Cribz

Joy in life must be in the little things. For me, this season; a newly painted kitchen and bathroom are a great help! So is the bike trail I can usually use in travel to work and to class. Everything is very different and new.

I am working at a children's hospital, taking chemistry classes (finished one successfully and am on the second) and learning about the upper middle class. I am blessed to be living with my cousin and her husband,a local doctor and part time school of medicine faculty member. My cousin's husband works with uninsured patients that cannot afford to pay for his services. He also conducts home visits.... and supervises internal medicine residents. His practice of medicine, therefore, is very instructive.
I am, for the first time in life, surrounded by white people from the upper middle class. My first friends from this group were fellow peace corps volunteers. Sometimes I think I am living in the type of home a typical Peace Corps volunteer would come from. Oh wait, there is no typical.....I was always mildly scared of this group. Perhaps I felt there was nothing in common. True, there is much that we do not share; but maybe I am something new and interesting for them...
An economist magazine, addressed to me, along with two books by Abraham Vergese showed up by my door the other day. They were ordered for me. The next friendly conversation with Dr.-- included questions related to their content. I had not read them because of my new 12 hour work/study schedule--- I am learning (from mistakes!) to prioritize real learning and cultural experiences. I could not have asked for a better team of coaches than my wonderful hosts! My learning curve is steep-- but if my head wants to be in the clouds and my feet on the ground; I need to be stretched tall.