Observations

Ok, after about six weeks back in the United States, we are finding somethings different, or strange, or there is just a "hey!  I remember that!"  sorta moments.  Please understand we are not criticizing or judging, just noticing.

So, in no particular order, here are our observations:

• You can buy precut burlap instead of finding old coffee bags and cutting them up for projects
• The roads are so long here you need rest stops
• Beards are really a thing right now. 
• Flannel is in, which coupled with the beard makes for a lot of mountain men walking around
• People are really white and tall in West Michigan
• We all just want to sit next to people speaking Spanish
• There is so much variety in United States.  People there are whole isles of peanut butter here!g
• Thrift store.  A.mazing
• People are kind, but busy.  In fact, often when you ask how people are, it's "I'm busy" and that is suppose to be a good thing
• I can understand  conversations in public, and it trips me out a bit. 
• This  also means that people can understand everything we say...including the kids who are still getting used to the social rules about what is appropriate to say about someone
• There is so much space on the roads, in the parking lots, and garages!
• The cars people drive here are completely different.  We all got excited the other day about seeing a 4Runner...it's the first one we've seen in a month!
• Pick up trucks...everywhere!
• $3.86 for a tiny head of cauliflower (Amigos Ticos, eso es casí 2100!!)
• I haven't even looked at the price for things like pineapples and mangos!
• I have forgotten how to cook here.  The go to things I make in Costa Rica are much more expensive here.  I can't remember how to use chicken in big portions!
• Ham is nice in soup
• There are no microwaves in the lunch rooms here.
• Kids get out on time from school, every day!
• Libraries!
• Water can be so cold coming from the tap that it hurts your teeth.
• You can flush your toliet paper
• Drinking fountains!
• I have to get out the car and pump my own gas!  What?  Haven't done that in 4 years!
• Minivans really are great
• People need to see what God is doing in your life no matter where you live
• You can buy anything you don't need or want in the States
• People really think Central America is just an extension of Mexico.
• People use the word "American" to describe only people from the United States.  Strange.
• Banks are everywhere, and none of them have lines!
• There is an accurate school calendar at the beginning of the year
•  You have to check the weather at least every day.  There could be a 20 degree difference from one day to the next.
• Kids loose mittens.  Has always happened...it will always happen.
• People need Jesus no matter where in the world you live