Home

It has been over a week since I have arrived home in D.C. and I feel overwhelmed with emotions. It was awesome to arrive to my sweet friends at the airport. It has been great to catch up with family and to be reunited with Leroy! I love water pressure, dishwashers, cars, high speed (!) internet and no ants. But, I feel like my heart is still in Africa. I miss the babies terribly and wish to steal and cuddle babies I see passing on the street (don't worry, I haven't). School hasn't started yet so I sit at home, staring at pictures and chatting with my African friends all day. I feel conflicted about my sadness. On one hand, I want to PRAISE the Lord for the amazing summer He gave me. Not in my wildest dreams could I imagine the things He allowed me to experience. My heart expanded this summer from the love He poured into me and through me in loving the babies and the other wonderful people I met in Africa. I should be happy and joyful, not depressed. Yet, things feel different here and I have been changed. And it is hard to explain this to friends and family. When asked, "how was Africa?" I feel at a lost of how to explain my trip. So I give the highlights, change the subject, or in the last few days, just avoid people.

I guess I am still processing and unsure of what God wanted me to take away from this trip. Some things I am certain of, like the love and joy of the people in Africa. How poverty isn't synonymous with unhappiness. It is interesting to me how people can say, "How can God be a loving God when people are poor and suffering?" But, I found it easier to see God in Africa, in the simplicity of lives and kindness to one another, then I do here in America. In America there is so much "noise" that drowns out the people of God, such as materialism and the emphasis of power and beauty...

Will I return? I don't know. I can't imagine not returning but even that question sends me in a turmoil of emotions that I know I need to surrender to God and that whatever His answer may be, be patient. So, that is about where I stand. Anyway, here is a picture of my wonderful friends welcoming me at the airport.

Love,

Jess