Lessons Being Learned

We can't believe we're already halfway into our time here in Van. Time is flying by and we wanted to share some of the things we're learning along the way...

1. In a city of 2.5 million, people are lonely and starving for friendship.
2. Everyone has a life story and they want you to listen.
3. People are searching for purpose and something to make their lives meaningful.
4. You will get used to the smells of weird Asian foods in your hallway every meal time.
5. Needing coins to do laundry is a great way to meet this friendly cook down the hallway (and her Chinese dumplings are really good).
6. Be humble and needy, other people like to feel like they can help you.
7. Never leave your house without your raincoat.
8. You will start saying "oot and aboot" if you're not careful.
9. When you have red hair, you stand out no matter where you are.
10. Learning another language is stinkin hard, but people love it when you try.
11. Most people here are displaced and far from home, just like us.
12. Our home here is only temporary.