Jesse A. Schroeder

Did I mention that I have little patience for other drivers?? It's amazing how quickly I get the "road rage." Not to the point of taking out a weapon or rolling down my window to shout obscenities, but I do often curse under my breath, grit my teeth, and slam on the gas as I pass grandma in the left lane. 

But when I am in Central America, I drive ride through absolutely terrible traffic. And my attitude is very different. I'm calm, patient, understanding, and think to myself, "When I get there, I get there. No problem." 

I have a similar attitude toward people, toward small interactions, and toward life in general when I am in Central America. Perhaps its a vacation attitude. Perhaps its a "short-term-mission-trip" attitude. Regardless, I am much more patient, and as a result, my jaw doesn't hurt from gritting my teeth as much. 

I want to carry that attitude into my every day life. I need to realize that going 65 on the freeway is ok. In fact, it's the legal limit. And its ok to wait a little bit in line, or to have to "press 1 for English" when I call customer service. 

When I am in Guatemala, I just figure that things might take a little longer, but its no big deal. There are more important things going on in life. In the same way, life in the US will probably take a little longer than I planned, but that's ok. There are more important things going on. 

Patience: Abroad and Home.