Chocolate from Peru

I’ve now been in America for 2 months. This is a third of the time I’ll be here. Highlights include Uganda, Chick-Fil-A, Chipotle, the community in our office, tie Tuesday, flannel Friday and skiing the mountains. I have, however, come across a few odd things and misunderstandings since I’ve been here. There are certain words which don’t translate correctly or aren’t used here. 

Merican words:

Grill – don’t ask to grill your toast

Pants – makes for huge misunderstandings/ funny conversations

Neat- more than just tidy

BBQ – I still don’t see the difference

Tea – sweet, and cold – just not the same

Soda, pop, coke – all refer to the same thing – fizzy juice

Legit – better than legal

Just kidding – the person is exempt from any harmful actions following what they just said. If in doubt after a talking, will definitely get you out of trouble.

Football – not football

Hockey – not played in a field

Cookie – a biscuit which may or may not be a cookie

Biscuit – scone like, still a little confused about this one.

Do what? – do... what?

UK words:

Keen – term for enthusiastic, not to be confused with body parts

Class – another way of saying “sweet” or “awesome”

Poor – pronounced “purr” but still has the same meaning

Rubbish – not just the trash, similar meaning to poor

Football - football

*Open to suggestions of additions

Any reference to Britain or Ireland causes many Americans to fall into some sort of strange accent attempt. This is generally embarrassing/ fun.

In other news:

John came back into the office today, he's been in Peru the last week. He brought us all back chocolate from his trip. My hero.

St. Patricks Day has been renamed to St. Phillys day – a definite highlight.

Roads

If the road is long, it must have some worth

The paths may weave nay wind some but your feet are on earth

Should you look back what is it you’ll see

But a road that looks straighter than you thought it would be

If you think you are leading do not be misled

But think you are leaving you have more left to shed

If it isn’t the journey, it’s nothing at all

The road is much steeper, I’ll be there if you fall

 

Renewal

What if I gave up all that I own

Stopped and gave time to those I disown

No razor again to touch my face

What I have now is life only by grace

Do I go here and there, lacking a plan

Or wait, still and patient for the works of his hand

Sweet novelty it may at first be

But how long do I tread in this self-made poverty

I pray as I dream that my life is your will

That I end life with nothing, zero, nada, nil

To do so I must give up my idols

Get on my knees and pray for revival