Hi Family and Friends!
It’s hard to believe we’re approaching our first-year
anniversary of our move to Jamaica. Time
has certainly flown by! Here’s a peek
into some of our morning coffee conversation, as we reflect on the ways the
past year has changed us:
Life in a third world country has grown us into more
adaptable people. We’re reevaluating our
wants and needs, and understanding what a difference a culture makes between
the two. For example, I want a second vehicle. When I lived in Houston, it was a need.
I needed a car…to get to work, to run errands, to be independent of my
dear husband and not have to worry about coordinating his schedule with my
own. Now, I realize that a second
vehicle does not qualify as a need in
most of the world. Kevin and I share a
car. And we are surviving (gasp!)
We could have survived in
Houston. We would have adapted and
figured out how to make it work. I
venture to say that most Americans—particularly our generation – aren’t keen on
adapting. Especially if it means any
sort of inconvenience or personal sacrifice.
If anything, the past year has taught us to adapt—to make
the most of whatever situation comes our way, even if it’s less than optimal. We’re realizing how most of our problems are
“first world problems.” We grew up in a
high functioning, progressive, first world country where all our needs (and
most of our wants) were abundantly met. Most
Jamaicans are not so lucky. The country
is poor, the government corrupt, the economy tanked, and the future bleak. Yet the people adapt. They find ways to survive. They make the most with what they’ve
got. And they take care of each other along
the way.
We have learned a lot from them. When we count our blessings, the list is
twice as long. So many things we used to
need are now merely wants.
So when they appear, we’re so much more aware and so much more
grateful. And when they disappear, for a
brief moment or an indefinite period, we adapt and forge ahead. The list ranges from big to small: Equal opportunity without regard to race, law-abiding
citizens, honest policemen, punctual airport transportation, hot water, air
conditioning, fat free creamer, a good steak…all things we’re thankful for, but
no longer expect. Perhaps it’s a matter
of reevaluating expectation. We hope the
process is making us more grateful, more patient, more flexible people.
Not that it’s always easy!
But, it’s easier than it was nine months ago. And I happily pour an ample amount of fat-filled
creamer into my coffee each morning, knowing fat free creamer is a first world
problem. All in all, my feathers aren’t
as ruffled as they used to be. I suppose
that’s progress, because ruffled feathers do nothing for the body, mind or
soul.
With love,
Kevin and Cass
Great post!!! :-)
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