having it get up to 46 degrees and saying that. Just doesn't feel right. The unfamiliar weather, the new sounds outside as the summer insects come out and sing the closer it gets to the day. It's so much newness for me, so much to look at in awe, so much to take in. I've never seen Christmas in this way. And the fact that New Years will be right around the corner astounds me. Welcoming a new year in a new home. I'm shockingly excited about a hot Paraguayan New Years Eve! 

Life has been busy here and it's been hard to keep up sometimes what with still adjusting to a few things, but all in all I can say that God brought me here for an amazing reason and I know I've found that reason. Someone once told me a long time ago that "God's the same everywhere, but I'm not." I think God had to show me a new place so that I could better experience His goodness to me, be more aware of all He has blessed me with, and show me that no matter where I go in the world, He is always right there beside me. 

TTFN!

- Naomi!