You know you’ve adjusted to Namibia when…

1. You have to convert American currency into Namibian currency (instead of vice versa) in order to conceptualize the amount.
2. You hold on to someone’s hand after a handshake, lingering longer, standing there naturally, still holding their hand.
3. You share food without hesitating, caring, or even noticing.
4. You walk at a more leisurely pace, especially if accompanying someone somewhere.
5. You get offended if someone doesn’t open a conversation by first greeting you and asking how you’re doing.
6. You’re comfortable with long periods of silence.
7. You say “mmm” several times during a lecture—sort of a “preach it, brother” noise.
8. You see two-ply toilet paper and think, “Now isn’t that a bit excessive?”
9. You find yourself saying “Is it!” to mean “Really!” or “You don’t say!”  (“I love your outfit.”  “Is it!”)
10. On the day before he flies back home, you say good-bye to a Volunteer who has been here two years.  And as you hug him, you don’t feel jealous of him.  You actually feel sorry for him.

Note on # 3: That’s only by the grace of God.  I hope the phenomenon continues and I can keep that up when I return to the States.
Note on # 5: It’s really jarring.  Freakin’ pisses me off.
Note on # 10: I’m still in shock that that’s how I felt.

{written 9/17/11, one the eve of the 13-months-in-country mark}