Reflections on America...

Hello all. Sorry for my lack of posting. America has been a lot to take in, what with sidewalks, English, a new democratic president, the economy in a deep depression and an abundance of shopping opportunities I haven't made time to document for my internet audience.

My first reactions of America were diverse to put it diplomatically. One of the most popular songs contains a chorus of "All I wanna do if *gun shots* and *cash register* and take your money". I vaguely remember this America where violent images and songs were just apart of the culture but to completely remove myself and live in relative harmony for 2 years was quite a shock. I have a much harder time with wasting food than I ever have before, for obvious reasons. The superficiality of America has almost become an ententity in it's own right. Don't get me wrong I appreciate a new purse or nice clothes as much as the next person but I can't in good conscious spend $1,000s in pursuit of some never ending ideal. When you have held a starving child, or let your life intertwine with the poorest of poor you will be changed forever, and for that change I am forever grateful.

As for adjustment well it's as good as to be expected. I'm cold all the time. I can't remember the last time I had water because Diet Sprite at my disposal still amazes me. The thought of rice still makes me gag. I have driven a handful of times with no big incident but I'm really rusty on parking. As for employment I'll be quest services/ front desk at the new Omni in downtown Fort Worth. Which is obviously not my dream job but will pay the bills and I should be thankful for anything I can get. I haven't gotten a car yet but before I start training hopefully that will become a reality. And I'm still working on my graduate school applications. The best way I've been able to describe it is I was just born but to this adult body and mind and I have to start all over from scratch and I'm not the same girl that left.

Some funny readjustments: I didn't know how to turn my shower on! I think I've eaten my weight in fresh fruits and veggies. My first few meals were eaten with my hands, it was just easier! I had no idea who Sarah Palin was in the JFK airport, leading some random traveler to think I had been living under a rock. Little did I know she would offer up many good laughs in the weeks ahead.

Favorite Things About America:

• My family & friends
• The vegetable & fruits section, the plastic bags remind me of Niger
• My feet staying clean
• Baths!!!
• Lack of transportation issues
• Clean drinking water
• Being healthy again
• Church
• A mutual understanding
• President Elect Obama
• Wireless Internet
• Laughing with my mom (usually making fun of Texas)

Things I Miss About Niger

• My family & friends there
• Speaking Zarma- I was just getting good at it!
• My cat Malibu
• Street meat, kilshi, Majji Cubes, fried bean cakes, masa, kuli-kuli
• Sunsets and stars
• Hiking to the messa
• The call to prayer
• Feeling really clean after a bucket bath
• Free time to read
• The excitement of a phone call or care package
• The drums & dancing
• New babies everywhere
• Carrying things on my head