The dust gets in your blood
Hello, dear friends! I apologize for my nearly two month absence. I could blame it on the little internet connection I had in Ghana or the craziness of the beginning of the semester, but in all honesty I just have not had the energy to write. But thinking back over everything that happened during the past two months, I feel the need for a major updating session. So let’s begin.
Christmas break was full of much needed rest, delicious food, and catching up with family and friends. I also began volunteering at a local food bank and thrift store. My parents, sister, and I spent a few days in Ithaca, New York, visiting our extended family. And since Paul conveniently lives not too far away in Rochester, I got to spend a day with him as well. After Christmas I drove to Maryland to visit my best friend and former roommate Amanda, and joined her large family for a fun and festive New Year’s Eve.
On January 8 I flew to Africa. This has been the part I have been avoiding writing about the most. I just don’t know how to process the most challenging and enriching experience in my life into words on my blog page. But I will say this: a big piece of my heart is still in Ghana. When I was there my roommate Abby, who traveled to Namibia a few years ago, emailed me saying, “the dust gets in your blood, and you take Africa home with you.” I couldn’t agree more with that statement. Although at times all I wanted to do was go home to warm showers and Hershey’s chocolate bars, I experienced an unbelievable sense of peace during my three weeks there. I wrote to my parents in an email, “Ghana is quickly stealing my heart - the sunsets are incredible, the children are beautiful, and God feel so very close in this country.”
So even though I’m loving the ability to brush my teeth under running water, part of me is longing to be sitting on our steps at Ho Farms, watching the sun turn the sky a rosy shade as it slips through the trees, and relaxing with a peaceful, patient heart as I just let myself be. No deadlines, no appointments, no rushing from here to there as I normally do. Just enjoying life, soaking in every moment, and falling more and more in love with my Creator.
p.s. If you are interested in reading more about my adventures in Africa, a reflection piece and photo gallery will be featured in The Bridge Online starting March 3.
March 4th, 2009 at 11:55 am
This is the first time I’m reading a blog of yours. And I’m not going to stop. It’s a nice piece. Keep it up.
March 7th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
these reflections are absolutely beautiful. the way you’ve painted the pictures of what you experienced made me feel as though i was in africa with you (which totally should have happened). no matter where you are keep in mind that the Lord is close by inviting you to enjoy His creation.