Acclimatize

It was amazing to me to realize how quickly I am able to adapt to a new situation, going from having no choices when it comes to buying a product to a supermarket where there are 100 different kinds of beverages. In reality it only takes a moment to adapt to the new situation.

When traveling in South Africa I was given many options- stores, retail of all kinds, restaurants, choices I never have to make in Rwanda because they don’t exist. I adapt to Rwanda by living in plainly, modestly, and simply, showering from a bucket, and going to the bathroom in a latrine. My furniture is minimal, I sit on the floor and cook over one burner, also on the floor. After 24 hours in the developed world I was acclimated again. And the same when returning to the bush- accepting it for what it is and remembering it is my life.

Does this mean I am too accommodating? I adjust too easily? I don’t care or have an opinion? Or does this mean I am flexible and show pliability in situations?

I often thought that I would have trouble readjusting to corporate America. However, after my last excursion I realize that it is not the malls and the supermarkets that I once feared reentering that will be difficult. It will be dealing with the people, listening to complaints that are so minuscule and make no difference in the long run. To hear someone whine that they cannot get an appointment at the nail salon is something I am not going to have sympathy for.

While I have an awakened state of tolerance since moving and my patience has increased 10 fold, I feel I will have a problem adjusting to the people back in America. The differences in life goals are vast, and the idea of a happy life is entirely different when comparing Rwanda to America. Then again- I don’t actually know how I will reacclimatize, maybe ill complain when I want a hair appointment and can’t get one. Only time will tell. I hope to think that the lessons I have learned here will stay with me forever. I hope that I will continue to appreciate the luxuries that are accessible in the developed world and persist to cultivate relationships and spend time with people, remembering the art of sitting.