Three Years + Six Months
Some days I truly feel as if I don’t know very much anymore that’s outside of books and human nature; but here are some things I do know from living on this side of the world the last few years.
I know the kindness and unkindness of strangers, how much of a difference smile and easy “good morning,” makes, and how much that kindness truly means when you feel like you’re not equipped or encouraged or even have the courage to take up extra space on any said day (we’re still learning the arrogance of belonging). I know that community extends more deeply than surface experience and weaves itself deeply into that belonging, and is inexplicably valuable.
I know that the 144 is the bus you take to Manly, but that it’s always late (or early) by at least three minutes; and if you take it in the afternoon, you will surely be carsick & overcrowded. The ferry is by far the best option to get anywhere, but you take time into account and plan accordingly…& often you could find yourself running. (I also know how to squeeze - read: force - any child or pram onto any bus or tiny space, no matter how crowded.)
I know what it feels like when a storm rolls in - a brisk breeze comes out of nowhere, intercepting your heartbeat & rattling your windows with a crack. And then it pulls away again to unveil the sun - rolling back the curtain of clouds and parching heat of a UV index unknown to my childhood.
I know that a “cracker” experience is something you want; that “she’ll be right” and “every man and his dog” are everyday sentences that more or less exaggerate everything; that a “sambo” is short for sandwich; that “avo” and “arvo” are two distinctly different things - one the smear on any good sambo or salad, and one a time of day; you’ll get them mixed up all the time because they sound the exact same, so listen for the context (“put a sock in it” / read: shut up) and judge accordingly. And if something is a “dog’s breakfast,” it’s very messy and chaotic…so just hit the frog and toad and stop complaining.
I know where to get a good cold brew, the ‘most Italian’ gelato, and where to walk for glorious seaside or city-side views. I know where to look for the jacaranda lilacs and jasmine to bloom and make up the scent of spring; and where to find any Christmas lights to spark nostalgia and a sense of deep child-like delight.
I know that a tablespoon of butter is 14.2 grams and a cup of flour is 120 grams. That chicken strips are “schnitzel,” fries are “chips”, and cilantro is “coriander.” Iced coffee is “cold coffee,” and usually has ice cream in it, and if you pay more than $6 you are clearly in a tourist trap.
I know where any flea market, farmers’ market, or outdoor excursion are on any given day, and that somehow everyone loves a good haggle or bargain, and has their own story if you only care to ask. The potential to be both startled and in awe of the conversations you have and the people you meet is something to take into account.
I know that “You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way…if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139) . I know the love of Jesus is all I need to know. We can overcomplicate and create so much complexity in our faith, but at the end of the day, sometimes all I need to remember is that Jesus loves me; and that I love Him. More deeply now than ever.
