Reflection of my time in Africa

It's been 8 months since I have returned back to the States from living in Africa. I have been putting off this blog because it is quite difficult for me to put into words my experience of living in West Africa for two years. Perhaps no words will ever be able to explain the experience to the fullest. All I know is I am not the same person I was before I went. As a result, after 8 months, I am still adjusting to life here in my home country. It has been harder than I expected to adapt back to life here. It was much harder coming back home and adjusting to life here. I can't really place it...maybe it is the pace of life here or the detachment people have to forming relationships. It feels different. People are distant and time is rushing. Sometimes, I miss the slowness and the rawness of people and life there. I think I will always miss it. My heart will forever be torn between two homes. And Africa...will always remain in my heart and will always be one of my homes. I have considered going back...already. But, I feel I need to stay put here for a little while. There is something comforting about settling a little rather than always being on the move. The back and forth moving can be taxing on me. So, I like the thought of staying here for a little while. It seems comforting and peaceful. Yet, I do believe I will get back to Africa someday. I am forever thankful for my time I spent there for the past two years. Like I said, words can not seem to give the experience what it deserves. So, instead of trying to explain, I decided to put up a few pictures here of my favorite moments throughout my two years there.

My 4th grade class at the International School of Ouagadougou.

Trip to Ghana with the Volleyball team.

Favorite girl at the orphanage, she has the same name as me.

Our Favorite place to go to eat lunch after church on Sundays.

Tap Dancers I taught for my first year in Ouaga.

Hiking around Mali.

The wonderful trip I had taken with Pam to Bobo and Banfora.

Our travel guide and his awesome car.

One of my best friends Pam.

One of my favorite treats in Ouaga. 

Right before Christmas break during our first year in Ouaga.

Visit with the crocs.

Visit with the elephants.

Koubri trip with the ladies.

My cat...Houdini.

Doing skits in the village.

The Bamako Crew.

Fulani Bible Dedication Ceremony.

One of my favorite girls at the Yako orphanage.

Behind us is the doctor who healed me when I got really sick.

Teaching in the Hakkola's house.

Brochettes.

A great trip with Pam to the village for a music festival.

Teaching English.

The quilt I had made with all my African fabrics.

The project I worked on for two orphanages.

Dance Show the second year.

Visiting with a camel.

Field trip to the village to pass out Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes.

Selingue.

My only time I went jumping off a waterfall and swam in the water in Africa.

Eating at the Turkish restaurant.

Operation Christmas Child with Christa.

Went Rock Climbing on Christmas with Dave.

My dear friend, Flora who I'd go to pray over sick kids with in the hospital.

More kids at the orphanage.

Ouaga Crew.

Tap Danced with Ellie while he played the guitar and sang. He was the night guard.

Rode the moto.

My good friend Pauline, who made tutus for us for the first year's dance recital.