Defining "normal"

I have a friend here on the ship who regularly reminds me: "There is nothing normal about living on a ship in Africa." But, it seems that the longer I am here, the more I feel at home and everything just feels normal to me. I often forget that this is not the life that the average Westerner lives. The uniqueness of it all doesn't usually hit me until a new crew member arrives who I get to take into town for the first time.  A friend from home recently arrived on the ship and I had the privilege of taking her out into Conakry and showing her around the city. It was the first time she had been in Africa in five years and I was excited to be there with her to take in a fresh perspective on this place I call "home."

There is something very unique about seeing a familiar place through a new set of eyes. Let's be honest, when compared to life in the States, there is something abnormal about a place where:

-A man is walking his goat (rather than dog) on a rope down the street

-You can take a break from jogging for a few minutes to play soccer with a random group of kids in the middle of the street

-There are beaches and restaurants in every other city named after Obama

-There are so many people crammed into a taxi that everyone is sitting on someone else's lap

-The load on top of the car exceeds the load inside

-It's an average day when you see men peeing on the side of the road

-Most people drink water out of a bag instead of a cup

-It is not uncommon to see chickens or goats strapped to the roof of a taxi or bus

-The most valuable bills in the currency are worth so little that it is not uncommon to be given a wooden box for your dinner bill

-Your weekend at the beach requires a boat trip to an island

-Your "neighbors" are French marines who offer you a tour of their ship an hour before they sail away

-When you look out the window of your home, you see boats, not cars passing by

-It is not uncommon to find out that your patient (or one of your best friends for that matter) has malaria...but not to worry, it is a common problem here and there is medication to treat it

-You are regularly met by strangers in the street asking you to help them with their medical or dental problems

-The president of the country you live in comes to your home (ie: the ship) simply because he is in the area and appreciates the work of your organziation

-Meeting random children on your hike to a waterfall and feeding their pet monkey a banana

-You run into patients you have cared for when you are walking around town or driving through the city

-You live and work with people from 35 different countries

-The air is considered clear when it doesn't smell like exhaust or sewage

-You can hear African worship music from your "living room" coming from the deck below you

So, I have to admit that I sometimes forget that my life is very different than the average Westerner's back home. While I may not be living "The American Dream" with a stable job, house, marriage and 2.5 children (I still don't understand what it means to have half a child),  I feel so privileged to be here and am thankful that God has not called me to the norm...This is the life He has chosen for me and normal or not, I am experiencing the "abundant life" because I know He has me right where He wants me to be.

Touring the French naval ship  



 

 The little monkey was happy I had an extra banana for him

 

 

Common sight on the road

 

 

Boat ride to the island