I have a love/hate relationship with technology. I love that it allows me to be in touch with far more people than I would otherwise be able to. I hate that I hear important life news by means of things like Facebook and text messages. I dislike that we don’t always get to look people in the eye and share news. In addition, we sometimes don’t even get to hear an audible voice in the delivery of important information. As much as I hate it, I have conformed to the culture and I am guilty of my very own convictions.
I love it because I often can’t articulate my heart verbally and on those days when I have something to “blog” about, I feel free. I feel free to express and share in a deeper way than I could without this modern theory of maintaining relationships. If I am not able to have the time or proximity to communicate with all I desire, at least with this crazy thing of a blog you can hear my heart, as cold as reading from a web address may be. I apologize for sharing via a piece of technology.
As much as I love and hate doing this, it is about as much as my emotions can handle some days.
I want to share with you the last few weeks of my life. As you have probably gathered from past writings, my return from Mozambique has been a challenge, a genuine struggle actually. It has been a battle, but not a battle without hope.
About a month ago, as I sat crying and contemplating life in a retirement park in Mesa, AZ I decided I needed to return to MN for a visit. This decision was made with the desire that in doing so, I would “feel” what was right for my future- settle (for now) in MN, AZ or somewhere else? A long story short, I spent a few days in Minneapolis (with 2 job interviews), Willmar, Duluth, Remer, Fargo. I then returned to Phoenix with the same uncertainty and not “feeling it”. I contemplated another week, celebrated a beautiful wedding of dear friends and then it came to me. “Dara- move so you can see Me move.” I’m not one to hear a loud, booming, audible voice from the Lord but I ask for it. I speak to Him and I expect Him to speak. It seems crazy, it feels crazy, but I finally came to the point that I knew it was the right time to leave- to drive away from what I called home for the last 5 years. In coming to this decision, I knew I needed to do it and do it quickly. I never do well with goodbyes and it would never be easy to leave a place I have grown to love. Emotionally, I needed to just go. On Monday, I decided that I would leave Thursday to drive back to Minneapolis and arrive in time for a scheduled interview on Monday, May 18.
I did.
I packed, I cried and I drove.
Now, here I sit in my new home. I have been here less than 1 week and I have seen God move, as He promised. I am living with my dear cousin 2 miles from one of my best friends from college.
I had been actively looking for jobs in Phoenix for a good 2 months now. My connections and network of friends and colleagues were helping. NOTHING was happening.
When I returned to MN for my visit, I spent time with dear friends who encouraged me to return to Phoenix and visit a Vineyard Church. I returned to Phoenix on a Saturday-- 11pm. I looked online for a near Vineyard Church. I found one-- service, 11am, perfect!
I went. I saw a former colleague from my hospice job. We visited. I was blessed.
The next Sunday I returned. We chatted again. I shared that I was contemplating a move to MN. She mentioned that she has a friend in hospice in Minneapolis.
Long story short, I moved to Minneapolis. On Monday, I receive an email with a name of a hospice nurse in Minneapolis whom I am to call the next day.
Tuesday morning I make the call and speak to a very kind woman who promises she’ll get my name out to a number of hospice agencies as hers doesn’t not have any current job openings.
One hour later, I get a call from human resources at her agency and they tell me they do indeed have an RN position they are looking to fill, I should fill out the online application.
An hour later I get a call back, can I interview tomorrow?
Yes, yes I can.
Wednesday, interview number 2 of the week (I had 1 interview in Phoenix in 2 months keep in mind).
Thursday, a call with a job offer.
Friday, I accept a full time position.
God was moving when I had no idea He was remembering me down here. Had I not returned to MN I would not have thought to go to this church. Had I not gone to this church, I would not have seen a former coworker. Had I not walked away from Phoenix in obedience and faith I would not have made the call, I would not have gotten an interview and I would not have been offered what I feel is a good job for me for now.
I didn’t plan to get another hospice job right now. My heart feels tired of the heaviness, but, with the way I see God having moved in my life I trust this is right where He wants me.
Here I am. He will give me strength when I am weak. I don’t always know where I am headed but I trust who is guiding me. While my heart is still in Mozambique, my presence is now in Minneapolis. God moved me here so stay tuned to what He is going to do next.
Whoever said being a Christian is boring? Walk by faith with me and “watch Him move.”
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
May 7th- World AIDS Orphan Day
As I continue to contemplate and wait on the Lord as to what is next in my life journey, I long for that sense of purpose I felt while in Mozambique. I feel disconnected and long to be in the midst of being part of something bigger, something important, something pleasing to my God. While I am here I pray for opportunities to be a part of what Proverbs 31:8-9 says:
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
ensure justice for those being crushed.
Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
and see that they get justice.
May 7th has been dedicated as World AIDS Orphan Day. As I was thinking about this today I was heart sick. How sad. How sad that we have a dedicated day to raise awareness to such a specific thing. It's not just a day to bring awareness of a disease. It's not just a day to remember children. Specifically, it's a day to remember children who are orphaned related to 1 disease. Even worse, we have to have such a day because much of the world is ignorant that this pandemic is actually occurring. I was reading online today about this awareness day (check it out: http://www.worldaidsorphans.org) and I came across an article that is about the very place I was in Mozambique. My heart broke as I read, knowing so well who and what the article was referring to. Suddenly my experience was not just mine but it is SUCH a problem that many organizations are present there and are writing about this desperation. Please read this article, my cries are not just my own, read others words as well: http://www.plusnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=82033
When I talk in depth to people about my experience in Mozambique I realize that I often don't tell a lot of joyous experiences. It is often depressing, convicting, and heart-wrenching. Today as I was catching up on the Hands at Work website I was reminded of the glorious things that did occur during the year.
During the deepest valley I walked through while in Mozambique, not knowing what else I could do, I wrote a letter to a church in California crying out for help in the midst of hungry season. I learned today just how hugely these people responded. I didn't necessarily know this was happening at the time but PRAISE GOD that people heard of a need and did something.
A similar thing also happened when I wrote on my blog the desire Carlos had to get clothes for the orphaned kids we visited. I posted a need and individuals responded and I was able to be part of a tangible need being met! I am sorry that I too easily over look these great works that God did over the course of the year.
And now again, I want to be a voice. On May 7th I want to challenge all of us to do something, to remember World AIDS Orphan Day. I don't have anything specific I am ask anyone to do but I am asking you to DO SOMETHING. There are many great organizations to get involved in that allow you to make a HUGE difference in the life of a child. Think of the individual, the masses are too overwhelming. Think of the ONE you can touch. I hear all to often people using the excuse, "I want to get involved but I want to give to a place that I know my money is going to the people that really need it." I think this is a poor excuse. If we are that concerned about our money then do some research and find that place you can trust. I have had personal experiences where I see money going to the heart of the most vulnerable. Besides, if you can figure out away to eliminate administration costs, overheads, bank transfer cost and conversion charges, let me know and we can go and make a difference. Also, the money doesn't go from your pocket to the poor, someone has to actually do the work that we aren't directly willing to do!
Please, on Thursday will you take sometime to DO SOMETHING . Commit an hour to praying for children affected by AIDS. Fast for these little ones. Decide you're going to sponsor a child (http://www.compassion.com). Donate to Hands at Work http://www.handsatwork.org/ or another organization you believe in. Check out http://www.showhope.org, an organization dedicated to helping people adopt orphaned children. Commit to something that is already happening in a local church.
I don't care what you do, just do something!! Enough with the talk. Let's make a difference. It WILL make a difference. It will, I believe we have to do something. I guarantee whatever God lays on your heart to do, it will not be done in vain. He will honor you for your awareness and obedience. What greater joy are we looking for than to make a difference in the life of a child affected by AIDS. Imagine, what if being an AIDS orphan was your story, your child's story, or your best friend's story. Wouldn't you do what you could to help?
After you do something, share it with someone else. Imagine the impact we could see if we all did SOMETHING and we challenged a few of our friends to do something as well! I want to make a difference, don't you?
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
ensure justice for those being crushed.
Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
and see that they get justice.
May 7th has been dedicated as World AIDS Orphan Day. As I was thinking about this today I was heart sick. How sad. How sad that we have a dedicated day to raise awareness to such a specific thing. It's not just a day to bring awareness of a disease. It's not just a day to remember children. Specifically, it's a day to remember children who are orphaned related to 1 disease. Even worse, we have to have such a day because much of the world is ignorant that this pandemic is actually occurring. I was reading online today about this awareness day (check it out: http://www.worldaidsorphans.org) and I came across an article that is about the very place I was in Mozambique. My heart broke as I read, knowing so well who and what the article was referring to. Suddenly my experience was not just mine but it is SUCH a problem that many organizations are present there and are writing about this desperation. Please read this article, my cries are not just my own, read others words as well: http://www.plusnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=82033
When I talk in depth to people about my experience in Mozambique I realize that I often don't tell a lot of joyous experiences. It is often depressing, convicting, and heart-wrenching. Today as I was catching up on the Hands at Work website I was reminded of the glorious things that did occur during the year.
During the deepest valley I walked through while in Mozambique, not knowing what else I could do, I wrote a letter to a church in California crying out for help in the midst of hungry season. I learned today just how hugely these people responded. I didn't necessarily know this was happening at the time but PRAISE GOD that people heard of a need and did something.
A similar thing also happened when I wrote on my blog the desire Carlos had to get clothes for the orphaned kids we visited. I posted a need and individuals responded and I was able to be part of a tangible need being met! I am sorry that I too easily over look these great works that God did over the course of the year.
And now again, I want to be a voice. On May 7th I want to challenge all of us to do something, to remember World AIDS Orphan Day. I don't have anything specific I am ask anyone to do but I am asking you to DO SOMETHING. There are many great organizations to get involved in that allow you to make a HUGE difference in the life of a child. Think of the individual, the masses are too overwhelming. Think of the ONE you can touch. I hear all to often people using the excuse, "I want to get involved but I want to give to a place that I know my money is going to the people that really need it." I think this is a poor excuse. If we are that concerned about our money then do some research and find that place you can trust. I have had personal experiences where I see money going to the heart of the most vulnerable. Besides, if you can figure out away to eliminate administration costs, overheads, bank transfer cost and conversion charges, let me know and we can go and make a difference. Also, the money doesn't go from your pocket to the poor, someone has to actually do the work that we aren't directly willing to do!
Please, on Thursday will you take sometime to DO SOMETHING . Commit an hour to praying for children affected by AIDS. Fast for these little ones. Decide you're going to sponsor a child (http://www.compassion.com). Donate to Hands at Work http://www.handsatwork.org/ or another organization you believe in. Check out http://www.showhope.org, an organization dedicated to helping people adopt orphaned children. Commit to something that is already happening in a local church.
I don't care what you do, just do something!! Enough with the talk. Let's make a difference. It WILL make a difference. It will, I believe we have to do something. I guarantee whatever God lays on your heart to do, it will not be done in vain. He will honor you for your awareness and obedience. What greater joy are we looking for than to make a difference in the life of a child affected by AIDS. Imagine, what if being an AIDS orphan was your story, your child's story, or your best friend's story. Wouldn't you do what you could to help?
After you do something, share it with someone else. Imagine the impact we could see if we all did SOMETHING and we challenged a few of our friends to do something as well! I want to make a difference, don't you?
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Happy Easter
I've been wishing I had something profound to share and inspire with this Easter but I have nothing. Or do I?...
You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor
and gave him the name above all other names,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:5-11
One day EVERYONE will be celebrating with us! Keep praying.
Shine until that day!
Happy EASTER!
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Snapshot of 2008
This is a little slide show I made as I have been sharing with people here, it got a bit long, I apologize for that. It's there. Just press the play button.
Be blessed.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Is this a problem?
I am wondering if this is a problem?...Yesterday I was talking to my sister on the phone and she said to my 2 year old nephew, "Taylor, do you want to talk to Auntie?" I say over speaker phone, "Hi Taylor, how are you?"
I then hear the little squirt say, "AUNTIE, NO!! No, Auntie, I don't have any money!"
I am not sure where that came from but it made me think, and laugh (he comes up with the darnedest stuff!).
It may soon be time for me to work on something more than my tan.
After having a great week with my cousin I continue to pray for clarity as to what direction my life is to be heading. Please join me in praying as I have some big decisions to make.
Thanks for being there for me.
I then hear the little squirt say, "AUNTIE, NO!! No, Auntie, I don't have any money!"
I am not sure where that came from but it made me think, and laugh (he comes up with the darnedest stuff!).
It may soon be time for me to work on something more than my tan.
After having a great week with my cousin I continue to pray for clarity as to what direction my life is to be heading. Please join me in praying as I have some big decisions to make.
Thanks for being there for me.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
I was reading a book today and as I was snooping ahead I ran across a quote that really spoke to me. If I would have read it a year ago I am sure it wouldn't have touched me. Reading it today I found it just beautiful. It helped me understand myself a little bit. Maybe it'll help you understand me a little as well, maybe it will help you think about something of yourself.
Donald Miller writes in Through Painted Deserts:
And so my prayer is that your story will have involved some leaving and some coming home, some summer and some winter...My hope is your story will be about changing...about learning to love a child...about learning to love others more than we love ourselves...We get one story, you and I, and one story alone. God has established the elements, the setting and the climax and the resolution. It would be a crime not to venture out, wouldn't it?...And you will not be alone. You have never been alone. Don't worry. Everything will still be here when you get back. It is you who will have changed.
Just beautiful.
Donald Miller writes in Through Painted Deserts:
And so my prayer is that your story will have involved some leaving and some coming home, some summer and some winter...My hope is your story will be about changing...about learning to love a child...about learning to love others more than we love ourselves...We get one story, you and I, and one story alone. God has established the elements, the setting and the climax and the resolution. It would be a crime not to venture out, wouldn't it?...And you will not be alone. You have never been alone. Don't worry. Everything will still be here when you get back. It is you who will have changed.
Just beautiful.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Let's not be ordinary
Well, I hope you haven't stopped praying for me, and more importantly for Mozambique, Hands at Work and Rubatano.
I contemplated before returning to the States, will I keep blogging when I return to the US? I didn't think so. What would I have to talk about that I wouldn't already be communicating to the people closest to me. Well, here I am- blogging still. I guess I thought that once I returned from Mozambique my journey would be done- thus, any ones need to read my blog would also be finished.
I should have known better. I believe my journey may just be starting. I don't know what my next step in this journey is. I don't even know what I am doing this afternoon, yet alone tomorrow, next week or gosh, who knows, next month?? My heart starts to race just thinking about that.
So yes, here I sit at a coffee shop in what I think is Gilbert, AZ. Each day I wake with a prayer, "God give me some direction today."
It seems like it would be easier, I have been back a while now. It's not. I am told I may "just need time", "take care of yourself", rest, wait on the Lord.
So I am.
Who was I fooling that I thought I would just drop back into the land of opportunity and settle right back in?
The thoughts of malnourished babies are never far from my mind.
The voices of friends/volunteers saying, "I don't have money (25 cents) needed to take my child with malaria to the hospital."
The giggles of orphaned children still ringing in my ears.
The images of patients emaciated from HIV are real.
In a recent phone conversation with Carlos he said, "It's a very critical time here. The people, they are still hungry."
My heart is still heavy.
Yes, I know Jesus warned that the poor will always be among us. It's not my burden to take care of "the poor." But I do feel a responsibility to do my part. God opened my eyes to something more and I don't want to be ordinary. I don't want to just settle. I want to live big. This life is short and eternity isn't.
I don't want to be normal.
In the meantime, I don't know what that means but I believe there is something. I'll just keep praying, listening and hoping, hoping in more.
I wanted to share the newest video that Heather made about Mozambique. It's similar to some others I posted before but it's great. Sorry I am not techy enough to even know how to make a link but the address to watch this video about Carlos and Adao is:
http://vimeo.com/3573972
Also, if you had been financially supporting me I can't thank you enough for allowing the last year to happen. If you desire to keep supporting the work of Carlos and Hands at Work, please send checks to(not Highlands Church):
Hands at Work in Africa, USA
951 MacArthur Blvd
San Leandro, CA 94577
Or you can do it online on the Hands at Work website. www.handsatwork.org
Maybe someday soon I'll blog about what I am doing next. I will let you know as soon as I know...
I contemplated before returning to the States, will I keep blogging when I return to the US? I didn't think so. What would I have to talk about that I wouldn't already be communicating to the people closest to me. Well, here I am- blogging still. I guess I thought that once I returned from Mozambique my journey would be done- thus, any ones need to read my blog would also be finished.
I should have known better. I believe my journey may just be starting. I don't know what my next step in this journey is. I don't even know what I am doing this afternoon, yet alone tomorrow, next week or gosh, who knows, next month?? My heart starts to race just thinking about that.
So yes, here I sit at a coffee shop in what I think is Gilbert, AZ. Each day I wake with a prayer, "God give me some direction today."
It seems like it would be easier, I have been back a while now. It's not. I am told I may "just need time", "take care of yourself", rest, wait on the Lord.
So I am.
Who was I fooling that I thought I would just drop back into the land of opportunity and settle right back in?
The thoughts of malnourished babies are never far from my mind.
The voices of friends/volunteers saying, "I don't have money (25 cents) needed to take my child with malaria to the hospital."
The giggles of orphaned children still ringing in my ears.
The images of patients emaciated from HIV are real.
In a recent phone conversation with Carlos he said, "It's a very critical time here. The people, they are still hungry."
My heart is still heavy.
Yes, I know Jesus warned that the poor will always be among us. It's not my burden to take care of "the poor." But I do feel a responsibility to do my part. God opened my eyes to something more and I don't want to be ordinary. I don't want to just settle. I want to live big. This life is short and eternity isn't.
I don't want to be normal.
In the meantime, I don't know what that means but I believe there is something. I'll just keep praying, listening and hoping, hoping in more.
I wanted to share the newest video that Heather made about Mozambique. It's similar to some others I posted before but it's great. Sorry I am not techy enough to even know how to make a link but the address to watch this video about Carlos and Adao is:
http://vimeo.com/3573972
Also, if you had been financially supporting me I can't thank you enough for allowing the last year to happen. If you desire to keep supporting the work of Carlos and Hands at Work, please send checks to(not Highlands Church):
Hands at Work in Africa, USA
951 MacArthur Blvd
San Leandro, CA 94577
Or you can do it online on the Hands at Work website. www.handsatwork.org
Maybe someday soon I'll blog about what I am doing next. I will let you know as soon as I know...
Monday, February 16, 2009
Let's Pray
I am home. After a cancelled bus and lost luggage (it did arrive) I am settling in and trying to find my place. As I have returned to Arizona it feels like I never left. I find myself wondering if the last year really ever happened. The heaviness in my heart reminds me that yes, the last year really happened. It feels strange to be back. I don't know where my place is or how to make sense of things. To be very honest, like I always am, I can't make sense of the world. Perhaps I am not supposed to and shouldn't even try. I wonder who I am supposed to be. I AM of THIS culture, but a part of my heart has connected with another culture. That leaves me trying to figure out who I am in THIS culture. I haven't figured it out. I can't figure it out and I get overwhelmed and exhausted trying. Bearing this in mind, I ask for your grace. As I continue my reunions with my family and friends, please be patient with me. Be patient when I talk and make no sense. Be patient when I tell a story and can't finish it through my tears. And maybe you'll need to be patient if your with me and I have an anxiety attack when in the chaos of Walmart or the mall parking lot. Please continue your loving grace.
And the million dollar question...what is next?
Prayer- yours and mine. I need to continue to pray. Right now I have NO idea. I don't know where I will live or where I will work. I know that I am going to enjoy this weekend with Deanna- I CAN'T wait!! And I am going to spend next week with my whole family in Sedona- wonderful! I need this time. After that...I ask you to pray for me to have wisdom and desire to be wherever the Lord wants me, and to be willing to do whatever He desires.
More importantly though...will you keep faithfully praying for Mozambique- for Carlos and his family and all the dedicated volunteers that work with Rubatano? The last time I spoke to Carlos, before I left South Africa, he said, "it is bad here! The people are hungry! It is very bad!"
I asked, "Carlos, is it worse than before we left."
"Yes, it is not good and the volunteers, they are discouraged."
Now that I am not there, all I (we) can do, and the very BEST we can do, is pray! Please keep praying for these precious people that are struggling to have food on the table. What would that be like?
My motto for the year, which I often sang out loud to Laura, was this- "God will make a way, when there seems to be no way." I will continue to cling to this as I try to make sense of my life here, and their life there.
Let's pray, God will make a way!
And the million dollar question...what is next?
Prayer- yours and mine. I need to continue to pray. Right now I have NO idea. I don't know where I will live or where I will work. I know that I am going to enjoy this weekend with Deanna- I CAN'T wait!! And I am going to spend next week with my whole family in Sedona- wonderful! I need this time. After that...I ask you to pray for me to have wisdom and desire to be wherever the Lord wants me, and to be willing to do whatever He desires.
More importantly though...will you keep faithfully praying for Mozambique- for Carlos and his family and all the dedicated volunteers that work with Rubatano? The last time I spoke to Carlos, before I left South Africa, he said, "it is bad here! The people are hungry! It is very bad!"
I asked, "Carlos, is it worse than before we left."
"Yes, it is not good and the volunteers, they are discouraged."
Now that I am not there, all I (we) can do, and the very BEST we can do, is pray! Please keep praying for these precious people that are struggling to have food on the table. What would that be like?
My motto for the year, which I often sang out loud to Laura, was this- "God will make a way, when there seems to be no way." I will continue to cling to this as I try to make sense of my life here, and their life there.
