the collision of joy and sorrow.

Tonight as I was walking back from the main road, I had a moment. With a head of roasted corn in my hand, a new magazine bead necklace on, and the tunes of fergie playing in my ear I was (literally) jammin’ and loving my life. An “is this really my life” moment! Life in Africa is really wonderful, the lessons I have read about have played out before my eyes and taught me so much. The people are so open with all they have, and inspire me. But two things I miss: my family and efficiency. Efficiency is unheard of here. When the internet failed us (again) tonight, my friend matt said, “I wonder how much time we have wasted here… days maybe.” Personally I can’t buy into the belief that it was lost time, I have to assume that it taught me something good. But days are packed full, and yet hardly any work is accomplished. This week I have craved my home more than I have in that last three months. Which I guess is a good thing, since I will have to transition to life there in only three short weeks. Ah! The collision of joy and sorrow.

This week and next is the culmination of all our classes: full of coursework and exams. A little overwhelming on top of the miniscule time we have left here in Africa! So not only am I ending classes, but ending reality as I have known it for four months. It’s bittersweet. I have just felt like I have created friendships and connections in the community finally, but now I am leaving. On the flip side, the idea of chocolate chip waffles with cottage cheese and fruit is sounding more and more wonderful to my tummy. J I can’t wait for Christmas time with my family. No agenda. No anxiety over wasted time. Just relaxing by the fire with a blanket and cuddly socks. Bliss.

Please keep me in your prayers in the few weeks to come if you remember. As everyone copes with the emotions of the bitter-sweet exodus from Africa, I pray that we can encourage and support each other here and not get hostile. The transition from a life I love, back to my old reality which I miss will be hard and overwhelming at times. Pray please that I can cope well, and that I live these last three weeks fully present here with no regrets. As I finish classes, and want to do so much more here, pray that I would not let anxiety creep into me. Also, relationships that I rejoin when I return may be awkward and I ask for prayer that it would be smooth transitioning back into them.

I love you all. And miss you more and more every passing day.

[ My lovely mommy and sister are leaving for the Philippines tomorrow, so any prayers for them would be magnificent and appreciated also. I love them SO much! ]