What was it like?

Most people think that PNG is either in
South America or Africa.  It is an island
just north of Australia.

What was it like?  This is a question that I often am asked to answer when people hear that I grew up overseas in Papua New Guinea.  I guess people think that it will be the easiest thing in the world to just rattle off comparisons and contrasts to their own lives so that they can get a picture of what life was about in that far off jungle.  However, this is one of the most difficult questions that I constantly face.  I mean, what would you say if I just came up to you and said, “Well, what was it like, growing up in [insert your hometown here]?”  Go ahead.  Say it out loud, or at least think of an answer.  Do it!  What did you say???  Not an easy question, is it?  You might have some clever answer, but I sure don’t.  The answer that consistently comes to my mind, time and time again, is an answer that, if spoken, seems to consistently disappoint the listener.  Where they want to hear stories about raging adventures, like rafting down rapids while being chased by tigers, my answer is an extremely stark contrast.  What was it like?  It was normal.  I woke up every day, got ready for school, fought with my mom about eating breakfast, walked out the door and went to get educated.  I looked forward to seeing friends, wondered what to wear, worked on getting good grades and soaking up all that I could in the time that I had.  That is what it was like.  So, my answer to this all-familiar question is lacking, I’ll admit.  I can come up with contrasts if I must.  I can impress if I think about it hard enough.  But it is a TASK! 

So, what does all of this have to do with starting a blog?  Well, I’ve had the idea rolling around in my head for a while.  I’ve become quite the blog connoisseur since giving up my Facebook page a little over a month ago [probably more on that later] and I have to say that I really love hearing about what people have to say about their lives.  I love that it takes a little more thought and planning than 140 characters (I’m not on Twitter either, did I get that right?).  I love that there is more room to be real, transparent, and a whole person.  I love that it takes a little bit of effort for people to actually sit down and read what you have to say rather than having it just float by in a stream of status updates.  Most of all, I love that I have the opportunity to answer that haunting question with so much more gusto and passion and forethought.  What’s it like Emily?  What’s it like to be a counselor?  What’s it like to get your Master’s degree?  What’s it like to work part time in a law office?  What’s it like to have the most amazing and caring friends on the planet?  What’s it like to be a single woman in a culture and society that places so much status on being married?  What do you think about, dream about, rejoice in? 

Therefore, if any of the above has caught your attention or interest, please continue checking back for updates.  I pray that the words will be a blessing, and that this journey will be mutually encouraging for us both.  Hopefully, we will also have some fun along the way!