So...cities....have bunches of cars and rows of houses and abundance of fences and miles of sidewalks and clouds of fumes and never-ending noise. I am thankful for a breeze most days to keep the air stirred up. I am grateful to be in an area where some stars are visible. I am relieved to know the neighborhood I'm staying in is rather safe. I am glad the weather has a little chill in it to make my walks be more refreshing. I am very happy to have a place to stay all of break, and not only somewhere to sleep, but a family to share Christmas with. ^_^
Yet, even with all the new elements I've experienced this year over Christmas Break, something seems to be missing......something all the times of wonderful laughter and engrossing reading and scrumptious food and reviving sleep can't make up for. Nearly every night, before falling asleep, I reflect back over the day. All the differentness (yes it is a word, now.) can be sorted out at last; the overload of information slows long enough for me to process it. Much of what I observe, both directly and remotely, need a moderator and a balance. I enjoy change, but sometimes when it comes at me too fast or in too great a concentration, my feeble mind and body can't handle it. So, how does an overload of differentness lack something to the extent of such significance that I could be bothered by it? An excellent question, Watson. It's quite simple really.
I'm drowning in the culture I have been suddenly introduced to this Christmas break. I have been aware of the existence of this culture for some years, but had never experienced it first hand, and now that I have, it's smothering me. For anyone who has only ever been on one side, my dilemma is rather incomprehensible and unexplainable. My dear roommate can't even imagine what I'm dealing with (and I don't wish to worry her by attempting an explanation). Nor should anyone who would fain understand my predicament agonize themselves about it. Please don't. However, if you would pray for me while I trek through all these bombardments, I would greatly appreciate every word. Thank you.
So, in spite of all the pre-conceived ideas about suburbs of Dallas....there are actually trees and a bit of grass! This picture was taken at the end of the front walk of my temporary home in Allen, Texas. And, yes, all ye who reside in Texas, I have found "hills" in your state, but they all go down (ask Rene). I'm having a very restful break and the sleep is wonderful!! Of course there is very little else to do besides rest......oh well, actually, I have read some....The Talisman by Sir Walter Scott and He is There and He is Not Silent by Francis A. Schaefer.
Here is an illustration of the way my life seems to be right now. (diagram example of stress in big bending deformation) And this is how the story of my life seems to be written best about now:
