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growing up without snow...

Snow is so beautiful. Growing up in Alabama, when it snowed everyone got really excited because it was a rare happening. And by rare I mean it maybe, maybe snows once a year--and usually doesn't stick.

Today is October 1, 2010. I have almost been in Mongolia for an entire year.

I.cannot.believe.it.

There are so many things that have changed in my life, some of which I'm not even sure I have noticed. The things I think, the things I eat, the things I wear, the things I can understand--there are a myriad of things that are different.

One of the biggest things that has changed is my affinity [well, and adaptability] to the snowy life. When were first arrived in Mongolia, last October, there was already a lot of snow on the ground. Immediately it was different than anywhere I had ever lived. With every passing day the weather got colder and colder and the snow became a regular occurrence. I soon realized it wasn't strange, it was a normal part of life--just like rain is to me.

This morning when I woke up the snow was coming down so hard. It wasn't quite cold enough to stick to the ground, so it formed little puddles everywhere, but as I watched it--I realized just how different it is from rain.

Aside from the obvious things like being frozen and white, I realized how quiet it was. I was mesmerized all over again, like I was in Alabama.

The quietness and slowness of snow draws you to a quiet place. A place of watching and observing what's around you.

Newly falling snow is exactly what I need right now as I reflect on the past year--all the things that have changed and all the ways I have changed.

I would have never imagined that I would come to love this winter season so much.


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