Day 15: Are you ready for this?

From what I have heard, women in my region who live in the cities are quite fashionable. My culture guide tells me that working women spend a majority of their pay checks on brand name clothes, cosmetics, and pampering. Friends who have lived overseas in this area tell me that women have only a few outfits but those outfits are very fashionable and from brand names.

Did you know I can only take one suitcase less than 50 pounds? Did you know I have been told to only take 6-8 shirts and 5-6 bottoms? It is inappropriate to have a large wardrobe in an underdeveloped country.

With this in mind, I have a slightly superficial concern: I am not one who is deeply concerned with keeping up with the latest fashions or getting manicures or pedicures every month or wearing loads of makeup. I know that culture guides share a generalization of the population and the culture...but I'm a little nervous. What kind of shoes do I bring? What do I wear? I don't want to look frumpy or stand out.

I emailed one of my teammates who is entering her second year teaching overseas and asked her these questions. She reminded me that I am American...I will naturally stand out.

I feel a bit ridiculous posting this, but it has been what's on my mind the most in the past few days since my overwhelming Saturday night. (I know, very, VERY different topics and worries...that happens often right now as I prepare to leave in a week and two days!!!)

I know that my Father is in control...He has been throughout the entire process in the past eight months...He will be in the next twelve months. He is good! I have to believe He is either preparing me for something or teaching me a valueable lesson. I don't know...perhaps because I am not so focused on material goods and pampering my outward appearance I will provided opportunities to build relationships with a poorer population (which is where my heart lies anyway) or to be friends with someone who stands out like I do.

Whatever the case may be, please ask with me that I listen to direction and that doors will open to build relationships with the women. I don't know if the women in my region search for selfworth in material goods like many American women, but please ask that my roommate and I will be given the right words to encourage these women to find their worth in an eternal source.

I honestly don't know what to expect...I have SO many questions is ridiculous! But my Daddy knows, so I will continue to say, "I don't know" and let Him lead.