fresh of the boat, As long as you talk slowly, people should not have a problem understanding your accent. I have been out of Nepal for half a decade now, and I still do not have American accent. Everywhere I go, if I am talking to a kuire, they ask me where I am from, in fact, they find it attractive and unique. Please do not feel like you have to sound like them when you talk.... :)) Welcome to America :)) Best Wishes, B.B.