Let's pray, God will make a way!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Child-Like Joy
This morning I woke up and thought it was Christmas day. My nose, the only flesh peaking out from under the down comforter, was frozen. I looked out the window and it was dark and wet. I then slowly realized that I was in England, with Adriel and it is nowhere close to Christmas. I am not sure what I was thinking or hoping for. I don't know what I was dreaming about. Perhaps I was hoping that I was waking to a new Christmas morn where the fresh images in my mind of hungry, sick, poor friends was being washed away by a fresh blanket of fluffy snow.
Again, in my search for reality I had to remind myself that, though far away now, those images are reality. Those that I worked along side and became friends with are still there. That is their reality- they are still fighting, longing to sit where I sit right now.
I must keep praying.
I must obtain that child-like faith that God is working and answering prayers- even when I don't know how things are going.
I felt like a child this morning.
If only my faith was as strong as the excitement I felt this morning when I thought I was at my aunt and uncles house on Christmas morning.
As I keep praying, I will keep moving forward. I will look for that Christmas morning, child-like joy like I felt this morning.
I think I will have another glimpse of it on Friday at about 635pm.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Brrr....
I wish I could have watched Laura and I as we landed in London. We were traveling from one terminal of Heathrow to another. When the elevator door opened we didn't know they would be opening to the outside. Much to our surprise we gasped as the wind gust reached us and snowflakes fell on our cheeks. I think our reaction may have been similar to a villager looking at the New York skyline. The others in the elevator may have been wondering the cause of our surprise and over reaction.
Now as I sit, inside the flat, I am freezing. My African wardrobe, and blood, is very happy that I am returning home to Phoenix, not Minnesota.
It's great to be back in England. It's great to hear English all the time, not a myriad of other foreign tongues. It's nice to turn on hot water from the tap and drink from it without fear of parasites and disease. It's a relief to be in semi-familiar surroundings and to be with friends that know me outside of Africa. I am grateful for this transition time. I just still can't believe that the year is over. It was a year ago that I was here with Adriel and Joel. Now I am here with them and their 2 month old daughter- I have been away a long time. It went so fast. Each day, numerous times, I am still reminding myself that I am not going back to Mozambique- I honestly can't get it in my head. It still doesn't feel real, I feel lost in transition after living this transient life for the last number of months. I am eager to get to a place where I have people around me that make me feel "at home."
I woke up this morning and also felt confused that Laura isn't here. I have thought of one million things that I want to tell her even though we have only been apart for 24 hours. This will be yet another big adjustment! I trust that Laura has arrived home safely and is with her family now. I miss you Laura!
I miss you Mozambique!
I miss you South Africa!
I miss you Hands at Work!
I miss you family and friends.
Thankfully the best part of this transition time is yet to come. I will be able to at least talk to most of you very soon, if not see you and get lots of hugs. One 11 our flight done and one more to go. Friday evening I will step off the plane with lots of stories and a heart to share. I am looking forward to it.
Now as I sit, inside the flat, I am freezing. My African wardrobe, and blood, is very happy that I am returning home to Phoenix, not Minnesota.
It's great to be back in England. It's great to hear English all the time, not a myriad of other foreign tongues. It's nice to turn on hot water from the tap and drink from it without fear of parasites and disease. It's a relief to be in semi-familiar surroundings and to be with friends that know me outside of Africa. I am grateful for this transition time. I just still can't believe that the year is over. It was a year ago that I was here with Adriel and Joel. Now I am here with them and their 2 month old daughter- I have been away a long time. It went so fast. Each day, numerous times, I am still reminding myself that I am not going back to Mozambique- I honestly can't get it in my head. It still doesn't feel real, I feel lost in transition after living this transient life for the last number of months. I am eager to get to a place where I have people around me that make me feel "at home."
I woke up this morning and also felt confused that Laura isn't here. I have thought of one million things that I want to tell her even though we have only been apart for 24 hours. This will be yet another big adjustment! I trust that Laura has arrived home safely and is with her family now. I miss you Laura!
I miss you Mozambique!
I miss you South Africa!
I miss you Hands at Work!
I miss you family and friends.
Thankfully the best part of this transition time is yet to come. I will be able to at least talk to most of you very soon, if not see you and get lots of hugs. One 11 our flight done and one more to go. Friday evening I will step off the plane with lots of stories and a heart to share. I am looking forward to it.
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