This will be part one, because even though we’ve only been here about five months, there’s already been a lot to process.
Building a close community with the people you live and work with takes effort, but is quite a blessing.
How to be flexible when I don’t have what I’m used to for supplies, medications, groceries, etc.
There’s a lot to be said for putting relationships above arbitrary goals: I think for Jesus, people were the goal.
I suspect that love languages may be universal, but look very different in different cultures.
I already knew that even when “everything is done” sometimes people just die. Here, many times people die because they don’t have money. The only way for me to be okay with how unfair that is, is to know God makes all things right after this life, and the poor in spirit are blessed so beyond physical health.
Seeing green things every day is lovely. (Sorry, Chicago.)
Making small spaces to take care of yourself and your coworkers each day makes service more sustainable (cheers to Kenyan chai-time).
Hanging pictures on the walls instantly makes a place feel more like home.
As wonderful as good medical care is, the best care we give sick people is helping them know the hope they have in Jesus.
“What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me – practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:9
Team Ryley 
Well said. I know after traveling around the world that I am always thankful and feel blessed for all I have back home.
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