Perhaps the most obvious shift was from working full time hours in an office to just part-time. One would imagine that all of a sudden I would gain a significant amount of time and to a certain extent that has been true, but it is amazing how quickly I can fill that time. Raising support takes a good chunk of that time and in actuality could be considered another part-time job. God has been really good in that area though, and I've consistently felt that it isn't something I'm striving for but something I'm to be blessed with. Tied in with that is an increased intentionality of connecting with people. I have been known to get a little panicked on this one in the past, especially as I try to make each moment perfect, which of course it can never be with me over-analyzing everything. So far, I haven't reached a panic point, (and I hope to generally avoid it if possible since I tend to get cranky which isn't so nice for my roommates). However, it has become a bit of a juggling act as I try to travel and see far away friends & family but still attempt to savor my life here as long as possible.
Then there are the less obvious shifts. I start eying my possessions by their size and how much they weigh. My attire has even changed a little as I acquire clothing that would be more appropriate for Middle Eastern modesty. For the most part, these shifts have been intellectual and strategic. Yet, I think my emotions are no longer completely fooled. Each day is an experience of bittersweet contentedness.
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