Simple Things

As I start to settle in to a routine and I no longer feel as though I am in a whirlwind of new faces, places and expectations I am able to find the simple things that make me better and bring them into my life: Tape to hang the pictures of home around my room, mountain roads to run on, an extension cord so I can plug in my computer and work on my desk, granola to eat with yogurt for breakfast instead of bakery foods. These things remind me of home and make me fell healthier and stronger and more like who I am. I never thought A roll of tape could do that, but it's amazing how proud you can be to buy a roll of tape when first you have to find a store that sells it, and then you ask for it in a forgein language and then you understand the amount the clerk asks for. And even more amazing how happy it makes you feel to be able to use it to put up pictures.
Running is also been a been a big part of my life in the last week. Getting away from the busy groups of people and doing something independent is one of my biggest motivations. After that is my ability to explore the streets. Mostar is a big enough city that at some points I wonder where exactly I am, but it is small enough that you can never actually get lost. the city is surrounded my small mountains on all sides, so if I just start running up into a neighborhood, soon I am able to look over the city. Looking down over the city gives me a sense of accomplishment and independence.
It is the simple things that are making the life here...my life.